Nisyros | Volcanic Island with Unique Terrain
The wildly beautiful Island of Nisyros is part of the Dodecanese islands in the southern Aegean Sea. Even though Nisyros is a small island, it is an exceptional destination. It has active volcanoes and geomorphological features. It is one of Greece’s youngest large volcanic centers, and volcanic rock makes Nisyros mountainous and fertile.
Climate
The summers are hot and dry since Nisros Island has a Mediterranean climate. The temperature is mild in the winter. The average annual temperature is 21° C, with about 297 mm of rain in a year. It is dry 243 days a year with an average humidity of 64%.
Places to see on Nisyros
- Mandraki is the capital and the harbor and has lovely whitewashed houses with flat rooftops. The town has many shops and cafes, and other villages worth visiting are Nikia Village, Emporios, and Pali.
- The Volcanological Museum in the small village of Nikia, right above the impressive volcano of Nisyros. Through photos, maps, and drafts, learn about the volcanoes in the Greek territory and other volcanoes worldwide.
- Volcano Crater: After visiting the museum, explore the active volcano of Nisyros, where you can witness bubbling craters and sulfuric vents. The island’s volcanic activity has shaped its landscape and is a unique natural attraction.
- The Castle of Spiliani is an imposing fortress built by the Knights. You’ll have fabulous views of the sea from the castle.
- The castle of the Knights of St. John is worth seeing. Inside the castle is the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani, dedicated to Kimisi of Theotokou, the patron saint of Nisyros.
- The Monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos in the village of Nikia.
- The Monastery of Panagia Kyra in Emporios. The view from the monastery is stunning; you can see the entire island, especially the Venetian fortress’s remains.
- The Paleokastro is an acropolis from the classical period. You can still see parts of the fortified walls and the ancient city from the 4th century BC.
- Nikia Village: Visit the charming village of Nikia, perched on the rim of the volcano’s caldera. Stroll through its cobblestone streets and admire the traditional Greek architecture.
- Mandraki: Explore the island’s main town, Mandraki, with its whitewashed buildings and narrow alleys. Discover the historic Monastery of Panagia Spiliani that builders constructed into the cliffs, offering stunning sea views.
Things to do on Nisyros
- Go to the beach. Visit Pali Beach, Lies Beach, and Katsouni Beach.
- See a volcano up close. Walk into one of several craters and watch the boiling holes. Even though experts consider the volcano dormant, be cautious during your visit.
- Soak in thermal spas. Three therapeutic hot springs scattered across the island range from 30°C to 60°C. The water in these thermal springs soothes and rejuvenates, helping to relieve ailments like rheumatism, arthritis, sciatica, and more.
- Swim. Nisyros has lovely beaches such as Lefki Beach or Gialiskari, Lyes, Páloi, Pachia Ammos, Katsouni, Aghios Savas, and Aghia Irini. Chochlákia beach is suitable for swimming as well as for windsurfing and snorkeling.
- Shop. In Mandraki, you’ll find hand-made ceramics, textile products, local wines, and sweets.
- Hike. Since many old paths remain from previous centuries, you will find a scenic and relaxing route.
- Scuba dive. For classes and organized dives, visit Volcano Bubbles Dive Shop.
Gastronomy
Nisyros offers traditional local recipes. Such as a pie made from chickpeas called Pythia. Also, kapamas (goat stuffed with rice). And local cheeses, kopanisti, and sakouliasti (local cheese cooked in red wine).
In several taverns in Mandraki, savor a refreshing almond-based non-alcoholic drink called soumada.
