General information about Nisyros island

Nisyros is an ideal destination for calm and relaxing holidays. It has special beauty and natural landscapes and combines traditional elements with a simple aesthetic that emerges before our eyes beautiful and untouched.

Its volcanic rocks, with a wide variety of composition and form, make Nisyros fertile with rich vegetation but also extremely interesting, since the whole island is an open-air geological museum.
In addition to its geological interest, Nisyros also stands out for its history with its famous frescoes from the 13th century. and the remnants of the Byzantine presence on the island, with early Christian basilicas and chapels.

Due to its volcanic origin, Nisyros has beaches with black pebbles and black or red sand, as well as impressive cliffs. However, the most special natural attraction of the island is the volcano itself, which can be visited. The central crater is called Stefanos, it is located in the caldera in the center of Nisyros and is accessible. The walk in the crater is a unique experience, while the lunar landscape of the caldera impresses.

Nisyros, unlike the other volcanic islands, has rich vegetation. The rich volcanic soil holds enough moisture, which makes the land particularly fertile and easy to grow trees. The land of Nisyros has been systematically cultivated for millennia. Man took advantage of the fertility of the soil and utilized every inch.

The settlements are built facing east for protection from the west wind. The roads, small, cobbled, curved and stepped, follow the terrain. Somewhere they create small or large platforms and always end up in the square.
The island is a paradise for every visitor. A place that has ideally combined natural beauty, historical past and cultural tradition. . Nisyros is an island ideal for alternative forms of tourism such as: conference, religious, spa, walking, diving etc.

Mythology

According to mythology, Nissyros was originally one with Kos. When the battle between the Gods and the Titans broke out, Poseidon chased the giant Polyvotis and finally caught up with him on Kos, where he impaled him with his trident. The strike was so strong, that part of the island split, creating the island Nisyros. The Giant can still be heard sighing through the volcano. Another myth has it that the first king of the island was Thessalos, son of Heracles .

History

The island was originally called Porphyris (“Red Island”) after the red colour that was produced here by boiling a special shell.

People from Asia Minor settled on Nisyros in the 2nd Millennia BC, and from an early stage they traded with the surrounding islands and Crete. According to Homer, the men of the island fought in the Trojan war.

During the Persian wars, Nisyros together with Kalymnos and Kos were under the Kingdom of Halicarnassus under Artemisia. Then it followed the fate of the rest of the surrounding islands. It appears that colonists from the island founded Nisyros in Caria in Asia Minor.

In 1312 the Knights of St. John took hold of the island, and two years later, the Venetians settled here. Pirates kept raiding the island and several fortresses were built.

Nissyros was taken by the Turks in the early 16th century.. It was occupied by the Italians in 1912. Nisyros was finally liberated in 1948, after both German and British soldiers had occupied the island during World War II.

Geography

Nisyros is a municipality of the prefecture of Dodecanese which is administratively under the South Aegean Region and is located northwest of Rhodes, between Kos, Tilos and Astypalaia. Nisyros has an area of approximately 41 square kilometers and a total coastline length of approximately 24 kilometers. The capital of the island is Mandraki. Other villages of Nisyros are Emporios, Pali, Nikia and Loutra.

The shape of Nisyros resembles that of a truncated cone, with a base diameter of 8 kilometers. In the center of the island dominates a distinct circular eruption funnel, the caldera of Nisyros: the diameter is about 4 kilometers, its rim varies in altitude between 250 and 600 meters, while its bottom is 100 meters above sea level. The West-Northwest part of this funnel is occupied by the hills of Boriatikos, Visternion, Nifiou, Prophet Ilias and Trapezina.

Water supply

The island has no reserves of drinking water, as the rainfall is minimal (less than 50 cm per year) and the warm underground water is abundant, which with the salts dissolved in it contaminates the little meteorite that circulates in the cracks and pores of the volcanoes. 

The island’s only source of drinking water is located on its eastern slopes, near the monastery of Panagia Kyra, and the water it provides is minimal.  Cisterns, by collecting rainwater, solved the problem of water supply in the past.

