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Nisyros is a small, round volcanic island between Kos and Tilos, and one of the few places in Europe where you can walk down into an active volcanic crater. The huge caldera at its centre contains several craters, the largest of which, Stefanos, is about 260 metres wide; walking across its floor among bubbling fumaroles, yellow sulphur crystals and the smell of steam is an unforgettable experience. The fertile volcanic soil makes Nisyros surprisingly green, with terraces of olive, almond and fig trees. Ferries and day-trip boats arrive at Mandraki, the main village, a charming maze of narrow lanes, colourful balconies and small squares, overlooked by the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani, built into a cave on a cliff, and the massive walls of the ancient acropolis, the Paleokastro, among the best-preserved in Greece. On the rim of the caldera, the villages of Emporeios and Nikia offer spectacular views down into the volcano; Nikia has a pebble-mosaic square and a small volcanological museum. Beaches are few and mostly made of dark volcanic sand or pebbles, such as Pali, Lies and Pachia Ammos. Nisyros is an easy day trip from Kos, but staying overnight lets you enjoy its peaceful villages after the crowds leave.
Quick facts
LOCATION
Dodecanese Islands
KNOWN FOR
Volcanic crater & Mandraki
BEST FOR
Green & nature, Hiking, Traditional, Quiet & relaxing, Off the beaten path
Beaches
Pali Beach
Lies Beach
Pachia Ammos (Nisyros) Beach
Religious Sites
Monastery of Panagia Spiliani
Museums & History
Paleokastro (Nisyros)
Volcanological Museum of Nisyros
Other
Nikia Village
Emporeios (Nisyros) Village
Nature
Stefanos Volcano Crater
Transportation
Port of Mandraki (Nisyros)
By air
Nisyros has no airport. Fly to Kos International Airport, with many summer flights from Europe, then take a boat from Kardamena or Kos Town, or from Kamari near Kefalos, a crossing of about 45 minutes to an hour and a half.
By ferry
Mandraki is the port, with boats from Kos most days in summer and ferries and catamarans on the Dodecanese line to Rhodes, Tilos, Symi and Piraeus. Day trips from Kos to the volcano are very popular.
Getting around
Useful. Mandraki is walkable, and tour buses meet the boats for the volcano crater, but a scooter or small car lets you visit the volcano, the hilltop villages of Emborios and Nikia, and the beaches at your own pace.
