In Greece’s Dodecanese archipelago, the island of Nisyros (also called Nissiros) is still a well-kept secret. Volcanic and wild, it enjoys a peaceful life, sheltered from mass tourism. Yet this unspoilt, authentic land boasts exceptional landscapes surrounding its mysterious heart: a 698-metre-high volcano. With its traditional villages, black sand beaches and rock-side churches, Nissiros exudes a very special charm. Do you dream of escaping to a uniquely energetic Greek island? Follow us on a tour of Nisyros!
Why visit Nisyros?
The beautiful island of Nisyros is a secret gem in the southern Aegean.
It is one of three small islands located between Rhodes and Kos.
Still largely untouched by mass tourism, it is virtually untouched by tourist infrastructure.
If you’re dreaming of a peaceful vacation in a wild and contrasting natural environment, you’ve found your next destination in Greece!
Nisyros is a volcanic land dotted with charming little villages, lunar valleys and splendid hiking trails.
Tourists usually only make a quick stopover from Kos to see the volcano.
But if you give this amazing island the time it deserves, you’ll discover unique landscapes imbued with a very special aura of mystery and magnetism.
What to see and do in Nisyros?
1 – Visit Mandraki, the capital of Nisyros
In the north-west of the island, the capital Mandraki unfurls its small port at the foot of a steep hill. It’s a charming traditional village of whitewashed houses, criss-crossed by narrow cobbled streets. Mandraki’s town center houses a small archaeological museum dedicated to the island’s history, well worth a visit.
Overlooking the harbor, the remains of a medieval castle recall the influence of the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem on the Dodecanese islands in the early 14ᵉ century. Adjacent to the castle, the monastery of Panagia Spiliani contains an icon of the Virgin Mary considered miraculous. The August 15 celebrations here last 9 days and give rise to festivities not to be missed under any circumstances if you’re lucky enough to visit Nissiros at that time. Celebrate panigiria at the Panagia Spiliani monastery or Panagia Kyra!
A short 20-minute hike will take you to the ruins of the Paleokastro, overlooking the town.
This unique example of ancient black stone fortification offers spectacular views over the bay!
And for a relaxing break, stop off at Loutra’s old-fashioned municipal baths to enjoy the benefits of the island’s thermal springs. Google Maps point.
2 – Take a trip to the Nisyros volcano
The Nisiros volcano is the youngest volcano in the Aegean Sea. It last erupted in 1888, so a trip to the main Stefanos crater is a safe bet!
The Stefanos crater is one of the largest and best-preserved in the world, with a depth of 27 meters. Impressive, it emits fumaroles with a strong smell of sulfur. Its bubbling pools of water and thousand-coloured rocks attract many tourists from the island of Kos.
Set off to meet this harmless monster in the late afternoon, to avoid the hordes of visitors and enjoy the lunar atmosphere.
Take good walking shoes and a bottle of water: you won’t regret it!
3 – Explore the pretty villages of Pali, Nikia and Emporios
The island of Nisiros is home to 4 charming villages.
We’ve already mentioned Mandraki, the capital.
Pali, Nikia and Emporios are also well worth a visit.
Pali is a small fishing village that takes on the air of a private yacht harbor in high season.
In summer, the fish taverns, the excellent harbor bakery and the sandy beach bustle with activity, before quietly dozing off for the rest of the year.
It’s an ideal base if you’re looking for peace and quiet and village life!
In the south of the island, Nikia is a pretty mountain village with white houses, colorful doors and tiled roofs. Nikia’s central square, paved with a stunning pebble mosaic, is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Greece. The panoramic view of the Nisyros volcano is particularly impressive! Don’t miss a visit to the Volcanological Museum to learn all about Greek volcanoes and volcanic rocks. You can also stop off at the beautiful Agios Ioannis Theologian church, which boasts a superb view of the volcano crater, Nysiros and the surrounding islands.
On the side of the volcano, Emporios is a village in the midst of a renaissance. Abandoned in the early 20ᵉ century, it has been welcoming foreigners and Athenians for some years, who are gradually restoring it to its former glory. The village is dominated by a castle whose ruins have been restored. They now house an artists’ residence and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area! Along the way, try the natural hot sauna, a small cave heated by steam from the volcano.
4 – Enjoy the secret beaches of Nisyros
Volcanic and secretive, the island has very few beaches, mainly of black pebbles and red sand.
This is undoubtedly what keeps it safe from the onslaught of tourists!
But don’t worry, there are a few bathing spots that are as pleasant as they are unusual:
- the long beach of Pachia Ammos with its black volcanic sand.
This undeveloped beach is also a nudist beach.
Take care when accessing it, as you’ll have to take a narrow path in places along the edge of a cliff; - Paralia Pali, on the north coast to the east of the village of Pali, one of the island’s most beautiful but busy beaches;
- Lyes beach with its black sandy coves and lively beach bar.
- Chochlaki beach, a pretty pebble beach (slippers recommended)
In addition, Nisyros is surrounded by several volcanic islets where you can swim in complete tranquillity: Agios Andonios, Giali, Pergousa, Pacheia and Strongyli.
5 – Taste the delicious local cuisine
The local gastronomy on the island of Nisyros is well worth the detour!
Sit down in a village square and treat yourself to some of the island’s most famous specialities:
- Kapamas: a dish of stuffed goat meat.
- Pithia: tasty chickpea dumplings.
- Skordalia: mashed potatoes with lots of garlic
- Boukounies: local pork cooked in fat.
- Local cheeses such as mizithra
- Kourambiedes: delicious little almond cakes covered in sugar.
- Local beverages such as kanelada (a sweet cinnamon drink) and soumada (a refreshing almond-based drink, similar to orgeat).
Enjoy your meal!
How do I get to Nissiros?
Getting to Nisyros by plane
The island of Nisyros has no airport. From France, the easiest way is to fly to Rhodes, then take the 2 h 45 ferry crossing.
Nisyros by boat
Nisyros can be reached by ferry from Athens.
But be warned: the crossing takes around 13 hours!
Nissiros is also accessible by ferry from several islands in the Dodecanese and Cyclades:
- Less than 1 hour: from Tilos and Kos
- About 1h30 from Kalymnos and Chalki
- From Symi in 3 h.
- Astypalea in 5 h 30.
- And over 8 hours from Kastellorizo, Naxos and Paros.
Be sure to check the frequency of ferries when planning your trip. Timetables and fares often vary from season to season! We recommend the following website Ferry Hopper. In English, it allows you to quickly see available ferry connections and book your ticket directly.
Getting around Nisyros
If you have your own vehicle, a car is a great way to discover all the island’s nooks and crannies.
You can also rent a car on Nisyros.
As the island is quite small, you can also visit it on foot along its footpaths.
Otherwise, the island has a local bus network serving the towns of Mandraki, Loutra, Pali, Emporios and Nikia.
We hope you enjoy discovering the island of Nisyros in Greece!
Sandra B.
