Néa Kaméni, (Greek: Νέα Καμένη) is the youngest island of Santorini, it lies in the middle of the caldera and has been a national nature and geological park since 2001. The uninhabited island is visited by hundreds of tourists every day, they admire the barren beauty of this volcano and enjoy the view of the crater rim of the nearby main island Thira.
getting there
Most visitors come by excursion boat from one of the port towns of Santorini. The offer of such excursions is plentiful, every local tour operator has them in the program. A popular excursion includes a boat trip to the islands of Néa Kaméni, Paléa Kaméni, and Thirasia. The three-masted sailor turns out to be a diesel-powered boat. The ship then chugs to the north coast of Néa Kaméni and runs into the Erinia Bay one, where usually several other ships are already moored at one of the two small piers.
background
The Santorini archipelago was shaped by volcanism. More than 3,600 years ago the island still had an almost completely round shape, it reached in one piece from Akrotiri over the today's islands Thira and Thirasia to Akrotiri and enclosed a lagoon in the middle of which the summit of an underwater volcano protruded from the sea. At that time the island was known under the name "Kalliste" (the most beautiful), also the name "Strongyli" (the round one) has been handed down.
Around 1630 BC. there was a devastating eruption of this volcano, the island disintegrated into the three parts Thira, Thirasia and Aspronisi as a result of this "Minoan eruption". In the middle of the caldera was first created in 197 BC. a small islet, that of the Greek geographer Strabo as Iera was designated.
When around 46 AD. a new island called Thia Raised from the water there was only a rocky reef left of Iera. Another volcanic eruption occurred in 726 AD. instead of. The next one was then 1570-1573, at that time a new islet was created, called Mikri Kaméniwho have favourited "little burned". Thia then logically became Paléa Kaméni, the "old burned woman". 1707-1711 another was built between the two islands: Néa Kaméni rose from the water. This island enlarged and united with further eruptions in 1866-1870 and 1925-1941 Mikri Kaméni. The last outbreak occurred in 1950. Néa Kaméni now has an area of more than 3 km², the highest point on the island is 127 m high.
Several hot springs prove that volcanism is still active in the region. The 1956 earthquake had its epicenter elsewhere, but is yet another clue to activity in the Cycladic Arc.
Visit the island
At the pier in Erinia Bay, you are informed that you have arrived at a National Nature and Geological Park: in an open hut, a guard collects the entrance fee from every visitor 2 €. There is also a free flyer with information (also in German). This place once belonged to the island Mikri Kaméni. A misshapen box with antennas arouses curiosity: it hides measuring instruments of the observatory network of Santorini, from which one should stay away.
The way to the summit cannot be missed: the rough volcanic rock has been transformed by thousands upon thousands of visitors into a beaten path that cannot be missed. It happens after a few minutes Dafni Crater, created 1925-1926. A few frugal plants have already settled in the short time. The path continues up to the highest point, the 127 m high Georgios dome, it was created in 1866-1870 and is marked with a column. There is another measuring device nearby. Below the dome are two craters, one of which stands out due to the yellow deposits of sulfur, the escaping vapors reach around 95 ° C.
After casting off, the boats usually go to the island Paléa Kaméni, it is only about 500 m away, has a size of half a square kilometer and is 98 m high at the highest point. Only one hermit lives on the island (as of 2012), he has his hut next to the chapel Agios Nikolaos. To the left of the chapel, water flows from a 45 ° C hot spring into the sea. Since the boats are not allowed to dock, you have to swim a few meters to the shore to swim and then you quickly notice that the water is warmer, you also notice the somewhat strange taste. Sulfur and iron are said to be the cause. Allegedly, the brown broth stains light-colored swimwear and has a positive effect on health, but there is no information about the necessary bathing times.
security
- The paths are as good as not secured, you shouldn't deviate from the well-trodden paths.
- Good shoes are recommended, even if some cruise tourists go upstairs in bathing shoes
- Crater edges are dangerous: rubble can slide easily, stones can be very hot
- It goes without saying that you should take your rubbish with you, at least until you reach the nearest trash can.
climate
- Take enough drinking water with you in the heat, there is nothing to buy on the island.
- Bring a hat: there is no shade anywhere on the island!
Web links
- Institute for the Study and Monitoring the Santorini Volcano detailed information in English
- Kamaritours Excursions in Santorini
