Getting from Elafonisos to Nisyros

If you are heading to Nisyros from Elafonisos you are making your way from a small island off the southern Peloponnese coast 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

Elafonisos has no ferry connection to the wider Greek ferry network. The only ferry from Elafonisos is the short 10 minute crossing to Pounta on the southern Peloponnese, which runs every 30 minutes in summer. Getting to Nisyros means taking the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, driving north to Athens and flying to Kos, followed by the local ferry from Kos to Nisyros taking around 1 to 1.5 hours.

Getting there by air

Nisyros has no airport. The nearest airport is Kos. Elafonisos has no airport. The nearest airport is Athens, around 3.5 to 4 hours by car from Pounta. Taking the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, driving north to Athens and flying from Athens to Kos, followed by the local ferry from Kos to Nisyros, gives a total journey time of around 7 to 8 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, drive north to Athens and fly from Athens to Kos, then take the local ferry across to Nisyros. Having a car is essential for the Pounta to Athens leg as the KTEL bus connection is slow and infrequent. Check the Kos to Nisyros schedule before booking your flights as the service does not run daily. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta and drive to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Nisyros ferry, which takes your vehicle.