Trip to Nysiros Volcano

Kos Excursions

       
Laura S           

We had a great day were, suitably impressed with the Volcano and it's boiling mud! The town was lovely tho we couldn't do much walking as other half's legs were quite sunburnt!! Boat was good, our coach to volcano was included by Tingaki Express. The talk the girl gave us was good as was the tour round some of the town to the monastry. On our return we actually bought the photo from the morning, it is the only one we have of us both together from the whole holliday,(and it looks ok!!).

Martin & esther S           

I guess this is going to be one of those love it or hate it trips. I’m not going to say that everyone will enjoy it as much as we did. If you’re the sort of person who likes a fun-packed night out in Kardemena then this trip may not appeal to you.
We paid 23 Euros per adult and children were half price (under 2’s go free). Beware those that don’t tell you about the 7 Euro bus fare to get you to the volcano, which everyone has to pay (we later spotted the best deal with Trust Car Hire at 20 Euros. The worst deal was with the reps at 27 Euros).
This is what we liked about the trip: the variety. For your money you get a great boat trip; to explore the wonderful island village of Nisyros (there’s half a dozen ways to spell this); a bus trip and a volcano visit thrown in. We thought it was very good value for money. We departed from Kefalos harbour at 9:30am and arrived on Nysiros at 10:45. The bus rep told us we were on a 12:30 bus, so we explored the magical village of Nisyros which has some wonderful back streets and buildings. We had a leisurely lunch at one of the portside tavernas (none were ‘greasy Joes’ in our view!). The bus takes you the 17 Km up the mountain via a succession of hair-pin bends with some fantastic views. You drop down into the valley of the volcano, but are only given 35mins to explore on foot, which was a bit disappointing. This allows just enough time to walk down into the crater and back. We managed this carrying a 3 yr old on shoulders and with a 7 yr old, all wearing strong sandals (we did see some wearing flip-flops and they managed, but we also saw some ending up on their backside when the slipped! The volcanic ash and stone on the path down can be a bit slippery if you’re not firm footed). The smells from the sulphur are great, and not too overpowering. Steam and smells come out from various pot holes on the crater surface – it’s unique.
On return to Nisyros we had time to explore a little more. We walked up to the Monastery, which closed about 2:45pm, but the views are worth the walk up anyway. There was just enough time for a leisurely drink at a bar before catching the boat back to Kos. We thought it was a great day out, but you will know if this is the sort of thing that you like.

Janet W           

We booked this trip as with others at Theokritos travel in Tingaki.It cost 25 euros for adults and kids half price. The price included the coach from the harbour to the volcano. The ride up to the volcano is a bit scary, the road is only wide enough for the coach and very windey(not for the faint hearted!) When we got out of the coach the immediate smell of rotten eggs hit us(sulphur). We thought the volcano was a very educational experience for ourselves and our children. There is a small shop at the top selling drinks, ice-creams and souveniers.

Matthew L           

this is what me and my girlfriend called the trip from hell.For starters we were both nursing hangovers so were just looking to have a smooth trip,how wrong we were.The boat trip over was the worst boat trip i had ever experienced,it was full of germans who looked at us like dirt on their shoes.Me and my girlfriend laughed that if the fashion police boarded the boat they would have had a field day.when we finally arrived we were told that we had to pay an extra 7 euros extra for the coach!i thought that was a bit of a cheek seeing as we had already spent 25 euros on the trip.so all the germans were first on the buses as we had to wait around in the harbour for our coach.the coach ride again was probably the worst coach ride i have ever been on.it was just like the ending bit of the italian job,so imagine that with a hangover!when the coach arrived at the so called volcano we were just let off the bus to see this crater.before i could say get me out of here the coach had spun off.there was no tour guide,nobody to tell us when to get picked up,it was crazy.i did have a look at the so called volcano and thought it was rubbish.i had been to a volcano before in lanzarote and it was brilliant.they done a little show and had proper guides.im never usually a moany person believe it or not but for this i really do not want other people to go through what we went through.nisyross itself was like a ghost town and we were so happy to get bank on hms hamburg and get back to kardamena.you have been warned!

