If there's one must-visit while you're in Kos, it's the volcanic island of Nisyros. Greek legend says it was created from a stone thrown by the god Poseidon. And it's a scenic gem of an hour-long trip that takes you there. Visit Mandraki, Nikia, and the Stefanos crater - they're all part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.

Once you've docked in the harbour of Mandraki, the island's capital, you'll head to the old village of Nikia on the edge of the Stefanos crater. Lose yourself in the labyrinth of cobblestone lanes or find a spot near the crater's edge, where you can feel the heat.

Afterwards, head back to Mandraki. Sugar-cubed houses stretch across this amphitheatre-shaped town, which is in the shadow of a medieval castle and the cliff-side monastery of Panagia Spiliani.

What is the itinerary for this experience?

The itinerary for this experience is...

- Optional transfer from hotels to Kardamena Harbour
- 12:00pm – boat cruise to Mandraki Port, Nisyros
- 1:00pm – arrive at Mandraki Port for a guided walk and time for lunch in Mandraki Village (not included)
- 3:30pm – bus transfer to Nikia Village with a 45-minute volcano visit
- 5:45pm – transfer back to Mandraki Port
- 6:15pm – arrive at Mandraki Port
- 6:30pm – sail back to Kardamena Harbour
- 7:30pm – dock at the harbour, optional transfer back to your hotel

Please note, the times and stops may vary slightly on the day

Why you’ll love this…

It's a day of adventure as you cruise to the volcanic island of Nisyros, a UNESCO-listed Geopark
There's a guided tour of Nikia Village, perched at the rim of the volcano, so you can feel its heat
You can enjoy a coffee in Nikia's quiet streets full of traditional architecture and mosaics
You'll visit Mandraki, the capital of the island, complete with Medieval castle and monastery
Your local guide will tell you all about the Greek legend of how Poseidon created the island

Important to know

The crater is quite steep so it is not advised that young children, expectant mothers or those with any health problems walk down to the bottom
Food and drink not included
There's a EUR 5.00 sustainability charge at the volcano
This tour is bookable with or without transfers, if you don't chose transfers, please meet Dimitris, the captain at 11.30am at Kardamena Bridge, Kardamena 853 02, Kos

What people say about this experience

4.4/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 4029 reviews

Review categories

Safety

5/5

Service

5/5

Staff

5/5

Value for money

4.2/5

All ratings (4029)

5 stars (2262)

56%

4 stars (1475)

37%

3 stars (252)

2 stars (25)

1 star (15)

B
Barbara
Solo traveller
15 August 2026
4.6
United Kingdom
This was a great trip that included a lot of interesting activities - two hours boat ride in total, visit of several villages on the volcanic island, and the visit of the caldera. There was enough time at each stop and the guide was super nice and gave interesting information. The only thing that could have been better was the overall time schedule. The pick-up was rather late (we were at the island only past noon) and I was back at the hotel only at 9 pm (when dinner in my hotel was closed).
J
James D
Travelled with family
15 August 2026
4.6
United Kingdom
The day as a whole was great! Manolis (our guide) was friendly and knowledgeable and very quickly built up a good rapport with everyone. We visited one or the craters and were fortunate enough to be the first one there. Within 20 minutes about 6 other coach loads had arrived. We then visited Nikia for the view of the crater and then back to Mandraki for our free time. Only niggle was knowing before setting off the schedule as not getting lunch until 16:00 meant I had a ‘hangry’ 10 year old…
V
Volcano Lover
Travelled as a couple
13 August 2026
5
United Kingdom
Our guide was superb, friendly and knowledgeable and was clear but kind with expectations (when one group kept talking over him!).
C
Christine Barnes
Travelled with family
12 August 2026
4.6
United Kingdom
Enjoyed the banter with the tour guide and the information, the tour was a good mixture of free time and travel. The only downside was the fact that we were late getting back and nearly missed our evening meal.
K
Kay Ridout
Travelled as a couple
12 August 2026
3.8
United Kingdom
Guide Michael was excellent. Only annoying thing about the whole experience was the journey on the coach back to the hotel. After a very hot, long and tiring day the coach added an extra 40 minutes to the journey. It went out of the way to drop others off and then after half an hour we were back to the pick up point! If we had been told ahead we would have taken an Uber.
H
Ho
Travelled with family
9 August 2026
2.6
United Kingdom
Bad recommendation from guide for restaurant. Too much time wasted. Some TUI staff is just not friendly, helpful and motivated. This is a feedback for all the different things we did during the holiday, and also for the TUI staff t the hotel. Some on the other hand are very good.