Posted by The island of Pserimos is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Dodecanese. Around 40 people live on Pserimos all year round, and the island is only 16 km² in size. If you are looking for a small, quiet island in the area that is also easy to reach by ferry in the season, this is the place for you. The only settlement is around the harbor. There are a few tavernas and around 50 private rooms, which are often full in summer. The island has few sights to offer. If you stay overnight, however, you can have interesting conversations with the locals in the tavernas in the evening. In addition to tourism, olive cultivation and fishing are important industries on the small Dodecanese island.
Distance: There are only a good 5 km between Pserimos and the island of Kalymnos. The island of Kos is not much further away. There are less than 10 kilometers of water between the island and the Turkish mainland.
Ferries to Pserimos: Regular ferry connections are rare, but excursion boats from Kos or Kalymnos depart almost daily during the season. Those who want to stay overnight are also welcome to come along. Price for the crossing: A little more than 8 euros one way in 2025.
Day trip from Kos to Pserimos: We recommend the popular 3-island day tour from Kos by boat for around 30 euros including lunch in 2025. One of the 3 islands visited in Pserimos: More information and booking
Another tour from Kos is also frequently booked and has good reviews: More information and booking
By Egmontaz – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Hiking Pserimos: Several trails invite you to go on solitary hikes. Some residents live off the sheep and goats that are everywhere on the barren island in search of food.
Further information: There are several taverns, especially for day trippers from the island of Kos. After the Second World War, around 400 people lived in the main town – today there are around 90% fewer, at least outside of the season. In summer, a few more residents live on the island because of the day tourists. There is a mini-school on Pserimos with a single teacher. The shopping options are rather poor. You should bring food with you if you don’t want to be dependent on the taverns. Many locals go to Kalymnos by boat to shop. Some also have a second home on Kalymnos.
There are no buses or developed roads due to the lack of other towns. Of course, Pserimos is also too small for an airport. The nearest airports are on Kos and Kalymnos. After landing, you can take a taxi or bus to the respective ports to take a ferry to Pserimos.
Money: There are no ATMs on the island, so it is advisable to carry cash for small purchases.
Snorkelling and Diving Pserimos: The clear waters make Pserimos a great place for snorkelling. Although there are no official diving centres on the island, you can bring your own equipment.
How to get to Pserimos?
Pserimos, a small and quiet island in the Aegean Sea, is only accessible by boat. Here are the options:
Ferries and excursion boats to Pserimos
From Kos:
From Mastichari port on the island of Kos, small ferries and excursion boats run regularly to Pserimos (journey time: about 30 minutes).
This is the most frequent connection, especially in summer.
From Kalymnos:
There are boats from the neighboring island of Kalymnos to Pserimos (journey time: 20-30 minutes).
This is ideal if you are travelling to Kalymnos first.
➔ To book ferries within Greece, we recommend the reputable website Ferryscanner.com
Flight + Ferry
Flight to Kos:
Fly to Kos Airport (KGS) → Take a taxi/bus to Mastichari → Take the ferry to Pserimos.
Flight to Kalymnos:
Fly to Kalymnos Airport (JKL) → Continue by ferry to Pserimos.
Summary:
Best connection: Ferry from Mastichari (Kos).
Alternative: Ferry from Kalymnos.
Important: Pserimos is small and quiet, with limited connections, especially outside the summer season. Same-day return is possible.
Where to stay in Pserimos
There are few accommodations on the island, most conveniently located near the port. The cheapest and best accommodation on Booking.com is a great apartment called Nesea 2 (click here) with excellent reviews, our recommendation.
Pserimos: What to do as a tourist?
Enjoy the beaches
Avlakia Beach: The main beach on the island with crystal clear water and fine sand. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing.
Remote coves: Explore smaller, quieter beaches that can be reached on foot or by boat.
Hiking and exploring nature
The island is ideal for walks and easy hikes. You can explore the countryside, discover olive groves and wild herbs or visit viewpoints overlooking the sea.
Experience traditional village life
The small village of Pserimos offers traditional taverns serving fresh fish and Greek specialties. Try local dishes and chat with the hospitable residents.
Take boat trips
Many tourists visit Pserimos as part of boat trips from Kos or Kalymnos. There are also opportunities to rent a boat locally and explore the island’s coastline or surrounding islands.
Snorkeling and diving
The clear waters around Pserimos are perfect for snorkeling. Discover the underwater world with fish, seaweed and rocks.
Visit Panagia Eleousa Church
This small, picturesque church in the village is a place of tranquility and offers an insight into the island’s religious culture.
Enjoy the sunset
The island’s tranquil atmosphere makes Pserimos a perfect place to experience spectacular sunsets over the Aegean Sea.
Day trip with connection to other islands
Since Pserimos is located between Kos and Kalymnos, you can easily combine the island with visits to the neighboring islands.
Insider tips
A real insider tip on Pserimos is to explore the island’s remote bays, which are located away from the famous Avlakia Beach. Many of these hidden beaches can only be reached on foot or by renting a boat. Here you can swim undisturbed and enjoy the untouched nature.
Another highlight is to arrive early in the morning before the day trippers arrive. This way you can experience the village and the main beach in absolute peace – a magical moment to feel the peaceful atmosphere of the island.
If you explore the island a little more closely, you may still find remains of old cisterns and fields that give insights into the former life of the islanders. Many of these places are not signposted, which makes them all the more exciting.
Another tip: The small taverns on Pserimos often serve freshly caught fish that is not on the menu. Ask the locals for recommendations – the best dishes are often the ones that only insiders know about!
Insel Pserimos ( 
German version)
Do you have any feedback, an addition, found an error or a comment? Send us an email to: mail@griechenland-insel.de