Nyssiros island

General info:

The island of Nisyros lies between Kos, Astypalea and Tilos. It covers an area of 40 square km approximately and has some 950 permanent residents.
Created by volcanic explosions, the island has an extraordinary relief characterized by spectacular craters, impressive volcanic rocks as well as by a fertile soil that has favoured the existence of a rich flora and fauna. Its coastline of some 30 km is mainly rugged and encompasses in its circa some fine beaches, coves and peaceful bays.
This unique landscape is dotted with  few   settlements of  traditional houses,  Byzantine churches and  imposing monasteries which create an enchanting contradiction.
Though it is not a “hot’ tourist destination, Nisyros has its own fanatics and in recent years its fame has grown  especially among those who seek an alternative and unusual island for their holidays.
The island offers several accommodation facilities while entertainment is limited in the quaint taverns and the few coffee-bars, since  in Nisyros the contact with the nature and the  fellowmen is regarded as the most essential way for haning a real good time.

Historical profile:

According to mythology, Nisyros was created during the War with the Giants. While chasing the Giant Polivotis, the god Poseidon, plucked a piece of rock from Kos, threw it on the Giant and crushed him. Since then, the rock is shaken each time the Giant breathes.

In historical terms, Nisyros has been inhabited since the Neolithic Age by the Carians, followed by residents from Kos, Thessaly and Rhodes. The island became member of the Athenian League and flourished around the 4th century BC, while in 200 BC it came under the authority of Rhodes and  since then shared  the same  fate. In later centuries it was integrated as part of the Byzantine Empire. In 1306 it was occupied by the Knights of Rhodes until 1522 when it was ruled by the Ottomans. In 1912 the Italians took over Nisyros, which was liberated and annexed to the Greek State in 1948.

Villages:

Mandraki, is the capital and port of Nisyros. It is a quaint village of charming houses painted in bright white,  neoclassical mansions, narrow alleys and a picturesque square in which taverns and cosy coffee-bars are found. At the top of the hill stands the 16th- century wonderful Monastery of Panagia Spiliani, while at a close distance there is the Castle of Spiliani, built by the Knights of St. John in the 13th century.
Worth-seeing are also the neoclassical building of the Town Hall, the Church of Agios Nikitas, the Saint-patron of Nisyros, the beautiful restored windmill and  the archaeological site of Paleokastro, in which part of the ancient city’s walls that were constructed by volcanic black stone and the ancient cemetery in which tombs of the 6th century have been uncovered.
Mandraki has its own Folklore Museum which houses interesting collections of local costumes, pictures and objects used in the traditional way of life.

Emporios, located some 10 km east to the capital, is a small yet picturesque mountainous village shadowed by the remnants of a Venetian Castle. In general, the village is very peaceful, having only one traditional coffee-bar yet it is worth-visiting both for its authenticity and because it offers a stunning view to the caldera.  The Church of the Archangel Michael with remarkable hagiographies and that of the Dormition of Virgin Mary are worth-seeing.  

From here you can follow the road that leads to the volcano of Nisyros, one of the youngest in the Aegean. Surrounded by rough rocks, there are many impressively big hydrothermic craters with “Stefanos”, -the largest and one of the most well-preserved in the whole world-, and the “Polyvotis” to be the most prevailing.  The scenery is lunar and quite captivating.  If you wish to approach more, there is a path that leads to the caldera, yet you should bear in mind that the smell of the sulphureous gas is quite intense.

Haven of the Emporios is the attractive fishing village of Pali (Palloi). Built in the arms of a beautiful cove it gathers many visitors for its fine beach, its thermal springs (the so-called “Hippocratean springs”) while In its harbour yachts and fishing boats are mooring.

Nikia, situated some 15 km southeast to the capital, is a quaint mountainous village. The traditional charming houses with colourful windows and blooming courtyards, the winding narrow alleys and the beautiful square with its pebbled mosaic compose an idyllic atmosphere, you shouldn’t miss.  Despite its size, Nikia is a lively village since it attracts visitors for its quaintness and also for it offers a breath-taking view to the volcano.

 Beaches:

Nisyros has few yet interesting beaches, distinguished for their volcanic dark sand and their clear waters.

The beach of Mandraki,  a sandy one with crystalline waters; the Katsouni  beach,  a  tree-shaded one with sand,  pebbles  and  clear waters, the Aspri beach with sand and thick pebbles   and the beach of Hohlaki , with volcanic black stones and Pahia Ammos with dark –coloured sand and deep waters are some of Nisyros’ beaches


Access:

Nisyros    is connected via scheduled trips   with the    Port of Piraeus. It is also linked with the islands of Kos, Kalymnos, Tilos, Symi, Astypalea, Kos and Rhodes.

 

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