Nisyros Volcano Day Trip

Nisyros is the most unusual neighbour of Kos. It is a small, round volcanic island rising from the Aegean, and its centre is a huge caldera with a smaller crater, Stefanos, that visitors can walk into. The crater floor is a bowl of pale rock, sulphur-stained ground and gently hissing vents, with a faint smell of eggs on the air and a sense of walking inside something alive. It is the main reason most day trippers cross, and it delivers: the scale of the caldera, the colour of the rock and the quiet make it one of the most memorable half hours in the Dodecanese. Around the volcano the island is green with almond, fig and olive trees, and its villages are dense clusters of white houses along narrow lanes. The day trip from Kos is straightforward. A boat takes you across the strait, usually with some commentary and time on deck, and a coach or minibus carries you from the port up the slopes to the crater. Many programmes then visit Nikia, a village perched on the rim with views into the caldera, and Mandraki, the main village, with its monastery, its harbourside cafes and its small kitchens serving fish and local dishes. Nisyros has a quiet, almost private feel compared with the busier islands, and its people keep their own customs, including almond sweets and a soft drink made from the nuts.

The product linked here is called Full-Day Tour to Nisyros The Volcano Island and is a shared excursion. The title does not give the departure harbour, the sea time or the lunch arrangements, so check these with the operator. Many Nisyros boats leave from Kos Town or from Kardamena, and the crossing can take a while, which affects how long you have on the island. Ask whether the crater entry, if any, and lunch are included, and whether there is a swim stop.

Prepare for conditions. The crater floor is open ground with no shade, so a hat, sunscreen and water are important, and sturdy shoes are better than sandals because the ground is rough and sometimes hot underfoot. Stay on the marked paths, and treat the vents with respect.

The Aegean can be rough in July and August when the meltemi blows, so people who get seasick should consider a tablet beforehand, and the operator may change or cancel a sailing if the sea is too high. Spring and autumn crossings tend to be gentler and the island is greener.

Nisyros fits well into a Kos holiday as the one day when you leave the beach routine entirely. It is not a beach trip, and families with small children should consider the long day and the heat before choosing it. Older children who like volcanoes usually love it.

Bring cash for small purchases in the villages, keep your phone charged for photographs, and ask your guide about the myth that the island was formed when Poseidon threw a piece of Kos onto the giant Polybotes. It is a good story to tell on the way back across the water.

On arrival, listen to the safety briefing, since the ground near the vents can be hot and loose. Photographers should bring a wide lens or use a phone panorama for the caldera, and anyone with a heart or breathing condition should speak to a doctor before walking into the crater, as the sulphur air is mild but noticeable. Souvenirs on Nisyros tend to be almond sweets, honey and small handmade items, which make light gifts.