{"id":57658,"date":"2022-06-04T12:37:09","date_gmt":"2022-06-04T09:37:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/exploringgreece.tv\/greece\/nisyros-mystical-aura-lunar-landscapes-and-crystal-clear-beaches\/57658\/"},"modified":"2023-09-05T23:23:01","modified_gmt":"2023-09-05T20:23:01","slug":"nisyros-magical-island-volcanic-terrain-sparkling-shores","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/exploringgreece.tv\/en\/greece\/south-aegean-islands-en\/dodecanese\/nisyros-magical-island-volcanic-terrain-sparkling-shores\/57658\/","title":{"rendered":"Nisyros: A magical island with volcanic terrain and sparkling shores"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nisyros<\/strong> 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<\/strong>. Poseidon pursued the Giant Polyvotis<\/strong> to Kos<\/strong> 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\u2019s Nisyros<\/strong>. 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,<\/strong> and Methana.<\/strong> 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Holidays on the volcano island of Greece \u2013 And no, it\u2019s not Santorini<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Nisyros Island: The first acquaintance
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\"Volcano<\/picture><\/p>\n

Nisyros<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

The main attraction of Nisyros is its magnificent volcano<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

\"Nisyros:<\/picture>As he approaches the crater, he feels the heat and the sulfur in the air. It is a one-of-a-kind and intense experience to walk inside the volcano. The caldera offers a breathtaking view of the moon-like landscape.<\/p>\n

\"Nisyros<\/picture>Mandraki<\/strong> is the port and capital of Nisyros, nestled on a hill with a Venetian Castle<\/strong> and the Panagia Spiliani monastery<\/strong> on top. You will enjoy exploring its winding alleys that lead to charming and flowery squares and courtyards. The village has a lively square called \u201cIliomeni\u201d, where you can relax under the shade of big trees. You can also have a coffee at the round pebbled square of Delfinies<\/strong> or the Town Hall square<\/strong>, which is also decorated with pebbles.<\/p>\n

\"Nisyros:<\/picture>Emporios<\/strong> is a must-see village in Nisyros, a traditional mountainous settlement with narrow streets and arches. It is located on the edge of the caldera, at 330 meters above sea level. You can see the castle on the hill, with the Byzantine church of Taxiarchis<\/strong> inside it. At the entrance of the village, you can also experience the famous \u201cNatural Sauna of Emporios<\/strong>\u201d. It is a small cave, where warm air with healing properties flows.<\/p>\n

Nisyros Island: The beaches
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\"Nisyros:<\/picture>Nisyros Island has rugged and steep shores, with small beaches that vary from rocky to pebbly to sandy. One of the most beautiful ones on the island is Lyons<\/strong> (a series of bays with dark sand) which you can access from Paloi<\/strong>. Another amazing beach, which requires a challenging hike, is Pachia Ammos<\/strong>, outside Mandraki.<\/p>\n

\"Nisyros:<\/picture>
Pachia Ammos beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Pachia Ammos<\/strong> is a hidden gem behind tall hills, but its spacious shore with dark thick sand offers one of the most stunning views in Nisyros.<\/p>\n

\"Nisyros<\/picture>Behind the beach, there is a forest that is several meters away from the sea. It is a refuge for many free campers who love nature. You should note that an umbrella or an awning are essential items to bring with you before you go to any of the island\u2019s beaches.<\/p>\n

\"Nisyros:<\/picture>
Chohlakoi beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Close to Mandraki, you can find the beach of Chohlaki<\/strong>, 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<\/strong>, which has dark sand.<\/p>\n

How to get to Nisyros Island?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The ferry trip from Piraeus to Nisyros<\/strong> lasts for about 13.5 hours or you can go by plane with a first stop at the airport of Kos<\/strong> and from there by ferry to Nisyros<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Nisyros Island: Activities and Attractions<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Nisyros<\/picture>One of the best things to do in Nisyros is to stroll in the scenic alleys of the island\u2019s villages<\/strong>. You will feel the peace and the beauty that will calm your mind and eyes.<\/p>\n

Nisyros is also famous for its abundant hot springs. In many spots along the island\u2019s 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<\/strong>, which are 1500 meters north of Mandraki.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Note these sights as well:<\/strong><\/p>\n