FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about visiting the Stefanos Crater.
Is it safe to visit the Nisyros volcano?
Yes, it is safe if you follow the rules. The volcano is dormant. You must stay on marked paths and never touch the fumaroles or boiling mud. The steam reaches 100°C (212°F) and causes severe burns.
Can you walk inside the Stefanos crater?
Yes, visitors can walk directly across the bubbling crater floor. The Stefanos crater is 300 meters wide. You must wear closed-toe shoes to enter.
How long is the boat ride from Kos to Nisyros?
The boat trip from Kardamena port on Kos to Mandraki port on Nisyros takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
How much is the entrance fee for the Nisyros volcano?
The entry fee is €5 per adult. Young children often enter for free. You pay this in cash at the ticket booth at the crater entrance.
Do I need a guided tour to visit Nisyros from Kos?
No, but it is the most convenient option. You can book simple
and rent a car or take a local bus upon arrival. Organized tours include the bus transfer from the port to the crater.
What should I wear to visit the Stefanos crater?
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory. Sandals are strictly prohibited due to the hot ground. Wear a sun hat, sunglasses, and strong sunscreen. Read more in Packing & Dress Code.
Is the Nisyros volcano active or dormant?
It is dormant. It has not erupted magma for thousands of years. However, it experiences ongoing hydrothermal activity, which creates the boiling mud and steam vents.
Are children allowed inside the Nisyros volcano?
Yes, children are allowed. However, the environment poses natural hazards. You must keep young children close at all times to prevent them from touching the hot vents.
Does the Stefanos crater smell like sulfur?
Yes. The active fumaroles on the crater floor emit sulfurous gases, creating a distinct sulfur smell throughout the caldera.
How hot does it get inside the Nisyros volcano?
The crater floor gets extremely hot, and the steam vents approach 100°C (212°F). The air temperature inside the crater feels significantly hotter than on the coast because there is no shade and heat radiates from the ground.
What else is there to do on Nisyros island besides the volcano?
You can explore Mandraki Village with its Panagia Spiliani Monastery and black pebble beach. You can also visit Nikia Village on the caldera rim for panoramic views and the Volcanological Museum.
How do I get from Mandraki port to the volcano?
You can take a tour bus, a local bus, or rent a car or scooter. The drive takes 25 to 30 minutes, winding up the coastal mountain and descending into the caldera.