All the houses on the island keep and still maintain the old cisterns where they collect the rainwater. A modern seawater desalination plant using the reverse osmosis method mitigates the island’s water supply problem today.

Biodiversity

Due to the volcanic origin and geographical location of the island, the flora and fauna that grow on it is of great interest as it is also a migration route for Asian species to the Greek area and to southern Europe in general.

The whole island and the islets that surround it are included in the Natura 2000 Network with a total area of 4,730.82 hectares, as well as the southern area of Nisyros, Strogyli and the coastal marine zone with a total area of 17,823.80 hectares. In addition, it has been designated as a Landscape of Special Natural Beauty. Also, an area of approximately 16,100 square meters in the north of the island to its center is a wildlife sanctuary.

Flora

The recorded presence of 450 species of flora makes Nisyros the only “green” active volcano of the Aegean. With the last intense activity of the volcano during 1873-1877 the vegetation of the area of the craters was completely destroyed.

Today, the vegetation of the area grows on soil formed by filling materials of the caldera, and is bristly, with the most typical species: the bracts Cistus creticus, C. salviifolius, Sarcopoterium spinosum and Erica manipuliflora. The cultivated trees, since ancient times, are: the olive (Olea europea ssp. europea), the almond (Amygdalus communis), the fig (Ficus carica) (https://tinyurl.com/y4l74jpy), the oak (Quercus macrolepis) and Pistacia terebinthus.

The wild olive (Olea europaea sylvestris) grew in the area 60,000 years ago, as its fossilized leaves have been found in ash layers of the same age. Lavender, Nisyria bellflower, wild orchids and hundreds of other flowers compose paintings of unique beauty, especially in spring.

The species Quercus coccifera, more commonly known as holly, in the form of trees and tall bushes forms a forest between the Prophet Elias and Nyfios mountains, while in the area of Evangelistra it appears in bushy clumps.

Particularly famous is the “hanging garden” of Diavatis, which is an oasis of tall trees (walnuts, figs, pears, etc.) in a flat circular area surrounded by a high wall. This circular structure is a collapse crater of the Prophet Elias dome, a structure common to domes that are created in the final phase of the eruption, during the cooling of the magma.

Fauna

The existence of 85 species of birds, 7 species of reptiles, as well as the presence of the Monachus-monachus seal on the coast of the island, highlight Nisyros as a place worthy of special protection and study.

Characteristic species hosted on the island are: ash-black lizards, chukar partridge which became a symbol of beauty and strength, Peregrine falcon ( which is the fastest creature on the planet and hunts at 400 km per hour, woodchat shrike that occurs in central and southern Europe and on the Aegean islands, masked shrike, that occurs in the Eastern Mediterranean spreading to the South East Balkans and some Aegean islands .

Economy

Most residents are engaged in agriculture, fishing and tourism. The biggest income of the island, however, comes from the exploitation of pumice stone, with which several residents are employed on the islet of Gyali, which is 3 miles from Nisyros, as well as from the exploitation of perlite. The volcano of Nisyros with the crater of Stefanos is one of the most important attractions of the island.

What to do

The volcano, whose aura characterizes the entire island, the few but authentic villages and the wild volcanic beaches, the sophisticated tourists who stay the night after the daytime “invaders” from Kos have left are just a few of the characteristics of this island.

The port and capital Mandraki will immediately steal your heart with its cobbled streets, colorful flower-filled courtyards, cafe-bars in a row next to the sea and whitewashed houses – here, after all, you will find the island’s nightlife as well as more worthwhile accommodation suggestions.

Its center is the bustling and archetypal island Square of the Elderly. Its beach, Chochlakia, is full of black pebbles. In Nikia, with the beautiful central square with the cobblestone floor and the now-ruined Emporio you will go for scenic walks and the panoramic views of the volcano and Palos for an ouzo next to the beach. Pachia Ammos is the most famous beach: black sand and volcanic, gathers free campers.

