Nisyros: A living page of geological history

Route information

Distance

17 km

Estimated duration

35min

Difficulty level

Easy

Route type

Road

Route Category

Linear

Did you know?

A world-class attraction is the volcano of Nisyros that boasts a remarkably well-preserved caldera. Its oldest rocks are no more than 150,000 years of age. Along with the surrounding islets (Pergousa, Pachia, Kandelioussa, Stroggyli, which, like Nisyros, belong to the Natura 2000 network as a Special Protection Area for Birds) as well as the wider marine area, it has been selected to be included in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network*.

01
Nisyros Volcano
Experience the volcano! Walk carefully through crater "Stefanos", one of the largest phreatic craters in the world, measuring 260 x 350 metres and a maximum depth of 27 metres. Then, admire the other craters of the island: the small in size "Andreas", the elliptical shaped "Big Polyvotis" and the youngest "Small Polyvotis", whose floor measures 30 metres in diameter.
Discover the 24 distinct geosites of the Geopark and hike through the ten specially designed geotrails that will uniquely introduce you to the untouched volcanic terrain of the island.
02
Emporios
Explore the settlement of Emporios with the two-storey Nisyrian houses, perched on the rim of the caldera.
Accessibility is limited. Visitors are advised to obtain information before their visit by contacting the municipality.
03
Volcanological Museum of Nisyros
The island is home to 450 recorded species of flora, making it the only "green" active volcano in the Aegean. Nisyros is a stratovolcano, composed entirely of volcanic rocks, formed by successive explosive and effusive eruptions. Many fascinating facts about the South Aegean Volcanic Arc and the volcano of Nisyros itself can be uncovered with the help of rich audiovisual material at the Volcanological Museum of Nisyros in Nikia.
Accessibility at the museum may be limited. It is recommended that you check the accessibility of the museum before your visit by contacting the museum directly.
04
Nikia
Spend relaxed afternoons in the village of Nikia and take a seat in the magnificent square (Porta) with its pebble pavement of unparalleled art. Reach the chapel of Prophet Elias for panoramic views of the craters and the village.
Accessibility is limited. Visitors are advised to obtain information before their visit by contacting the municipality.