The Volcano of Santorini

The two small islands in the middle of the Caldera in Santorini, the Palia and Nea Kameni, compound the volcano of Santorini, the youngest volcanic land in Eastern Mediterannean.

Palia Kameni is less than 2,000 years old. The island Nea Kameni started forming approximately 425 years ago. The newest pieces of lava on Nea Kameni formed in the middle of 20th century. These two small islands depict the most recent volcanic explosion, with vivid signs of life.

volcano of santorini by nasa1fan

Nea Kameni is almost round and its diameter is of approximately 2km. It is an area closely monitored by scientists and the Institute of Studies and Monitoring of the Santorini Volcano and is considered a protected site for scientists, as the volcano is still considered active.

The two islands are visited daily by dozens of tourists who flock there using the daily boats from the old harbor of Santorini all summer long. The visitors of the islands, especially on Nea Kameni, follow a well graveled path that leads to a volcanic crater. Walking on Nea Kameni gives the visitors the chance to see steam rising, which transforms the environment into a yellow wasteland. Impressive and imposing, the volcano of Santorini is the birth cause of the island, and thus much respected by everyone.