{"id":51243,"date":"2025-09-11T12:43:26","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T10:43:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/?p=51243"},"modified":"2026-06-01T10:39:56","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T08:39:56","slug":"nisyros-sights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/nisyros-sights\/","title":{"rendered":"Nisyros: The 11 best highlights of the volcanic island"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nisyros<\/strong>, how beautiful you are! This little spot on earth is probably one of the most peaceful places, if it weren’t for an active volcano bubbling deep below. Strictly speaking, Nisyros consists of just one volcano. Like the islands of Milos and Santorini, Nisyros is part of the volcanic arc of Greece.<\/p>\n

“The island of Nisyros, which has just under 1,000 inhabitants, exudes a very special charm. Many vacationers fall in love with the small island right away.”<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\"nisyros
Village square of Nikia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At the foot of the volcano lies the picturesque harbor town of Mandraki. With its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and colorful shutters, it offers countless photo opportunities. At the top of the volcano, you\u2019ll find the dreamy villages of Emporios and Nikia, where time seems to have stood still.<\/p>\n

In the summer, Nisyros is accessible daily by ferry from the neighboring island of Kos<\/strong>, and many day-trippers come to visit the island\u2019s volcanic crater. If you stay on Nisyros for more than a day, you\u2019ll be enchanted and want to return again and again.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve visited the island more than ten times now, and we\u2019ll share our best tips for your trip to Nisyros<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

Nisyros tour or on your own<\/h3>\n

Nisyros Island<\/strong> (also known as Nissiros) is only 42 km\u00b2 in size, which is just one-tenth the size of Cologne. But there\u2019s plenty to discover! Numerous idyllic hiking trails invite you to explore them. In conversations with the friendly locals, you\u2019ll always learn about new highlights.<\/p>\n

You can only reach Nisyros by ferry; there is no airport. Organized tours to Nisyros<\/strong> are offered from the island of Kos. However, it\u2019s worth taking the ferry to Nisyros on your own. From Kardamena and Kos Town<\/a>, several excursion boats and ferries run daily to Nisyros during the high season.<\/p>\n

Kardamena is the closest departure point, with a crossing time of just 45 minutes to Nisyros<\/strong>. Ideally, tickets should be purchased one day in advance directly at the port; online booking is not available. Guided tours to the island (including those on a pirate boat) are usually more expensive than the one-way trip. Click on the link for more information about the tours from GetYourGuide<\/em>*:<\/p>\n

\u27b2 To the guided boat tour*<\/a><\/p>\n

From May to October, ferries depart daily from Kardamena<\/strong> at 9:30 a.m. for Mandraki, the main town of Nisyros. Around 3:30 p.m., most ferries to Nisyros depart again. For a one-way trip, you pay about \u20ac10 per ferry ticket as a foot passenger. Starting in October, ferry service may be reduced.<\/p>\n

\"Insel
Arrival at the port of Mandraki<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The large car ferries of Blue Star, Saos Ferries, and the catamarans of Dodekanisos Seaways depart from Kos Town. Prices are around \u20ac15 each way. You can find the exact departure times on their websites. Additionally, a small supply ship (such as the Olympios Ermis or Joy Star) runs regularly to Nisyros.<\/p>\n

\u2192 Here you can find more information about the Nisyros excursions<\/strong>: Getting to Nisyros<\/a><\/p>\n

#1 Mandraki: Capital of Nisyros<\/h2>\n

Mandraki is where you\u2019ll first set foot on land. With around 700 residents, Mandraki is the largest settlement on Nisyros<\/strong> and thus also the liveliest village on the island. In addition to numerous souvenir shops, this coastal town offers the best selection of goods with many mini-markets and shops.<\/p>\n

\"Nisyros
There are a few sights in Mandraki<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

During the day, the pretty alleys are bustling with day tourists from Kos. In the evening, peace returns to Nisyros. The cozy taverns and caf\u00e9s invite you to linger. There are now numerous beautiful self-catering vacation homes and a few small hotels. Here you can find our recommendations: Nisyros Accommodations<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Nisyros
The harbor town of Mandraki from above<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The town is a typical Greek village with white houses and colorful shutters. On every corner, there\u2019s a photo opportunity amid colorful bougainvillea, sleeping cats, and blue wooden balconies. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque alley<\/strong> and be sure to look down at the ground often.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Dolphin Square in Mandraki<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nisyros is known for its beautiful floor mosaics, along with other Dodecanese islands, such as Rhodes and Patmos. \u201cHohlakia\u201d<\/strong> (Chochlakia). Various motifs are set by hand in mosaic form using light and dark volcanic rock. Many squares and house entrances in Mandraki have been embellished with sea pebble mosaics.<\/p>\n

