The diversity of Greece allows you to go for a vacation in the most amazing places, every year. Especially in summer, you can find yourself, either on blue beaches with trees that reach to the sea, or enjoy lunar landscapes that are the result of various processes of the natural environment. You can even go for a vacation on a volcano island and this time we’re not talking about Santorini. Nisyros is the rising volcano island that more and more people want to explore. Maybe you want to be one of them this year? Its simplicity and authenticity will surely steal your heart away.
Nisyros, holidays on the volcano island of Greece
Nisyros certainly does not belong to the cosmopolitan and much-advertised islands of Greece. It is, however, among those that stand out due to their character. After all, it is not usual to take a vacation on a volcano. If anything, the landscapes and beaches you will encounter are a feast for the eyes, to say the least. This hidden treasure of the Aegean Sea is in the same neighbourhood with Kos but one cannot say that they look alike.
Greek mythology says that the island was created by the Battle between Gods against Giants. That is the war between gods and giants, when Poseidon pursued the Giant Polyvotis, to Kos. Then, he decided to cut off part of it (Kos) and throw it over to his enemy by sinking him forever in the Aegean Sea.
Nisyros has its own character and leaves its imprint in the Aegean. What you will practically encounter if you go on holiday to Nisyros are traditional villages that remind you of the pure Greek summer. You’re going to light a candle in churches built on the rocks. You will swim in beautiful beaches and also in hot springs. Is there anything better?
What will also fascinate you is that, Nisyros, one of the most beautiful islands of the Dodecanese, is still untouched by the tourist traffic. That means you can experience what life is like on an island, firsthand.
Holidays on a crater
You will start your tour of the island from Mandraki which is essentially the port and its capital town. It is built amphitheatrically and offers a unique view of the blue sea. Small and picturesque alleys with squares will lead you to flowered courtyards and beautiful shops. You’re going to take a lot of pictures in the white houses that look like they’re painted because of the bougainvillaea. Just a mile away from Mandraki you will also find the famous springs of Loutra known for its sodium-chloride-sulfide waters with a maximum temperature of 46 degrees Celcius. Swimming there is in itself a special experience.
Nisyros and its beaches
A small island may not have many beaches but they are all one better than the next. We highly recommend Pachia Ammos and Lefki Paralia which stay true to their name, because of their sand.Agios Savvas, Katsuni, Avlaki, Agia Irini and Chochlakia are also well known. The latter will impress you with its black crocs.
Tip:
You can also try swimming in the neighbouring islands of Agios Antonios and Gyali by making a special one-day boat-trip.
Don’t forget to visit:
The Volcanic Museum. You will not find a similar one in the whole of Greece or even in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. There, you will see how Nisyros was created and admire volcanic rocks with strange names and colours.
Photo Source: nisyros.gr
Read also:
Tilos: What you don’t know about the quiet emerald of the Aegean Sea
Five Greek islands for a budget holiday this summer
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Nisyros is a volcanic island located in the Dodecanese region of Greece. According to Greek mythology, it was created when Poseidon cut off part of the island of Kos and threw it into the Aegean Sea to sink the Giant Polyvotis. The island features lunar landscapes and volcanic formations that make it unique among Greek islands.
Mandraki is the main town and capital of Nisyros, serving as the island's port. It is built amphitheatrically and offers unique views of the blue sea, with small picturesque alleys, flower-decorated courtyards, white houses covered in bougainvillaea, and charming shops.
The best beaches on Nisyros include Pachia Ammos and Lefki Paralia, both known for their sandy shores. Other popular beaches are Agios Savvas, Katsuni, Avlaki, Agia Irini, and Chochlakia, which features distinctive black pebbles. You can also take a boat trip to nearby islands Agios Antonios and Gyali for additional beach experiences.
The famous hot springs on Nisyros are called Loutra, located about one mile from Mandraki. These springs are known for their sodium-chloride-sulfide waters with temperatures reaching up to 46 degrees Celsius, offering a unique swimming experience.
The Volcanic Museum on Nisyros is a unique attraction showcasing the island's volcanic origins and geological history. It is one of the most distinctive museums in Greece and the eastern Mediterranean, displaying volcanic rocks with unusual names and colors that explain how Nisyros was formed.
