From Kos: Nisyros Island Volcano and Panagia Spiliani
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Reservations
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Seating areas
History
Nisyros is a living volcanic island formed 160,000 years ago, with its last major eruption in 1888. Ancient Greeks believed it was a fragment hurled by Poseidon to trap the giant Polyvotis. The crater, Stefanos, is one of Europe’s largest accessible hydrothermal craters.
Mandraki’s whitewashed alleys and the cliffside Panagia Spiliani Monastery (built 1400) reflect centuries of Byzantine and Knights Hospitaller influence, making Nisyros a rare blend of geological power and Dodecanese tradition.
Highlights
- Walk inside the massive Stefanos volcanic crater with steaming vents
- Feel the heat of bubbling mud pools and sulfur geysers
- Explore the charming capital Mandraki with its blue-and-white lanes
- Visit the cliff-perched Panagia Spiliani Monastery and its cave church
- Cruise across the Aegean with bilingual commentary
- Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping in a traditional island town
Full Description
Board the Princess Maria in Kardamena and sail one hour across turquoise waters to Nisyros. Upon docking, a short bus ride climbs winding roads to the volcano rim. Descend into the lunar-like Stefanos crater—500 m wide—where your guide explains geothermal activity and ancient myths.
Return to Mandraki for a guided stroll through narrow streets lined with pastel houses and bougainvillea. Climb to Panagia Spiliani, built into a cave atop a 30-meter rock, offering panoramic sea views and intricate frescoes.
Enjoy free time to savor fresh fish at a harbor taverna, browse handmade ceramics, or relax with Greek coffee before the 4:PM ferry back to Kos.
Why Choose This Experience?
This excursion delivers raw volcanic drama and serene island charm in one efficient day. No long hikes—just a short, safe crater walk and easy village exploration. Bilingual guidance ensures depth without overwhelm.
Ideal for geology enthusiasts, culture seekers, or anyone wanting an authentic, uncrowded Dodecanese adventure from Kos—complete with monastery views and lunar landscapes.
What’s Included
- Round-trip ferry ticket Kos–Nisyros (Princess Maria)
- Bus transfer from Mandraki port to Stefanos crater (if add-on selected)
- Bilingual live guide (English & German)
- Guided crater walk with safety briefing
- Visit to Panagia Spiliani Monastery
- Free time in Mandraki (lunch & shopping)
- Port taxes and fuel surcharge
- Digital photo stops at crater rim and monastery
- Onboard restroom access
- Life jackets and safety equipment
Itinerary
- Meet at Kardamena Port (Princess Maria) – check-in 30 min prior
- Ferry departure to Nisyros (1 hour)
- Arrive Mandraki port
- Bus to Stefanos volcano (15 min)
- Guided crater exploration (45 min)
- Return to Mandraki (15 min)
- Guided walk to Panagia Spiliani (30 min)
- Free time in Mandraki: lunch, shopping, photos (2 hours)
- Re-board ferry at Mandraki port (4:00 PM sharp)
- Return cruise to Kos (1 hour)
- Disembark Kardamena (~7.5–8 hours total)
Pricing
From $23 per person
Meeting Point
Kardamena Port – directly at the Princess Maria boat. Look for the guide holding a company sign. Arrive 30 minutes before scheduled ferry departure.
How to get there
- Taxi from Kos Town or resorts to Kardamena Port (15–30 min)
- Local bus #5 from Kos Town (hourly, 30 min)
- Optional hotel pickup (selected areas – confirmed 24h prior)
- Free parking near Kardamena harbor
Good to Know
What to bring
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes (volcanic gravel)
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Camera or smartphone
- Light jacket (crater can be windy)
- Cash in euros (lunch, monastery donation)
- Reusable water bottle
- Motion sickness meds (if prone)
Know before you go
- Crater entry: €3 (payable onsite, cash only)
- Ferry departs Kos ~9:30–10:00 AM (exact time confirmed day prior)
- Return ferry from Nisyros: 4:00 PM sharp – be at port 15 min early
- Monastery requires modest dress (shoulders/knees covered)
- Lunch self-paid in Mandraki (~€12–18) – fresh fish, souvlaki
- Toilets at port, crater, and monastery
- Not wheelchair accessible (crater path has steps)
Reviews
- Best day trip from Kos! Guide Martha was amazing—perfect balance of info and free time. Volcano was unreal. Highly recommend!
- Smooth, punctual, and fun. Martha’s knowledge made the volcano and monastery come alive. Safe drivers, great value.
- Lovely excursion! Marta looked after us all day. Crater was mind-blowing, monastery peaceful. Worth every euro.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
Do I need to walk far inside the volcano?
No—the Stefanos crater visit is a short, easy 10-minute descent on a marked gravel path from the bus drop-off. You’ll walk ~200 meters inside the crater floor to see the main steam vents and mud pools. The guide leads at a relaxed pace with stops for photos and explanations. Total time in the crater is 45 minutes. The path is uneven—wear closed shoes. No strenuous hiking. Those with mobility issues can view from the rim (still impressive).
Is the bus to the volcano included?
The base $23 price includes only the ferry and guide. The bus transfer from Mandraki port to the crater (15 min each way) is an optional add-on (~€8–10, selected at booking). Without it, you’d need a taxi or rental scooter (~€25 round trip). Most guests choose the bus for convenience and to stay with the group. The guide coordinates boarding. Payment is collected onboard or at the port.
How much free time do I have in Mandraki?
You’ll have approximately 2 hours of independent time in Mandraki after the monastery visit. This allows a relaxed lunch at a harbor taverna (fresh octopus, Nisyros salad), shopping for local capers, honey, or pumice souvenirs, and photos in the colorful alleys. The guide provides a map and recommends spots. Re-boarding is at 3:45 PM for the 4:00 PM ferry—plenty of time to enjoy without rushing.
Can I swim or bring children?
There’s no dedicated swim stop—Nisyros is a volcanic day trip, not a beach tour. The focus is the crater and town. Children are welcome (no age minimum), but the crater path has loose gravel and heat—strollers not recommended. The ferry has shaded areas and restrooms. Baby carriers are better than pushchairs. The guide assists families. For swimming, consider Kos beaches before/after the tour.
What if the ferry is canceled due to wind?
High winds (common in August) may delay or cancel the ferry. You’ll be notified by 7:00 AM via the local supplier with a full refund or rescheduling. The Princess Maria is a large, stable vessel and rarely cancels. In rough seas, the captain may adjust speed for comfort. Motion sickness tablets are sold at Kardamena pharmacies. The crater and monastery visits proceed regardless of sea conditions. Check Meltemi wind forecasts the night before.
