Attribution, Klearchos P. Kapoutsis, Wikimedia CommonsSnorkel· Palea Kameni· Greece — Cyclades
Palea Kameni Hot Springs
36° 23.9′ N · 25° 22.9′ E · approximate
In a small cove on Palea Kameni, iron- and sulphur-rich spring water turns the sea a murky orange-brown. Swim in from the boat and feel warm patches welling up from the rocks beside the white chapel of Agios Nikolaos.
Practical
Position approx: the cove on Palea Kameni's NE side facing Nea Kameni, placed from the OSM island outline and the cluster of OpenSeaMap rocks at the cove mouth (about 36.399 N 25.380 E). Tour boats lie off the inlet and guests swim about 30-50 m in, so this is only for confident swimmers. The water is about 30-35 C at the springs, warmer than the sea around it (Greeka; Wikipedia says a few degrees warmer). Wear water shoes, because the rocks are slippery. Sulphur stains light swimsuits and jewellery, and the smell lingers. There is no anchoring depth here: drift off with someone aboard, or come by dinghy from a Nea Kameni buoy. Palea Kameni is a private island with a single resident and goats (Wikipedia). Busy from late morning when the tour boats arrive.
Best for
A warm volcanic swim
Nearby
- Caldera Mooring Buoys: Rules & Locations0.3 NM away
- Nea Kameni Volcano Hike0.8 NM away
- Nea Kameni Piers & Buoys1.1 NM away
- Aspronisi Islet1.9 NM away
- Caldera Depths & Cruise-Ship Traffic2 NM away
- Manolas to Profitis Ilias & Kera Walk (Thirasia)2.2 NM away
- Fira Cruise-Ship Buoys & Tender Lane (Caldera)2.3 NM away
- Sea Diamond Wreck (Caldera)2.4 NM away