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

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Based on 4458 reviews

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5/5

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5/5

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5/5

Value for money

5/5

All ratings (4458)

5 stars (2501)

56%

4 stars (1617)

36%

3 stars (283)

2 stars (35)

1 star (22)

P
Pam and Deep
Travelled as a couple
3 October 2026
5
United Kingdom
Highly recommend. There is a £5 entrance fee which is in addition to the cost of the trip. Also 10 hour round trip. Not great for people with asthma or mobility as approx 100 steps down to the base, but you dont need to go down as can see it from above. Take scarf as smell of sulphur can be a little strong, and tie up your hair otherwise sulphur will linger.
M
Megan
Travelled as a couple
28 September 2026
5
United Kingdom
Information shared by the guide was great. A lot of free time to explore ourselves which we also enjoyed. Was concerned about food not being included initially but plenty of little spots and opportunities to get food or drinks throughout the day! The boat to the island could be slightly busy but worth the journey!
G
Gavin and Sue
Travelled as a couple
26 September 2026
5
United Kingdom
We both loved how well organised the trip was from start to finish. We as a group felt always safe during the experience and the the guide was very funny and he was really knowledgeable about the island of Nisyros, where to eat and it's history. Also the legends of Poseidon and the Greek God's. We would both recommend this trip to anyone.
K
Kayleigh
Travelled as a couple
25 September 2026
5
United Kingdom
2nd time doing this trip and would do again. 100% worth doing. Our guide was the same as last year too. I believe his name was manoulis. Gave us lots of interesting information and was really good fun!
A
Anna
Travelled as a couple
5 October 2026
5
Germany
Unser Guide Michaelis war super nett und hat uns viele Informationen gegeben (vielen Dank dafür!). Besonders gut hat uns gefallen, dass wir zu mehreren verschiedenen Stationen gebracht wurden und so viel sehen und entdecken konnten. Der Service, vom Hotel abgeholt und wieder zurückgebracht zu werden, hat die Organisation des Tages sehr einfach gemacht. Insgesamt können wir den Ausflug nach Nisyros nur wärmstens empfehlen!
R
Russell & Helen
Travelled as a couple
24 September 2026
5
United Kingdom
A brilliant day. A first time walking inside the crater of a volcano! Awesome. The guide for the day Milanos was excellent & shared with us the history and facts etc in a very good way & sometimes amusing. Definitely recommend this trip. Not only the crater walking but the visits to the villages were also excellent. Lots of free time to explore . Be prepared to walk a lot and enjoy !