Getting from Thessaloniki to Pserimos

If you are heading to Pserimos from Thessaloniki you are making your way from the second largest city in Greece to a tiny island wedged between Kos and Kalymnos in the Dodecanese group, on the opposite side of the country. It has a single sandy beach, a handful of tavernas and accommodation that makes it worth staying overnight rather than just passing through on a day trip.

Getting there by air

Pserimos has no airport. The nearest airports are Kos and Kalymnos. 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 boat to Pserimos, which takes around 30 to 45 minutes, 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 Kos ferry runs daily in summer followed by the local boat to Pserimos. Flying from Thessaloniki 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 Pserimos. Getting there by sea means traveling to Piraeus for the overnight ferry to Kos and then taking the local boat to Pserimos.

Your best option

Fly from Thessaloniki to Kos when the direct seasonal service is running, then take the local boat across to Pserimos. When direct flights are not available, fly from Thessaloniki to Athens and then Athens to Kos. Check local schedules on arrival as the Pserimos service is not bookable online in advance. If you want to stay overnight rather than day trip, the local ferry from Kalymnos is the more reliable connection.