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
You can walk into the caldera of an active volcano on Nisyros — down a path between steaming sulphurous craters, with the ground warm underfoot and the air carrying a sharp mineral edge. The Stefanos crater is the most accessible and dramatic: a moonscape of grey and yellow formations where the earth rumbles occasionally and occasionally doesn't, which keeps things interesting. But Nisyros is far more than a geological attraction. The village of Mandraki, with its black pebble beach and clifftop kastro, is one of the most atmospheric in the Dodecanese. The local pitties — deep-fried chickpea fritters, crispy and deeply flavoured — are a revelation unique to this island. Most visitors arrive as day-trippers from Kos, which means those who stay find an island that largely runs on its own quiet, unhurried terms.
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.