Diving in Nisyros

The seabed of Nisyros is one of the few places in the world where one can dive into an active volcano and swim among bubbles that come out of the bowels of the earth.

The excellent visibility that reaches up to 40 meters is ideal to be able to enjoy magnificent volcanic landscapes below the surface of the sea.

Underwater rifts, caves, craters are waiting to be explored with autonomous and free diving. Exceptional biodiversity is also capable of great surprises and excitement. While diving in Nisyros you can see endless species of Mediterranean barracuda, octopuses, hermit crabs and everything else in the Mediterranean you are likely to encounter.

Festivals

The festival of Panagia Spiliani on the fifteenth of August is the most famous custom of the island. At the end of the Vesper service, a dirge is sung that recalls Holy Week and Good Friday. The Nisyrians have composed their own hymns for the celebration. After the Vespers service, a fasting dinner and traditional loukumades are offered.

During the procession of Orthros, the bath of the Virgin Mary takes place accompanied by obituaries by the nuns, who have also brought the materials for the bath. The nuns are women who have committed to spend 9 days and nights of prayer in the cells of the monastery, offering various tasks for the cleaning and preparation of the monastery during the festival.

After the end of the liturgy, the kollyvo is moved together with the icon of the Virgin and accompanied by the procession of the celebrants from the Abbot to the dining room of the monastery, where a pandimo meal is served. After the end of the meal, each pilgrim embraces the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, receives kolliva from the priest and leaves his obol to cover the expenses of the meal.

What to see

The Volcano

Of course you will go up to the “sleeping” active volcano of Nisyros to feel its “breath”, the roars coming from the bowels of the earth, the color of which will simply impress you. Stefanos is the largest and most famous of its four craters.

The volcano of Nisyros is one of Europe’s active volcanoes. The view of the caldera with a diameter of 4 km and a depth of 400 m, in which there are at least five craters produced by hydrothermal eruptions, creates a uniquely evocative atmosphere. The whole island, of course, is a geological museum, since in essence it is a complex and large volcano.

Volcanological Museum

The modern, interactive museum is a serious reason to come all the way to Nikia. Maps, 3D images, careful videos and simulations will help you understand the processes that take place inside a volcano, while the information on all Greek volcanoes is particularly interesting. The panoramic view of the caldera, of course, is another plus.

The Venetian Castle

Like all the Dodecanese, Nisyros also has its medieval castle, dating back to the 13th century. This particular one, in fact, hides within it the monastery of Panagia Spiliani and offers a panoramic view of Mandraki. The Venetian Castle of Nisyros dates back to 1315 AD. It is located in Mandraki and dominates the highest point of the city. The stabilized floor of the castle of Nisyros was made by mixing local aggregates with a soil stabilizer, so that it is perfectly harmonized with the landscape.

Paleokastro

Just outside Mandraki, with its imposing walls built of volcanic stone. It is worth coming here to see the sunset. It is one of the best preserved ancient fortifications in the Aegean. The wall is built on the brow of the low hill above Mandraki, with large plinths of volcanic black stone, with a trapezoidal trapezoidal masonry system on both fronts. Internally there is a filling of clay stones and lapis. Its average width is 3.50-3.80 m. In 2000-2006, the ancient wall was renovated. The project, which began in 2003 and was completed at the end of 2006, included fixing, dismantling and restoring the parts of the wall and towers with dangerous deformations.

Villages

Mandraki

Mandraki is the capital and port of the island. It is built on the hill that dominates the Venetian Castle and the monastery of Panagia Spiliani. The largest settlement where the port, the Folklore Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the Palaiokastro (6th-4th century BC) and the Venetian Castle with Panagia Spiliani are located.

Near Mandraki is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. the Hochlaki beach with its impressive volcanic black pebbles is a pole of attraction for the island’s visitors. You can also swim at the small sandy beach of Agios Savvas, located just a stone’s throw from the town.