Claire N           

To be honest what more do you expect to see from a Volcano?? It was something ill probably never see again, it wasnt what i expected but it was interesting
Im not a great sightseeer but i did like the trip, one thing, make sure you wear trainers or shoes, flip flops kill your feet walking down into the crater.
Lovely peaceful island where my unsociable boyfriend wants to live.

Good trip!"!!

Lisa S           

We went on all our trips with theokritos travel in tingaki and this was really good, how often do you get to stand in the crater of a volcano. The smell of Sulphur (rotten eggs)was really strong and its quite a trek into the crater. Bus ride was a bit scary. The village was nice, so quiet if you go there is a drink they sell on that island only called soumada and is made from ground islands, we brought home 2 bottles and its like a cordial you just add water and its lovely.

Meg            

Nisyros was very boring.It is safe to take children.Thesmell of sulphur was very strong.all there is is a hole covered in dust.Take my advice and save your money.

Emma L           

Had dolphins jumping along side of the boat on the trip over there, village was so beautiful, volcano was amazing, highly reccomend this trip to all. Only advice is book independantly, rather than from your rep, its the same trip, but half the price.

Tracy A           

This trip is a must for all ages 13 of us in group mixed ages we all enjoyed it. You will need sensible shoes no flip flops as is gets pretty hot. The small village you visit after the volcano is also a nice place to visit very pretty with a small selection of gift shops.

Kirsten W           

this trip was out of this world. only thing is though, take sensible shoes, because the trip into the crater is a bit of a hike. the boat trip over was beautiful, and the bus driver did a fantastic job on the winding mountain roads. it was one of the most memorable days of our holiday, and there were plenty of children. we booked with the local greek travel agent in kos town and only paid 25 euros for the day, including ferry and bus to the volcano. niseros town itself is absolutly stunning!!we would recommend it for all ages!!

Andy A           

We went on this trip, a mixed group (13 of us). We had 2 children 4 and 7, and a couple of teenagers. All of us had a great time. The volcano was amazing, as long as you have a pair of sensible shoes on then the kids will be fine. A bit of a climb down to the bottom but well worth it. The time in the village was just as good. You wondered where the picture postcard greece is, well this is it, real traditional greece. Highly reccomended trip.

Lisa S

Would love to go on this trip, but from the reviews am wondering if it would be safe with kids. Would you take kids?

Em            

did this trip last year. don't go if ur afraid of heights the coach goes so high. worth it though the volcano is amazing. make sure you take your own food and drink the shop is so dear and packed. xx

Richard F           

Me and my girlfriend did this trip back in july 2000 and loved it! I havnt been back to kos
since then but will hopefullly one day as we had a great time.

The boat to the island was good but the coach up to the volcano was bl**dy scary! the
coach drivers are maniacs! the roads are just large enough to fit one coach so when you sit
by the window you look as though your hanging over the edge! but im sure theyve done it
enough and no what there doing?!

great trip fully recommend it! volcano is fantastic!

Sue M           

we went on the trip early may. the volcano was amazing to walk round, the monastry was ok but not much to look at. The village of Mandraki was lovely the views were spectacular

Ralph F           

we went to the volcano during October the second time there and enjojed it just as much as the first time, a bit of advice though do not go through rep it will cost you around 3 times as much, we went from Kos town and booked at the office there the day before you may have to take a taxi into town depending on where you are staying but these are cheap enough, the monestery is a bit of a climb and not really worth going to it, unless of course you have a religiouse reason to do so not to much to see, there is a very nice little taverna on the sea wall below the monestery, not greasy, clean, good food not to expensive, if you have the time visit Artin at the photographers shop he has some stunning pics of Nysiros and a good selection of music about Kos and Nysiros, not the run of the mill greek music again not to expensive really nice bloke not to busy to tell you all you want to know of the island, so should you decide to holiday on Kos try to get out to Nysiros.

