Nisyros, the volcanic island with wild beauty, is a distinctive destination in the Aegean for holidays beyond the ordinary.
Northwest of Rhodes, between Kos, Tilos and Astypalea, the Nisyros is a small and special island unlike any other in the Aegean. The aura of the volcano, the picturesque settlements with pebble-mosaic squares, the thermal hot springs, its wild allure and energy make it unique. Every part of this island has a singular ability to relax you.
The volcano
How would it feel to walk on an active volcano? On Nisyros you can live this unique experience. The island’s most important attraction is without a doubt its volcano, which you can visit. Hiking through this otherworldly landscape is like stepping into a science-fiction film.
Nisyrosis part of the volcanic arc of southern Greece. 25,000 and 15,000 years ago, two eruptions of the volcano “gave birth” to today’s caldera. Today, visitors can walk into the heart of the “Stefanos” crater after a hike of about two and a half hours that starts from Mandraki, the island’s capital. As you descend into the vast crater, the yellow and white hues, bubbling vents, great fissures and the scent of sulfur make the experience otherworldly. Here you will truly feel the Earth’s warm breath beneath your feet.
The picturesque settlements
Mandraki
Picturesque Mandraki is the island’s capital and port. After enjoying a stroll through the narrow, cobbled alleys with dazzling white houses and pebble-mosaic courtyards, sip a coffee, a chilled soumada or some ouzo with the locals in Ilikiomenis Square. The seafront road leads to the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani, built on a high rock in the Venetian castle of Mandraki. The climb up there at sunset will stay with you.
Nikia
The picturesque village of Nikia, with its famous pebble-paved square and panoramic views of the volcano, is one of the places you shouldn’t miss if you find yourself on Nisyros.Little lanes, restored mansions, colorful doors and tiled roofs create a charming setting in oneof the loveliest settlements in the Dodecanese.All the lanes lead to Porta, the village’s small, much-photographed square,famous for its elliptical shape and the stunning pebble mosaic at its center, the work of local craftsman Paschalis Paschalakis.
Here you’ll see the Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, one of the Aegean’s most beautiful.Sit for a coffee or some meze at the cafes on the square and stay until duskto enjoy the view of the volcano’scraters.Nikia is also home to Greece’s only Volcanological Museum - a first-rate opportunity to enrich your knowledge.
Emporios
A village worth discovering is Emporios with its distinctive architecture. 8 km southeast of Mandraki, this small village is built at an elevation of 400 m and looks out over the Aegean. The settlement was built to resemble a castle, with houses close to one another, narrow streets and archways. On the hill above the village lies the abandoned Knights’ castle with the Byzantine church of Taxiarchis Michael, which was constructed in the 13th century and has a carved wooden iconostasis and interesting frescoes. Also, at the entrance to the settlement there is a small cave that functions as a natural sauna due to volcanic activity.
Beaches
The beaches on Nisyros are few but very special. Pachia Ammosis considered the most beautiful beach on the island. It is covered with coarse dark sand and is located on the eastern side of the island, about 10 km from Mandraki. It is surrounded by impressive sand dunes and dense shrubs. It is not organized, so make sure you bring the essentials.
Lies beach, as well as Hochlaki (the closest beach to Mandraki) with its round black pebbles, are also good choices. A wonderful idea for a swim is the nearby islet of Gyali - the ‘island of pumice stone’ - which you can reach by boat from Nisyros.
Accommodation
- Emporios: Melanopetra is a stone residence in the heartof Emporios, transformed into an atmospheric boutique hotel to offer high-quality hospitality to the island’s visitors.
- Mandraki: Romantzo has comfortable rooms with sea views.
- A good option is the Porfyris hotel, 5 minutes from the picturesque main square.
- Pali: At Pali Nisyros Hotel you’ll find lovely studios and apartments right in front of the beach of the same name.
Food
- Emporios: At Balkoni tou Emporiou you’ll enjoy excellent grilled and home-cooked dishes while overlooking the volcano’s crater.
- Mandraki: It’s worth trying the creative cuisine at Apo-lolis Koris and the Mediterranean flavors at Gevsea.
- Nikia: In the square in Nikia you’ll enjoy tasty meze at Nikolas.
- Pali: In Pali there are great choices for seafood such as Afrodite and Captains House.
