NisyrosDodecanese Islands · Greece

All About Nisyros

Nisyros is a unique Aegean island belonging to the Dodecanese archipelago and is defined by its volcanic landscape. Home to the youngest active volcano in Greece, aged 160,000 years, Nisyros is basically a volcanic crater with a terrain of unique rock formations. Most people visit for the day from Kos to check out the geological attractions but you can also stay for longer and totally unwind in the slow pace of island life. While it does have some nice beaches, the main appeal of this island is its relaxing setting and natural beauty. Think Santorini but without the crowds!

Greek mythology tells of how Nisyros was formed when Poseidon cut off a part of Kos and threw it at the giant Polybotes to stop him from escaping. Ancient walls have been found going back to the 5th century BCE and the island was a source of millstones used in some of the earliest watermills. After seeing off the Romans, the Knights of St. John conquered the island in 1315 and built a castle there, before the Ottomans and Italians arrived. The wide variety of rock formations make Nisyros an open-air geological museum that is also rich in indigenous flora and fauna. It is a paradise for nature lovers who also seek history, culture, and absolute relaxation.

You can still find thermal springs on the island at Loutra, Pali, and Avlaki that are known for their healing properties in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, and skin complaints. The spring of Thermiani was even frequented by Hippocrates himself, and although the ancient baths don’t operate anymore, you can take a dip in the waters of Avlaki to enjoy a true thermal experience.
 

Routes and Ferries to Nisyros

Book your ferry tickets to Nisyros with Ferryscanner and sail from the port of Piraeus for a 13-hour journey with Blue Star Ferries. The route also connects other destinations with the island, and you can book ferry tickets to Nisyros from Lipsi (4.40 hrs) and Kalymnos (2.40 hrs). Sail from Kos (1.30 hrs) with either Blue Star Ferries, Kateros NE, or SAOS Anes lines. You can also book your ferry tickets and sail from Ikaria (7.10 hrs), Astypalaia (2.45 hrs), Chalki (1.25 hrs), Fourni (6.30 hrs), and Kastelorizo (8.40 hrs). There are also departures from Patmos for Nisyros (4.55 hrs), as well as from Rhodes (4.10 hrs), Symi (2.45 hrs), and Tilos (1 hr).

Nisyros has no airport but you can fly to Kos International Airport ‘Hippocrates’ from Athens, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Heraklion, and Astypalaia, which has an airport serving some European flights during the summer. Once you arrive in Kos you can take a taxi or transfer to the port, which is 24 km away, in order to catch the ferry for Nisyros at the harbor.

Ports of Nisyros

Nisyros only has one passenger port, which is located on the northwest tip of the island in the settlement known as Mandraki. Various ferry companies sail to Nisyros from Athens and the Dodecanese islands. Since it is on a busy route, make sure to book your ferry tickets with Ferryscanner in advance.
 

Capital & Villages

 There are only a handful of villages on Nisyros and Mandraki is the capital and port. The other three villages are tiny settlements scattered across the island.

Mandraki

Mandraki is one of the biggest villages on Nisyros and a great base from which to explore the island. You will find all essential tourism facilities here and it is a lovely place to wander around as you explore its narrow cobbled streets to see the houses made of volcanic rock and insulated with pumice-stone. Check out the small square, the old fortress of Paleokastro, and an ancient cemetery with several tombs from the 7th and 6th century BCE. The Castle of Spiliani is also a must, standing above the settlement and commanding breathtaking sea views. The famous Monastery of Panagia Spiliani is also located in Mandraki and the cave inside is a sanctuary as well as the church.

Nikia

Nikia is a beautiful inland settlement about 14 km from Mandraki overlooking the rim of the crater at 400 meters above sea level. The residents make sure the village is beautifully maintained and you can meet some of them in the picturesque little square with its fine black mosaic pebblestones known as ‘hochlakia’. Visit the monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos while there to check out its precious rare murals and icons.

Emporios

Located 8 km east of Mandraki, Emporios has retained its traditional island architecture, with small, white, flat-roofed houses. Once a busy center where blacksmiths, tailors, and skilled stone makers thrived, only a few inhabitants remain today. Untouched by modern tourism, it is a beautiful place to visit if you wish to get a taste of authentic Nisyros and there is a nice village square to soak up the local vibes while enjoying scrumptious dishes. You can easily access the volcano from Emporios and also visit the Monastery of Panagia Kyra, from where you will be taken aback by the spectacular views.

Pali

Pali is a beautiful fishing village in the north-eastern part of the island and just 4 km from Mandraki with a lovely beach. There is a marina for the private boats and yachts and from here you can take a boat trip to other beaches around the island. Dine at one of the seaside taverns and savor delicious fresh fish, as well as local delicacies such as chickpea balls and black-eyed peas with wild parsley.
 

Best Beaches

The few beaches on Nisyros have a wild charm of their own, formed by volcanic ash and sculpted by the winds of time. Each one has something special to offer you and can be easily accessed.

Lies Beach

Lies is a secluded pebble and sand beach 13 km east of Mandraki that spreads for more than 1 kilometer in length. The beach is very exposed and there is no shade, so go prepared if you wish to spend the day there. A small tavern to one end of the beach is open during the summer months, serving succulent fresh fish.

Pali Beach

Pali is the longest beach and is a mix of sand and pebbles with many trees for natural shade. Although slowly developing into a tourist resort, Pali is still essentially a calm spot to relax with only basic amenities or facilities.

Katsouni Beach

Katsouni is another large beach of sand, pebbles, and rocks that offers visitors a sublime getaway. There is a cave nearby worth exploring but apart from that, there is nothing to do here but completely switch off and unwind.

Avlaki Beach

Located on the south side of the island, Avlaki is the old harbor of Nikia and still has a pier that bathers use for jumping off into the warm waters. Until the 1950s, ships bringing cargo would anchor nearby and rowing boats were used to bring the goods ashore. Underwater springs heated to 59 degrees by the volcano lie underneath the surface and it was once a destination for thermal treatments before the settlement was abandoned.
 

Transportation Around Nisyros

There is a scant bus service around Nisyros, although the schedule is a bit hit and miss. Some taxis also operate and you will usually find one in the main square at Mandraki. Other than that, Nisyros is a great place to discover on foot but a car or bike rental is a good idea if you prefer to explore further off the beaten track.