Rebecca R           

I enjoyed visiting the volcano we caught a baot from kardamena harbour. It was a very good trip how ever when u get there we had to hang around so we went to the cathedral place but u have soooo many steps to get up by the time you get there u have to turn around and go back down. Anyway the bus trip to the top of the volcano is scary if u dont like hieghtsas the road is big enough to fit one coach down and you then have to overtake another bus on a corner which can prove difficult! When you finally get to the volcano it stinks and it does take you breath away! Another word of advise is if you have breathing difficulties then do not go as i went with my stepdad and it was very hard for him t get on to the crust f the volcano!

S W           

its supposed to be a fu*kin holiday in kardamena, a fu*kin party place, u are all sick fu*kin daftys. mon the young ppl.

WaTcH OuT KaRdAmEnA 2oo4 - CoS HeRe We - HeRe We - HeRe We Fu*KiN Go0o0o0o0o0o.

greenock boyz on tour - watch oot ya fanniezzzzzzz

John B           

Took the tour from the harbour at 25 euros (actually 23 as there was 3 of us) Great tour made even better by a really knowledgable guide.

H P           

I loved this excursion. There isn't else on Nysiros worth seeing so enjoy the volcano. The bus journey up inside it isn't frightening at all and i'm scared of heights. It was extremely windy there in October so we had to becareful not to stand too close to the edge. There are no saftey barriers. It is quite slippery to get down into and takes some time so start back up early so you don't miss the bus back to the harbour.

The volcano was great and very educational. You could see the sulphur bubbling up and it was an amazing natural to see. I thoroughly recommend going.

When you get back down i wouldn't bother visiting the monastry and avoid the greasy spoon cafes on the harbour at all costs.

Claire C           

This trip is really worthwhile, we paid 10 euro for the boat and a meal included, we did have to pay another 7 euro for the bus to take us to the Volcano though. The volcano is amazing and really stinks, when you get to the bottom you can see parts where the mud is bubbly and steam is shotting out. If you have a camcorder this is def the place to take it, the noise that the crater makes at the bottom is something I wish I had captured!!

Judith B           

The Volcano was fantastic, but Thomas Cook overcharged us for it!

The monastary is wonderful too.

Kev F           

We enjoyed the trip. Previous comments suggested that 'going it alone' was much cheaper than the reps price but taking into the account boat/bus costs and the included meal there wasn't that much in.
The views from the road were fantastic not frightening - lovely mountainous views. The scenery within the crater area was 'just like so impressive man' and right at the bottom steam hissing out of small vents just to remind you that it wasn't dead yet. I was expecting a really bad stink but in the end it was just a bit chemically, although it was stronger at the bottom.
There was time for a peaceful drink at the end before the trip home.
A good day out

Andy F           

Liked this trip alot. Well worth the money.
Volcano does stink, but you get used to it - whoever thought of putting a bar next to a volcano is a brave guy.
The small town was peaceful & good views etc.

Joy T           

The boat trip was an hour from Kardamena. The coach trip was about 15/20 mins i think. It certainly is worth going to see the crater and the island is so quiet and relaxing the total opposite to Kalymnos main town.

The sulphur smell is very strong. It is possible to walk on the crater although not recommended for people who have heart complaints etc including asthma. We went with airtours The whole trip was without any pressure to do anything or go anywhere. The trip to them monastery in Mandraki is worth it for the views, as well as seing round the village.

Having read comments made by other people i expected the whole journey to be very scary, but it was only the same as roads on any other mountainous island

Gemma W

How long are you on a boat for on this trip?How long is the journey on the coach?

Karen H           

A great trip. we did have a guide,Marty, who was very good. The trip into the crater and caldera are awesome but smelly!!

Paul O           

We took a tour organised by JMC - the boat trip was good - the
coach trip to the crater was VERY hairy as no matter where you
sit you see over the edge - be prepared for your heart to jump to
your mouth as you look down slopes that fall away some 400
meters or more.

The crater is spectacular - it also stinks, you do get used to it tho.

A very good day out.

