Palea Kameni is the older, smaller volcanic island beside Nea Kameni in the Santorini caldera, a low dark shape in the water that completes the volcanic pair at the centre of the bay. From the shore towns it can look like a distant rock. From a helicopter it sits clearly next to Nea Kameni, with the caldera cliffs beyond. On the Santorini hub it is a named sight on the shared flight, grouped with the volcanic islands on the caldera crossing.
The Santorini Caldera 20-Minute Shared Helicopter Tour includes it. About 20 minutes in a shared Bell 206 helicopter, from €339 per person. The path runs from the helipad area near Kamari toward Akrotiri, then across the caldera past Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, along Fira and Imerovigli, and into the orbit near Oia before the return. Window views are part of the shared cabin layout. Plan about 35 minutes at the helipad for the full experience including briefing and a photo stop.
The flight is shared and limited to 4 participants. A minimum of 3 passengers is required for the flight to operate. The flight does not land on Palea Kameni or stop at the hot springs below; both Kameni islands are sights from the air on a continuous route. Treat them as part of the caldera crossing rather than a separate volcano tour with ground time. You will not disembark on either island, and there is no swim stop or boat transfer linked to this shared helicopter flight. Keep cameras ready for the short pass rather than waiting for a hover.
Meet at the privately owned approved helipad about five minutes from Santorini Airport. The same pad is used for check-in, takeoff, landing and the post-flight photo stop — not a hotel or villa pad. An optional transfer to or from the helipad can be arranged; it is not included by default. The exact meeting time is confirmed after booking. Be at the helipad at the time shown when you book for check-in, briefing and headset fitting. No separate early-arrival window is stated. Season and daily start times are not published as a fixed list; check availability for the dates that suit you. After landing there is a short photo opportunity at the pad before you leave. Safety briefing and headset fitting happen before boarding, and the whole pad visit is designed around the short shared flight.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before for a full refund. Flights depend on suitable weather and aviation safety rules. The route may vary slightly with conditions. If your flight cannot go ahead for weather or safety reasons, you receive a full refund. Not suitable for children under 2 years. Not suitable for people over 115 kg (254 lbs); weight restrictions may apply for balance.
For Palea Kameni and the volcanic islands from the air, book the shared Santorini caldera helicopter tour on the Santorini hub. Nea Kameni sits beside it on the same stretch — see Nea Kameni. Live prices are shown when you book.
See Palea Kameni from a helicopter over Santorini. Book the Santorini Caldera 20-Minute Shared Helicopter Tour.