Traditional settlement next to a volcanic crater near the sea.

Nisyros

NOW 17 °C

Next 5 days

SAT 23 °C
SUN 22 °C
MON 22 °C
TUES 23 °C
WED 22 °C
THURS 22 °C

Source: National Observatory of Athens /meteo.gr

Island with a Unique Volcanic Terrain

Nisyros is one of the most beautiful and lesser known Aegean islands, part of the Dodecanese island group, next to Kos and Tilos. The island’s obsidian trade is what made its economy thrive in antiquity. The jem was extracted by locals from the nearby Gyali Island where a pumice mining factory is still in operation today.

According to Greek mythology, Nisyros was created during the war between Gods and Giants. Poseidon chased the Giant Polyvotis down to Kos, cut a part of it and threw it to his enemy, sinking him forever in the bottom of the Aegean Sea. The legendary rock referred to in the Myth is supposed to be the island of Nisyros. It is said that when the volcano used to erupt it was the defeated Giant’s angry breath.

Nisyros volcano is the youngest one in Greece. The island has been inhabited since prehistoric times and is home to a large number of cultural monuments. It truly is ideal for anyone searching for an off the beaten track destination offering natural and cultural sights to explore.

According to mythology, Nisyros was created from the Battle of Giants, during the war between Gods and Giants. Poseidon pursued the Giant Polyvotis up to Kos island, cut a part of it and threw it to his enemy, sinking him for ever in the bottom of the Aegean Sea.

Unique Experiences

CULTURE

Volcanological Museum of Nisyros

NATURE

Nisyros' Volcano

JAUNTING AROUND THE VILLAGES

MANDRAKI

The monastery of Panagia Stiliani and a Venetian Castle stands guard over Nisyros’ capital and port, Mandraki. Walk along it’s narrow alleys, lined with flower pots and charming cobblestoned squares (the most significant one is Delfinion (Dolphins) Square). Pay attention to the two storeyed, white or multicoloured houses with wooden balconies; they are made out of volcanic rocks and pumice-stone. Enjoy the subtle nightlife in numerous seaside cafe-bars or head to Loutro baths known for its mineralised sodium-chloride and sulfur spring waters that reach a maximum of 46o C.

PALI

This fishing village, 4 km from Mandraki, is the seaside counterpart of the mountainous town Emporios on the eastern side of the island. It’s home to a wonderful sandy beach as well as a marina where private boats moor. At a short distance don’t miss the popular beaches of Gialiskari and Lies.

EMPORIOS

Emporios village stands out for its houses’ architecture; it is built on a mountain 500m above sea level, located 8 km south-east from Mandraki. Enjoy the green surrounding landscape, take a break to quench your thirst in the town’s traditional cafe or drink in the view towards the caldera and the valley of the volcano, as well as Profitis Ilias Church.

Visit the cave located at the entrance of Emporios; because of the island’s volcanic activity it gets hot and resembles a sauna. Moreover, walk up to the medieval castle of Pantoniki with its breathtaking view and to Taxiarchis Church with some remarkable murals and icons to see.

NIKIA

This magnificent town built 400m above sea level has a stunning view of the Aegean. Stately houses, pastel coloured doors and tiled roofs make the village a picture perfect setting. Visit one of the most beautiful churches in Greece, Eisodia Theotokou (Entry of Virgin Mary to the Temple), located at the central square of the village, Porta. This oval-shaped, pebbled-floor square was designed by Paschalis Paschalakis, a renowned local 19th c. craftsman. See also the monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologian (celebrated on September 26th) and the 17th c. Monastery of Panagia Kyra.

EVENTS

Take part in the most significant celebration on the 15th of August, Koimisi tis Theotokou at Panagia Spiliani church, where locals start preparing from August 6th. On the same day and nine days after the 15th of August, Panagia Kyra Church holds a feast on the 23rd for the Virgin Mary. A big feast is held in Mandraki on the 14th of September, celebrating Stavros; here you’ll enjoy braised kid with orzo (kritharaki), loukoumades (greek type of donut sprinkled with honey) and wine. More celebrations to take part in are: Agios Nikitas on the 21st of June, Agion Apostolon on the 30th of June, Agios Panteleimonas on the 27th of July and Agios Ioannis on the 26th of September.

DON’T MISS

During your stay in Nisyros make a point of visiting the Volcanological Museum, housed in an old school in Nikia, on the rim of the Caldera, where you will learn everything about Greece’s volcanos, see how Nisyros was created and admire volcanic rocks.
Climb up to Palaiokastro, near Mandraki, the ancient acropolis of Nisyros with the cyclopean walls awaiting you. It’s an imposing, well preserved ancient structure that offers breathtaking views.
Last but not least, if you are into hiking, Nisyros has a large number of trails to explore, connecting the villages. The best time of the year to hike the island’s trails is spring, when the wildflowers bloom and the hillsides turn into a colourful display!

MADE IN NISYROS

FILMING IN GREECE

THE ISLAND OF SECRETS (2014)

In the beautiful island of Kos and in the turquoise Greek seas, 15-year-old Adriana will meet 14-year-old Tony, who is on the island for holidays with his family from Finland, and between them will develop a youthful romance and a tender relationship of love and trust. Overlooking the Aegean Sea, the two children, along with Tony’s brothers, 12-year-old Alexis and 10-year-old Veeti, will unwittingly entangle in a dangerous adventure...

DIRECTOR: TAAVI VARTIA
FILMING LOCATION: KOS, NISYROS

IMDb

WINDOW TO THE SEA (2019)

Faced with life changing news, Maria, a fifty-five year old Spanish woman from Bilbao, chooses to take a trip to Greece with her closest girlfriends against the advice of her son and doctors. There, she unexpectedly finds love and what seemed like a brief escape from reality turns into a luminous story of a woman, who dares to live for the moment on her own terms on the beautiful island of Nisyros.

DIRECTOR: MIGUEL ANGEL JIMENEZ
FILMING LOCATION: NISYROS, ATHENS, KOS

IMDb