Dodecanese
Nisyros
Walk into an active volcano — the most unusual island experience in Greece.
Getting around
Scooter friendly
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Quiet
Best months
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
From Athens
Ferry only
In pictures
Nisyros
Nisyros sits on top of an active volcano and the caldera is the island's main attraction — a vast lunar landscape of steaming craters you can walk right into. But the island is far more than a geological curiosity: the main village of Mandraki is beautiful, the food is excellent (especially the local pitties — chickpea fritters), and the atmosphere is warm and unhurried. Most visitors come as day-trippers from Kos, which means overnighters have it largely to themselves.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
The volcano draws day-trippers from Kos who arrive in large groups mid-morning. Ferries are infrequent.
Where it sits
Dodecanese, Greece
Nisyros — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Nisyros? +
- The best months to visit Nisyros are May to October. It's calm and uncrowded most of the year, so even peak season is workable.
- How do you get to Nisyros from Athens? +
- Nisyros has no airport — you'll need to take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina. Some travellers fly to a nearby island and ferry across.
- Is Nisyros good for couples? +
- Nisyros is a charming pick for couples, especially shoulder season.
- Is Nisyros good for families with kids? +
- Nisyros is a great choice for families — calm swims, walkable towns, and short transfers.
- Is Nisyros expensive? +
- Nisyros is affordable by Greek-island standards.
- Do you need a car on Nisyros? +
- A scooter or ATV is the easiest way to get around Nisyros. Buses cover the main routes but a scooter unlocks the quiet beaches.
- What's the catch with Nisyros? +
- The volcano draws day-trippers from Kos who arrive in large groups mid-morning. Ferries are infrequent.