Nisyros Ferries

Unlock your adventure to Greece at the incredible port of Nisyros! It's your essential gateway to the stunning nearby islands. Imagine seamless connections and breath-taking scenic journeys – that's what awaits you.

As a bustling hub for both passengers and freight, Nisyros boasts an impressive 29 ferry routes operated by 5 top-tier ferry companies. Get ready for a convenient sailing experience from Nisyros, with schedules perfectly tailored to the seasons, ensuring you always find your ideal departure, no matter the demand, weather, or tourism buzz. Your unforgettable escape begins here!

Nisyros offers wonderful connections to popular routes like Kos - Nisyros, Rhodes - Nisyros, Piraeus - Nisyros. You can customize your trip by choosing between a swift high-speed ferry to get there in a flash or a classic vessel for a more scenic, relaxing journey. From quick local hops to leisurely overnight voyages, your island adventure starts here.

Getting to your destination is a breeze with several excellent ferry operators departing regularly from Nisyros. You'll find companies like Dodekanisos Seaways, Blue Star Ferries, Sebeco Lines ready to whisk you away.

Each offers a variety of onboard amenities to make your journey pleasant, from comfortable seating and delicious food and drink options to private cabins and even vehicle transport.

With a range of ticket options available depending on the company and vessel, there's something to suit everyone, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a business trip.

Whether you're dreaming of an exhilarating island-hopping escape, making your way back to the comfort of home, or embarking on a brand-new journey, your perfect voyage begins right here with Nisyros.

Nisyros is primarily accessible by ferry, with regular connections from Kos (about 1 hour), Rhodes (approximately 3 hours), and other nearby Dodecanese islands. During summer months, additional ferry services operate from Athens' Piraeus port, though this journey takes around 14-16 hours. Travelers typically fly into Kos or Rhodes international airports before making the short ferry crossing to Nisyros. The ferry terminal at Mandraki connects easily to the main village, with taxis and local buses available for transport around the island. If arriving by car from nearby islands, vehicle ferry options are available, though parking in Mandraki can be limited during peak season.

Nestled in the Dodecanese archipelago, Nisyros offers travelers a rare combination of dramatic volcanic landscapes and authentic Greek island charm. This circular island, dominated by its still-active volcano, boasts whitewashed villages that cascade down hillsides and a rugged coastline bathed in the crystalline waters of the Aegean Sea. As a ferry destination, Nisyros provides a refreshing escape from the more crowded Greek islands while delivering an experience rich in natural wonders, thermal springs, and centuries of history.

The ideal time to visit Nisyros falls between late May and early October when warm temperatures (typically 25-30°C) and minimal rainfall create perfect conditions for exploring the island's volcanic features and beaches. July and August bring the warmest weather but also higher visitor numbers and more frequent ferry connections. For a more tranquil experience with pleasant swimming temperatures, consider the shoulder months of June and September when the island maintains its vibrant atmosphere with fewer crowds. Winter visits (November through April) offer a glimpse of authentic island life, though ferry services become less frequent and some restaurants and accommodations may close for the season.

Nisyros serves as an excellent hub for exploring the surrounding Dodecanese islands. Kos, just an hour away by ferry, offers ancient ruins, bustling markets, and beautiful beaches with water sports facilities. The smaller island of Tilos (approximately 1.5 hours by ferry) provides a nature lover's paradise with protected bird sanctuaries and secluded beaches. For history enthusiasts, Rhodes is accessible in about 3 hours, featuring its medieval Old Town and iconic Palace of the Grand Masters. During summer, island-hopping opportunities expand with connections to Symi, known for its colorful neoclassical harbor, and Kalymnos, famous for its sponge-diving heritage and impressive rock climbing routes.

The undisputed highlight of Nisyros is exploring the Stefanos crater, where visitors can walk across the lunar-like surface of the volcano's caldera and witness steam vents releasing sulfurous gases. The island's main village, Mandraki, charms with its pebbled mosaics, blue-domed churches, and the imposing Monastery of Panagia Spiliani built into a cave above town. For relaxation, visit the natural hot springs at Loutra, where therapeutic waters emerge at temperatures reaching 45°C. Local tavernas around the central square serve island specialties like pithia (chickpea fritters), kapamas (goat cooked in a clay pot), and fresh seafood caught daily. Don't miss wandering through the hillside village of Nikia, with its striking Porta Square paved in volcanic stone and panoramic views across the caldera.

According to Greek mythology, Nisyros was formed when Poseidon chased the giant Polyvotis during the battle with the Titans, cutting a piece from Kos and throwing it upon the giant to trap him – his groans and movements are said to cause the island's volcanic activity. The volcano of Nisyros is considered one of the most active in Greece, with its last significant eruption occurring in 1888, though it continues to display geothermal activity. The island's volcanic soil produces exceptional fruits and vegetables, contributing to a unique local cuisine, while its pumice stone was historically exported throughout the Mediterranean for construction. Despite its volcanic nature, Nisyros has been continuously inhabited since prehistoric times, with archaeological evidence dating back to the 4th millennium BCE.