ISLAND

Nisyros: an island sculpted of lava...

Nisyros, situated between Kos and Tilos, may have a few beaches and the residents not to go beyond 1000, but draws visitors like a magnet.  This is due to the magnificent crater of the only active volcano in Greece in the eastern Aegean.  The impressive crater "Stephen”, in the center of the island, is one of the biggest visited hydrothermal craters in the world.
According to mythology, Nisyros was created when Poseidon, while chasing the terrible giant Polyvotis, extracted with his trident a piece of Kos,throwed it towards the giant and buried him underneath it.  This part of the Koaca land is Nisiros and the frequent earthquakes are nothing but the giant’s groans.

Historical Background

The historical destiny of Nisyros is common with those of the southeastern Aegean islands. The 5th and 4th century BC constitutes a period of great prosperity of the island.
In 479 BC , Nisyros joined the Athenian Alliance.  Nisyros passes to the Knights of Rhodes in 1312.  The Knights have marked their presence by building the five fortresses and the castle of Mandraki, in which the monastery of Panagia Spiliani is found.
In 1522, the Turks conquered Rhodes, while in 1912 the Italians succeeded the Turks and by the end of World War II, Nisyros with the other Dodecanese incorporated in Greece.

Villages of Nisyros

Mandraki: The largest town, the capital and port of the island will enchant you with its picturesque streets, white houses and flower gardens.  The castle shades the houses that stretches uphill to the castle and the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani dominates the landscape.
It is worth visiting the ruins of the ancient town located at Paleokastro, the castle and the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani to admire the exquisite and wonderful view, and the Folk Museum with exhibits of the daily household.
If you are looking for beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters, you must visit the beach Chochlaki, with smooth volcanic pebbles at the size of an egg, the small beach of Saint Sava, located in the town and the beach Miramare, adjacent to the port .
Amazing beaches with golden sand and blue waters also exist on the islands Yiali and Saint Anthony, located just across Mandraki, where you can go by boat and the fishing boats leaving the harbor.
You can also go around the island by boat, with stopovers in small coves for swimming and visit the complex of baths, where the municipal hostel operates.
In recent years, the Limimarathonios competition of Nisyros is organized , which brings together athletes from all over Greece.
Anyone visiting Mandraki can have fun in bars, restaurants and cafes and enjoy the traditional celebrations in the feasts made on 21 June, the Festival of Agios Nikitas and Assumption. The celebration lasts two days and gathers around the island!

Emporios: The traditional mountain village with the Castle Pantonikis, the church of the Taxiarches and the Physical sauna. From the "balcony of Emporios" enjoy the magnificent views of the caldera and the Prophet Ilia, while tasting the traditional flavors of Nisyros kitchen.
The ruins of the Venetian castle of Emporios dominate at the highest point of the village and the natural "sauna" located at the entrance is a sign of intense volcanic activity on the island. Furthermore, the Monastery of Panagia Kera has a hostel, and stunning views Aegean...
At the monastery of Panagia Kera, fairs are held on 15 and 23 August, while a large feast is on November 8 on the eve of the feast of the Taxiarches in their chapel.

Nikia: Nikia is a mountain village, with quaint architecture and panoramic views of the caldera.
You can visit the main site of Nisyros, its volcano.  The volcano’s crater has a diameter of 260 meters and a depth of 30 meters.  A trail descends to the largest of existing five craters.
Walking about 40 minutes from the volcano, one can reach the Monastery of the Cross, where a feast takes place on the 13th of September.
Finally, in a deserted village, Avlaki, there is the monastery of Saint Panteleimon, where a festival takes place on July 27th.  The beach of Avlaki has pebbles and a crystal clear sea, for those who want to go for a refreshing swim, during their visit to Nikia.

Pali: A beautiful fishing village, whose extensive beach attracts the largest part of the island’s tourism.  In Palous there is the beautiful church of Panagia Thermiani.
It is worthy to swim in the beautiful beach with sand and trees, where you can rent canoes and pedal boats.  Also, the path that passes above the rocks will take you to the cosmopolitan beach of the island Gyaliskari.  Also the beaches Lies and Pachia Ammos are worth visiting.

Gyali: The island Gyali, thanks to its rocks, is glistening under the rays of the sun.  There you will find a small village and a lovely beach.  Is Gyali pumice is mined by workers who live in Nisyros.
Local products
Nisyros is famous for its cheese products, orgeat of bitter almond, honey, traditional pitthia and the delicious local meat.
How to get there
Those who want to visit the beautiful island of Nisyros should know that routes operate from Piraeus all year by boat and the trip lasts 18 hours.

Stay

In Mandraki you will find seaside hotels and apartments.
Nikia’s visitors can stay in the hostel Community.
In Pali you will find several rooms and guesthouses.

Internal Transport

The bus runs daily to the villages.  For those who want alternative ways to travel, there are taxis and available bikes and cars to be rented, while the roads of Nisyros are in good condition.

Connection with surrounding areas

By ferry from Piraeus, Nisyros connects to Kalymnos, Kos, Lipsi, Kastelorizo, Patmos, Rhodes, Symi, Tilos, Naxos, Mykonos, Amorgos, Astypalea, Nisyros, Leros, Samos and Syros and by dolphin from Nisyros to Tilos, Rhodes and Kos.

Useful Numbers

Call number: 22420
Port of Piraeus: 210 4226000
Nisyros Port Authority: 22120 31222
Kos Port Authority: 22420 26594
Police: 22420 31201
Multi-Regional Clinic Nisyros: 22420 31217
Municipality of Nisyros: 22420 31203 - 22420 31330
Taxis: 22420 31460 / 2420
Kos Airport: 22420 51444
Athens Airport: 210 3531000
Office: 22420 31205
Telephone: 22420 31212 / 30299
Post Office: 22420 31249
Cooperative Bank of Dodecanese: 22420 48900
City Tourist Office (Information): 22 420 31 204

Editor: Nafsika Mavromoustakou