Wayne C           

Nysiros is a beautiful island. Don't go on the trip with reps. Theres a guy (from Nysiros) in the harbour at Kardamena with his own boat "Konstantianoz", go on the "special tour" on Thursday. This takes you to Mandraki where you are met by an English guide (Mike) that lives on the island, he walks you around Mandraki and then by coach to two of the mountain villages and on to the Volcano. The trip continues on to another harbour and beach at Pallis where you catch the boat back to Kardamena. Its a great, full day out. Costs 30 Euros that includes the boat, guide and the coach.

Lisa H           

The volcano is absolutely fantastic to see but it is very hot up there and does stink a lot.

I didn't actually go down into the crater as there isn't much of a path and it's a lot of clambering down rocky slopes (shoes didn't have much grip) but my partner went down and he said although it smelt a lot worse down there, the view was awesome.

Having read this site before I visited, as I'm scared of heights I was a bit worried about the coach ride up but honestly it isn't that bad, the coach driver knows the roads like the back of his hand and you don't get that close to the edge. In fact, the views are so fantastic you won't want to get off!

Having had an excursion to Nysiros, although the volcano is great and there are a few tavernas and shops in town, the town isn't huge and for around 3 and a half hours after seeing the volcano to be left there is a bit tedious and boring. Nysiros is very open at the harbour so beware of getting sunburnt.

Definitely worth seeing though.

Trevor J           

Had a Great time on Nissayros Volcano. Loved the Coach trip..Also good timing as its only one way road and there are buses going up and down all day. enjoyed the small church that seemed to be buried in rock. long walk to it too up loads of stairs.

Lorraine C           

Nysiros was great! Very scary coach ride on narrow roads up to the top...not good for nervous people like me though! The volcano was massive and Smelt bad, but overall it was worth going there for the day! At the end of it, i was glad to get of the coach alive, the boat accross was also quite good, its not too long.

Chloe W           

hi im chloe, im 11. I went to Nysiros volcano and it was fab!! The bus ride was a bit scary, my mam was terrified, so was her friend. When we were near the volcano it smelled of rotten eggs, but it was worth it when you got in to the crater. If you ever go to Greece you must go to Nysiros, but if your afraid of hights dont bother!!!!!

Janine W           

visited Nysiros in sep 02. Fantastic feeling once you reach the plateau. Getting there is something else. If your'e scared of heights it's a no no. Standing in the crater is amazing, the only thing that spoils it is thinking about the bus ride back. It was that bad, when people were giving tips to the driver as we left the bus, my husband offered him his wallet to thank him for getting us back safely. Nysiros itself is a beautiful place with lovely shops but you dont get enough time to look around.

Nikkie A           

oh my god ive bin on the pepsi max in blackpool !! but that was mad going up them really narrow roads!! and then i just couldnt stomach that smell but it was lovley to see i have some great photos

Rachel S           

The best excursion I have ever ever been on. Went with Kosmar. The volcano was amazing, make sure you take good walking shoes, as they could melt!! Smells a tad too! Saw the lava bubbling inside the crater. The coach ride is a bit scary, on the side of road that just drops straight down for miles. Had a great lunch, watching all the boats come in. Then went off to the little town, quite expensive though well worth seeing. Make sure you take loads of suncream and cool drinks- it is 10 times hotter here than in Keflos! Great value for money make sure you take your camera!!

Ruth L           

This trip is a must. A bit hairaising on the coach there. It is like something from another planet. Be sure and take a piece of rock from it for a keepsake.

J H           

Probably the most spectacular excursion to go on from Kos. Stinky though - and hot! Thank goodness for air-conditioned coach transfers! And take some sturdy walking boots! The sulphur fumes can get a bit much on the long trek back up to the top of the crater so take an inhaler if you're asthmatic. The town of Nysiros is also cute. After the crater go on a walk through the village, soak up the sun and go for a swim in the azure waters whilst you're there.

Robert J           

Wow! Inspiring actually going down into a actual live volcano crater. Must say the music in the coach going up to the volcano made me worry even more.

Sandra L           

The volcano trip is well worth it but if you don't like heights forget it. The scenery on the way up and down the volcano is spectacular.