Nisyros

More on Nisyros:
Map
Hotels

Nearby Islands:
Astypalea
Kos
Symi
Tilos

Nisyros

Nisyros is a small round island, just south of Kos, approximately 8km in diameter and formed by one of the Mediterranean’s largest and oldest volcanoes. Still active, although not having erupted since 1888, its craters are scattered around the centre of the island and hot springs provide great natural spas, where water rich is sodium and sulphur is said to have medicinal properties. Nisyros receives most of its tourism in the form of day trips from Kos and Rhodes, so anyone choosing to stay overnight will find a beautiful, unspoilt place – with a population of less than 1000 and accommodation to cater for a further 500, this is not a place for mass tourism. The majority of inhabitants and visitors stay in either the port and capital of Mandraki, or the beach town of Pali. At Mandraki, one can visit the Venetian castle of Panagia Spiliani, the ruins of the ancient city walls or relax in the natural spa at Loutra, 1.5km out of town. At Pali, one can soak up the atmosphere of this picturesque fishing village, enjoy the popular but un-crowded long sandy beach or visit the ancient spa, which no longer operates as such. Other villages that may interest the visitor are Emborios on the road up to the volcano, where a coffee in the square affords one a truly fabulous view of the caldera; and Nikia, on the southern edge of the crater, which has fabulous views and a pretty, elliptical square. Although much of the island’s coastline is cliffs, it does have a handful of lovely beaches that are well worth exploring. Aspri Ammos, just to the west of Pali, where fine white sand meets crystal clear waters; Katsouni in the north east for its caves; secluded Lies and Pachia Ammos where one can enjoy the isolation of this quiet island; and Avakli in the south where thermal spring water meets the sea. Nisyros can be reached by a 3 hour ferry from Rhodes and is often visited by day-trippers from Kos, 1 hour away.

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*Credit and thanks to Karelj, Hans-Heinrich Hoffmann and 'N' for the photos featured on this page.

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