Getting from Thessaloniki to Nisyros

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

Getting there by air

Nisyros has no airport. The nearest airport is Kos. Thessaloniki has an international airport with connections to Athens and seasonal direct flights to Kos in summer. Flying from Thessaloniki to Kos and then taking the local ferry from Kos to Nisyros, which takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, gives a total journey time of around 3 to 4 hours when the direct service is running. Check the schedule as direct flights are seasonal. Alternatively fly from Thessaloniki to Athens and then Athens to Kos.

Take the train, bus or drive

Thessaloniki is connected to Athens by train, taking around 4 to 5 hours, and by KTEL bus, taking around 5 to 6 hours. From Athens the overnight Piraeus to Nisyros ferry takes your vehicle directly to the island. Flying is considerably more practical than the combined train and ferry journey for most travelers.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Thessaloniki to Nisyros. Getting there by sea means traveling to Piraeus for the overnight ferry to Nisyros.

Your best option

Fly from Thessaloniki to Kos when the direct seasonal service is running, then take the local ferry across to Nisyros. When direct flights are not available, fly from Thessaloniki to Athens and then Athens to Kos. Check the Kos to Nisyros schedule before booking your flights as the service does not run daily. If you are traveling with a car, drive from Thessaloniki to Piraeus via the E75 motorway and take the overnight Piraeus to Nisyros ferry, which takes your vehicle.