Therasia

Therasia

Therasia is a small island in the Santorini caldera group, 9 square kilometres immediately west of Santorini, forming the northwestern rim of the volcanic caldera opposite Oia. Arid and steep like Santorini but far less developed, its cliffs fall into the caldera on the east and slope gently to the sea on the west, with only about 150 permanent residents in villages like Manolas and Potamos.

Part of the same volcano, it was separated from Santorini by the great Minoan eruption around 1600 BC, and retains traces of Minoan settlement. Car-light and quiet, with no airport and access by boat from Ammoudi or Athinios, Therasia is known for its preserved traditional architecture, its views back across the caldera to Santorini, and as a place to experience the caldera landscape without Santorini’s crowds.

The Santorini that time forgot — 9.3 km² across the caldera with 300 locals

Therasia also known as Thirasía Greek Θηρασία is an island in the volcanic island group of Santorini in Greek Cyclades. It lies north-west of Nea Kameni small island formed in recent centuries by volcanic activity marking centre of group. Therasia is second largest island of group, largest by far being Thera. Main island Santorini area 75.8 km2, Therasia 9.3 km2 or 3.6 sq mi, also listed as 9 sq km and 9.299 square kilometers, highest point 295 meters or 967 feet. Population 319 inhabitants at 2011 census, approximately 300 permanent inhabitants, second largest island.

It was originally connected to Santorini, however volcanic eruption in 236 BC destroyed land bridge between two land masses and created separate islands, and Thera and Therasia were separated by Thera eruption that left enormous volcanic explosion destroying earliest settlements on formerly single island and creating current geological caldera. Mini version of Santorini, miniature of what Santorini used to be several years ago, virgin island still untouched by tourism and modern lifestyle.

This is for you if you want caldera views without the crowds. It is not for resorts; it is for a day of swimming, hiking, wine tasting and leisure in villages that still feel 1970s Santorini.

How the two harbours trick everyone and where you actually want to land

The nuance travel blogs skip: Therasia has two ports and choosing wrong costs you steps. Ferry from Ammoudi Oia first goes to Riva at northern end — one street with two or three tavernas and pebbly rocky beach, where minibus meets boat €1.40 or taxi €2-4 per person to Manolas via Potamos. Then boat continues to Korfos Harbor seaside village inside volcanic caldera below Manolas, where you must climb 180 steep steps to Manolas, or ride donkey, with no transport from Korfos as vehicles can’t access harbour because of many steps between there and Manolas.

Directory tip: if you want non-touristy Greek island walk, get off at Riva and bus to Manolas. If you want swim much nicer than Riva, stay on boat to Korfos, swim there, have meal, catch 17.00 ferry from Korfos to Riva then wait for return. Daily departures Korfos to Oia 12.15 or 17.00, Riva 12.30 or 17.10, Ammoudi back to Riva 17.20. No cars really needed — bougainvillea over narrow winding lanes, brightly painted doors, perfect sea views from Manolas community.

Sources

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santorini_caldera | main island Santorini area 75.8 km2 Therasia 9.3 km2 uninhabited islands Nea Kameni 3.4 km2 Palea Kameni 0.5 km2 Aspronisi 0.1 km2
  2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Therasia | Therasia also known Thirasía island volcanic island group Santorini Greek Cyclades lies north-west Nea Kameni second largest island group largest by far Thera
  3. https://www.justgreece.com/cyclades/thirasia.php | Thirasia small Cyclades island west Santorini mini version Santorini originally connected Santorini however volcanic eruption 236 BC destroyed land bridge created separate islands highest point 295 meters 967 feet
  4. https://www.santorini-view.com/tours/santorini-volcano-boat-tour-including-hot-springs-therasia/ | Therasia miniature what Santorini used to be several years ago virgin island untouched tourism modern lifestyle island only 9 sq km size approximately 300 permanent inhabitants
  5. https://www.projectexpedition.com/thirasia-island-sights | land area 9.299 square kilometers 3.590 sq mi population 319 inhabitants 2011 census separated by Thera eruption
  6. https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/ShowTopic-g1894334-i18755-k14345690-thirasia_ferry_cave_houses-Santorini_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html | no transport from Korfos as vehicles can’t access harbour because many steps between there Manolas
  7. https://www.viator.com/tours/Santorini/Thirassia-Island-Private-Tour-with-Lunch-from-Santorini/d505-6703P8 | port Korfos seaside village inside volcanic caldera climb 180 steep steps Manolas additional charge ride donkey hillside

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Last Updated on September 2, 2026 by admin