Getting from Zakynthos to Nisyros

If you are heading to Nisyros from Zakynthos you are making your way 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 Zakynthos to Nisyros. No Ionian island is connected by sea to any Aegean island. Getting there by sea means taking the ferry from Zakynthos to Kyllini and then travelling by road to Piraeus for the overnight ferry to Nisyros, which runs 2 to 3 times a week and takes around 13 to 17 hours. The total journey takes the better part of two days.

Getting there by air

Nisyros has no airport. The nearest airport is Kos. Flying from Zakynthos to Athens and then Athens to Kos, followed by the local ferry from Kos to Nisyros taking around 1 to 1.5 hours, gives a total journey time of around 4 to 5 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Fly to Kos via Athens and take the local ferry across to Nisyros. It is the most practical approach by a significant margin. If you are travelling with a car, take the ferry from Zakynthos to Kyllini and drive to Piraeus for the overnight ferry to Nisyros.