At the heart of Mandraki is \u201cPlatia Ilikiomeni<\/strong>,\u201d<\/strong> the village square with its large rubber tree and numerous taverns. Especially at lunchtime, the Platia is bursting at the seams. If you leave the maze of alleys to the north, you will come to the long harbor promenade, which stretches from the entrance to the village to behind the monastery.<\/p>\n

\"Nisyros
Platia Ilikiomeni: Busy in summer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Several caf\u00e9s and taverns have set up shop here and offer a spectacular view of the setting sun, especially in the evening. When the sea is rough, the spray crashes against the harbor walls here. Freshly caught octopus is hung on leashes in a cat-proof manner, and every now and then a typical APE island tricycle passes by. Pure island idyll!<\/p>\n

\"Nisyros
Cat-proof muzzle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In addition to many souvenir shops, interesting shops have also opened along the main street leading to the monastery of Panagia Spiliani, including the charming boutique Loles Kores<\/em>, where owner Alkiste offers unique textiles for all ages. For self-catering, the delicatessen Frou Frou<\/em> by Anna offers a wide range of organic products.<\/p>\n

\"Mandraki
Mandraki Shopping Alley<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the late evening, many hours after the last day-tripper has left the island, you can enjoy the heavenly peace and tranquility on Nisyros. When you linger in the cafes and restaurants on the waterfront, everyday life usually feels very far away. And if you listen closely, you won\u2019t hear a thing. Absolute silence and solitude.<\/p>\n

#2 Monastery of Panagia Spiliani<\/h2>\n

As soon as you arrive by ferry, you\u2019ll see the white monastery perched on a hill above Mandraki. The Monastery of Panagia Spiliani<\/strong> is nestled within the ruins of an old Venetian castle. Inside the complex is a cool rock grotto with an altar and numerous icons. A small museum also displays various religious artifacts from the past centuries.<\/p>\n

\"\"
The monastery sits enthroned on a rocky outcrop with<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Panagia Spiliani is an important pilgrimage site in Greece,<\/strong> and every year on August 15, thousands of people from all parts of the country make a pilgrimage here to take part in the procession of the Holy Mother of God.<\/p>\n

\"Panagia
Panagia Spiliani from above<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the upper complex with its magnificent Hohlakia, you have a fantastic view of the rooftops of Mandraki. The Monastery of Panagia Spiliani charges a small entrance fee of \u20ac2 per person for the maintenance of the buildings.<\/p>\n

\"Nisyros
View of Mandraki<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

#3 Hohlakia Beach<\/h2>\n

At the foot of the monastery behind the Oxos tavern, a path leads around the rock to Hohlakia Beach<\/strong>. It is a magical beach that reveals its unique beauty only when you listen closely. Instead of white sand, turquoise blue sea, and palm trees, you\u2019ll find only black round stones on the shore and crystal-clear water.<\/p>\n

\"\"
The meditative Hohlakia Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At Nisyros\u2019<\/strong> most popular beach<\/strong>, there are hardly any shady trees. Sit on the shore, close your eyes, and listen as the surf sets the round volcanic stones in motion. A meditative place\u2014and by now, at the very latest, you\u2019ll feel the magic of Nisyros. A swim in the warm sea is well worth it. So don\u2019t forget to bring your swimsuit.<\/p>\n

\"Greece<\/div>
Greece Packing List \u2013 What Goes in the Suitcase<\/strong>
Our free packing list for your Greece holiday \u2013 print it out or save it to your phone.<\/div>
To the Packing List for Greece \u2192<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n

#4 Pali: Fishing Village and Marina<\/h2>\n

We leave Mandraki in a rental car and drive along the coastal road hugging the flanks of the volcano. The fishing village of Pali<\/strong>\u2014or Paloi\u2014is the next stop on our tour of Nisyros. The boats bob gently in the harbor. On the shore, the beautiful blue-and-white Apostle Church stands out. Pali\u2019s marina is a popular anchorage, especially for sailors.<\/p>\n

\"nisyros
Apostle Church of Pali<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At the port, there are several taverns serving freshly caught fish and traditional Greek cuisine<\/a>. The road continues along the coast, past the oldest bakery on the island. At the Pali Bakery,<\/strong> bread and pastries are still made by hand using traditional methods. Here you can stock up on provisions for exploring the island.<\/p>\n

\"Pali
View of the harbor town of Pali<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Thermal Springs of Nisyros<\/h3>\n

The Thermal Springs of Nisyros<\/strong> were known throughout Europe until the beginning of the 20th century. People even traveled to Nisyros from as far away as Egypt. It is said that the ancient physician Hippocrates of Kos treated patients here. Even today, you can relax in a small thermal bath in the village of Loutra (between Pali and Mandraki).<\/p>\n

