Getting from Donoussa to Nisyros

If you are heading to Nisyros from Donoussa you are making your way from one of the Small Cyclades to one of the most geologically dramatic islands in the Dodecanese group, on the opposite side of Greece. The entire island sits inside a volcanic caldera and the crater at Stefanos is one of the most accessible volcanic landscapes in Europe.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Donoussa to Nisyros. Getting there means taking the ferry from Donoussa to Piraeus, which runs around 3 to 6 times a week and takes around 7 to 8 hours, and then flying to Kos, followed by the local ferry from Kos to Nisyros taking around 1 to 1.5 hours. Alternatively take the ferry from Donoussa to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Nisyros ferry.

Getting there by air

Nisyros has no airport. The nearest airport is Kos. Donoussa has no airport. The nearest airport is Naxos. Taking the ferry from Donoussa to Piraeus and flying from Athens to Kos, followed by the local ferry from Kos to Nisyros, gives a total journey time of around 12 to 14 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Donoussa to Piraeus and fly from Athens to Kos, then take the local ferry across to Nisyros. It is the most practical approach. Check the Donoussa to Piraeus departure days before planning as the service runs a limited number of times per week. Check the Kos to Nisyros schedule before booking your flights as the service does not run daily.