You will also reach the islet of Gyali by boat, which is located northwest of Nisyros and has incredible beaches. Pumice is mined in Gyali. You will also find the shady “Ilikiomeni” square which is the most popular of Mandraki, interesting are the dolphin square which got its name from the round pebbled floor, the work of the local craftsman Papadelia and the Town Hall square, also cobbled, shaped by Simian artisans . At a distance of 1 km from Mandraki is the complex of Spa.

Emporios

Emporios, the mountain village of Nisyros, has a rare beauty and there are not a few who fell in love with it and decided to have a permanent home here. What makes it so charming? Built on the ridge of a mountain, it overlooks the sea on one side and the volcano on the other.

It looks like a castle with houses, it has wonderful architecture with arches and cobblestones that go up to the Byzantine church of St. Michael which reveals wonderful sviews. Everyone wants to sit in the cafes of the square, either in the Apyria, which takes its name from the natural steam room at the entrance of the village, to experience the friendly atmosphere, or to enjoy the afternoon coffee from the “Balcony of Emporios”, overlooking the volcano.

Nikia

The village of Nikia is located very close to the volcano of Nisyros,13 km from Mandraki. That is why the village has tourist interest.

Its architecture is particularly interesting, as the streets are labyrinthine and one can easily get lost in the small neighborhoods.

The Porta, a famous cobbled square, the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Monastery of Panagia Kyras are located there.

Paloi

A small beautiful fishing village that can be found on the north-eastern side of the island and at a distance of 4 km from Mandraki.

Thanks to its wonderful beach with its extensive sandy beach, the area is a pole of attraction for visitors to the island and in recent years it has developed into a tourist resort.

In Paloi you will swim on its famous sandy beach and do water sports. You can rent canoes and pedal boats. In the area there is also a marina for private boats. From here you have access to other worldly beaches. Like Gyaliskari and Lies beach.

Traditional products and cuisine

Every region of Greece hides culinary treasures! Nisyros is no exception! The island has an excellent production of raw materials and traditional recipes that will satisfy every visitor!

When you visit Nisyros you must definitely try the famous traditional products of the island. They are also the best gift to take with you when leaving. In Mandraki you will find a grocery store, who maintains a family business with local traditional products!

Their purpose is to preserve the traditions of the island and to convey to visitors the love and hospitality of Nisyros through the pure products they make with love in the small workshop they have next to their house.

Every day they create the traditional products that characterize their island, Nisyros. Only with their hands and without using preservatives – but only sugar and water. They make spoon sweets such as tomato, quince and orange, but also drinks such as sumada a drink made of almonds.

Perhaps the top culinary gem of Nisyros is the sweet tomato made with local delicious tomatoes.

Due to the climate and the peculiarity of the soil, the tomatoes of Nisyros are very special and this particular dessert is unique in its kind!

Many are alienated by the idea of a tomato in a dessert, but from a botanical point of view, the tomato is one of the fruits. In addition, these tomatoes have an amazing sweet taste that makes them ideal for this dessert.

Where to stay

In Nisyros you will be able to find accommodation of all types and categories, in hotels, apartments, studios, rooms for rent etc. in popular and beautiful destinations of the island. Whatever type of accommodation you are looking for, you will find what you want and what suits you.

Nightlife and entertainment

The night life of the island is concentrated around the small square in Mandraki, with the four or five decent coffee bars that close late at night and reopen a few hours later for breakfast. Among them Enalax with rock music, Liotridia with Greek pop and in Proveza good jazz. . After all, the question was not the music or the revelry, but a small table next to the water.

How to get to Nisyros

The fastest way to get to Nisyros from Athens is via Kos (from the port of Kardamena, which is a 10-minute drive from the airport, there are at least two boats a day).

Return plane tickets cost around 100 euros on average. By ferry, from the port of Piraeus, the journey takes more than 13 hours. Indicative price for July: 40 euros return.

There is also a connection of Nisyros with Astypalaia, Halki, Kalymnos, Kastellorizo, Leipsos, Leros, Naxos, Paros, Patmos, Rhodes, Symi, Tilos with the catamaran of Dodekanisos sea lines..