Nisyros is a unique island in Greece with a rich history and mythology. It has one of the most beautiful stories in Greek mythology. According to the myth, the island was created during the Gigantomachy, the war between Gods and Giants. Poseidon pursued the Giant Polyvotis to Kos and cut off a section of the island. He then threw it over his enemy, plunging him forever into the Aegean Sea. The legendary rock that broke away from Kos is today’s Nisyros. The eruptions of its once-active volcano are said to be the angry breath of the defeated giant. Nisyros Island is the youngest of the volcanic centers of Greece and is still active – along with those of Milos, Santorini, and Methana. In ancient times, the island flourished from the trade of obsidian (black volcanic glass), which was mined by the Nisyrians from the nearby opposite islet of Yali.
Holidays on the volcano island of Greece – And no, it’s not Santorini
Nisyros Island: The first acquaintance
Nisyros is a unique island in the Dodecanese, where the houses face the rising sun. It has a wild and stunning beauty, with diverse and fascinating geological features that make it a natural museum of rocks.
The main attraction of Nisyros is its magnificent volcano, the best-preserved one in Greece. It attracts thousands of visitors every season who come to marvel at its three craters. The most famous one is Stefanos, which measures 300 meters across.
Nisyros Island: The beaches
Pachia Ammos is a hidden gem behind tall hills, but its spacious shore with dark thick sand offers one of the most stunning views in Nisyros.
Close to Mandraki, you can find the beach of Chohlaki, which is named after the large, smooth pebbles of volcanic lava that cover the shore and the sea. You can also enjoy swimming in Gialiskari, which has dark sand.
How to get to Nisyros Island?
The ferry trip from Piraeus to Nisyros lasts for about 13.5 hours or you can go by plane with a first stop at the airport of Kos and from there by ferry to Nisyros.
Nisyros Island: Activities and Attractions
Nisyros is also famous for its abundant hot springs. In many spots along the island’s coast, hot water flows, with temperatures ranging from 30 to 60 degrees. The best way to enjoy their benefits is at the Municipal Thermal Baths of Nisyros, which are 1500 meters north of Mandraki.
They were established at the end of the 19th century, and the water temperature can reach up to 46 degrees Celsius. The building and its bathtubs are so vintage and atmospheric that you will think you are in a scene of an Angelopoulos (Greek famous awarded director) movie.
Another well-known hot spring is in the bay of Avlaki. Its waters were used for balneotherapy before the settlement was deserted. Today, warm water pours into the sea and its maximum temperature is 59 degrees.
Note these sights as well:
- The Monastery of Panagia Spiliani
- The Volcanological Museum of Nisyros
- The Folklore Museum of Nisyros
- The Holy Monastery of Panagia Kyra
Nisyros Island: Food and Special Cousin
Nisyros people also love “spoon” sweets (quince, bitter orange, cherry tomato), as well as other sweets such as Kourabiedes, Xerotigana, Diples, Loukoumades, and Pastellaries (figs stuffed with almonds and sesame).
Before you leave Nisyros, make sure you:
Visit the islet of Gyali.
Nisyros Island has a volcanic “neighbor” with an unusual shape. It is where pumice and perlite are extracted from the quarries. Its landscape is divided between a pine-covered north side that overlooks a bay with turquoise waters, and a steep and white south-east side that faces Nisyros – due to the mining. You will have an unforgettable experience swimming here.
Get around the island with a boat
Explore the island by boat and discover the unique geological formations created by lava. You will be amazed by the shapes, colors, and textures of the volcanic rocks that surround the island.
Taste local wine, raki, and delicious appetizers (recommended)
Enjoy wine, draft beer, raki, and delicious food at Andrikos, the cozy and picturesque café in the plane-covered Elderly Square in Mandraki, the island’s capital. Treat yourself to galaktoboureko or appetizer at the cafés in the beautiful pebbled square in Nikia (the image of Nisyros that we saved for the end).
Have fun at one of the island’s summer festivals.
If you happen to see any of these events, don’t miss the most popular one on August 15, when the island has a two-day festivity at the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani.
Nisyros Island is a hidden gem in the Aegean Sea, with a rich history and culture, and a unique volcanic landscape. You can enjoy a variety of activities, from hiking to the impressive craters to exploring the charming villages with their traditional architecture and customs, to sampling the delicious local cuisine with its fresh ingredients and distinctive flavors. Nisyros Island will captivate you with its beauty and diversity, and make you feel part of its magic.
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Also Read:
Arkoi-Dodecanese: An escape to calmness
Kastellorizo: A dreamy island.
Gyali: The unknown eight-shaped island of pumice stone
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Nisyros is absolutely worth visiting. It offers a unique combination of rich Greek mythology, one of Greece's best-preserved volcanoes with three magnificent craters, charming traditional villages like Mandraki and Emporios, and beautiful beaches with dark volcanic sand. Unlike more crowded islands, Nisyros provides an authentic and less touristy Greek island experience.
The best time to visit Nisyros is during spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when the weather is pleasant and temperatures are moderate. Summer months can be hot, and you should bring sun protection and an umbrella or awning for the beaches. Winter is quieter but some services may be limited.
You can reach Nisyros by ferry from Piraeus, which takes approximately 13.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly to Kos airport and then take a ferry from Kos to Nisyros. Ferry schedules vary seasonally, so it's recommended to check in advance during your travel planning.
The main attraction of Nisyros is its magnificent volcano, the best-preserved in Greece. Visitors can explore three craters, with the most famous being Stefanos at 300 meters across. Walking inside the volcano provides an intense and unique experience with stunning moon-like landscape views and the opportunity to feel the heat and sulfur in the air.
The best beaches on Nisyros include Lyons (a series of bays with dark sand accessible from Paloi), Pachia Ammos (a hidden gem with spacious dark sand shore and stunning views), Chohlaki (featuring large smooth volcanic pebbles near Mandraki), and Gialiskari (known for its dark sand). Most beaches are small and rugged, so bringing an umbrella or awning is essential.
The main villages to explore are Mandraki, the port and capital featuring a Venetian Castle and Panagia Spiliani monastery with charming winding alleys and pebbled squares, and Emporios, a traditional mountainous settlement at 330 meters above sea level with narrow streets, the Byzantine church of Taxiarchis, and the famous Natural Sauna cave.
According to Greek mythology, Nisyros was created during the Gigantomachy (war between Gods and Giants). Poseidon pursued the Giant Polyvotis to Kos, cut off a section of the island, and threw it over his enemy, plunging him into the Aegean Sea. The legendary rock that broke away is today's Nisyros, and the volcanic eruptions are said to be the angry breath of the defeated giant.
Yes, Nisyros is the youngest of the volcanic centers in Greece and is still active. Along with Milos, Santorini, and Methana, Nisyros continues to show volcanic activity, making it a geologically fascinating destination with an actively monitored geological landscape.
The Natural Sauna of Emporios is a small cave located at the entrance of the village with famous healing properties. Warm air flows through the cave naturally, creating a spa-like experience. It's a unique natural attraction that visitors can experience while exploring the traditional village of Emporios on the edge of the caldera.