\"\"
The old thermal hotel in Pali<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you drive out of Pali, you can see the large thermal building of Nisyros<\/strong>\u00a0made of volcanic rock. In the 1920s, investors from Rhodes began building the sanatorium. World War II destroyed parts of the complex, and reconstruction came to a standstill in the 1970s due to financial reasons. Since then, the massive building has stood empty.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Panaghia Thermiani Ruins Church<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Directly opposite the thermal hotel is the church of Panaghia Thermiani<\/strong>, which was built into the ruins of an ancient Roman bath. The coastal road leads past Cape Katsouni, with its bizarre pumice caves, to Lies Beach. This stretches for miles along the east coast and is covered in dark volcanic sand and pebbles.<\/p>\n

#5 Pachia Ammos Beach<\/h2>\n

At the end of the coastal road, you\u2019ll come to a parking lot near the Oasis Tavern<\/em>. Here you can park your vehicle and continue on the footpath to Pachia Ammos Beach<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

For about 10 minutes, you\u2019ll walk along a narrow path along the cliffs. Behind the last rocky cliff, the view opens up to one of the most fascinating\u00a0beaches in the Aegean Sea<\/strong>. Large dark sand dunes cover the bay of Pachia Ammos.<\/p>\n

\"\"
A dream beach in chocolate brown: Pachia Ammos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The water is crystal clear, and the chocolate-brown beach is covered with tiny stones. In some places near the shore, warm thermal water emerges from the seabed. Until the end of June, it\u2019s still quiet here, and you usually have the bay all to yourself.<\/p>\n

From July through early September, the beach is filled with numerous wild campers<\/strong>. By then, it will be difficult to find a free spot among the many tents. Many visitors then head to the less crowded Moulari Beach near the parking lot. Occasionally, the free-roaming cows of Nisyros Island wander right onto the beach.<\/p>\n

\"Greece-Cows-by-the-sea-Nisyros-Beach\"
This beach on Nisyros is home to cows<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

#6 Emporios: A Village Straight Out of Sleeping Beauty<\/h2>\n

We drive back along the road to Pali and follow the winding road up to the edge of the caldera. After about ten minutes, the road branches off to the right toward Emporios,<\/strong> and from a distance you can see the pretty white houses. 100 years ago, 700 people lived here.<\/p>\n

\"Emporios
Emporios clings to the edge of the volcano<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After several waves of emigration at the end of the 19th century, as well as the severe earthquake (see blogpost: Greece Earthquake<\/a>) in 1953, the village was almost deserted until a few years ago. Slowly, the village is waking up from its slumber, and old stone houses have been extensively renovated.<\/p>\n

Right at the entrance to the village is the fascinating Natural Sauna of Nisyros<\/strong>. In this small grotto, the temperature rises well above 40 degrees, and even though it smells a bit musty, the ethereal volcanic fumes are said to be good for the respiratory tract, according to locals.<\/p>\n

\"\"
The natural sauna of Emporios<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You can park your vehicle in the parking lot below the village and walk into the village. After a few meters, you\u2019ll reach the small village square of Emporios. There are two traditional taverns where you can recharge your batteries. A few steps lead you from the Plateia to the ruins of the former Kastro of Emporios<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Today, only the medieval church of St. Michael the Archangel<\/strong> (13th century) stands on the highest point, with a neat church square made of sea pebbles. From up here, you can see the vast caldera of Nisyros on one side, and the deep blue Aegean Sea and the neighboring islands of Gyali and Kos on the other.<\/p>\n

\"\"
At the highest point of Emporios<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Taverns in Emporios<\/h3>\n

In summer, tables and chairs are set up in the village square in the evening, and live music plays from time to time. The rustic atmosphere in the ruined village exudes an extraordinary charm, so that individual tourists and locals like to linger until late into the night. The church festivals (including Easter and the Assumption of Mary) in Emporios are particularly atmospheric.<\/p>\n

\"Emporios
Emporios comes alive for the church consecration festival<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Tavern To Balkoni <\/em>offers delicious appetizers (meze) and daily specials, as well as a magnificent view of the volcanic crater of Nisyros. At tavern Apyria<\/em>, next to the blue-and-white Koimisis Theotokou Village Church,<\/strong> you can enjoy delicious Greek comfort food all day on weekends and dinner during the week.<\/p>\n

\"Nisyros
Magical atmosphere at the Apyria tavern<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The owners of the Apyria tavern, brothers Triantafilos and Gianni, are kind-hearted people who are always happy to chat. The Skordalia dip with almonds, the chickpea patties, and the Sheftalies (minced lamb balls) are especially delicious! You can find even more tips for Nisyros in our Kos travel guide.<\/p>\n

Kos Travel Guide \u2013 The 10 Best Day Trips<\/strong>
Explore Kos at your own pace: scenic beaches, the best restaurants and handpicked insider tips are waiting for you.

\ud83d\uddfa\ufe0f 10 road trip routes with maps
\ud83c\udfd6\ufe0f Beautiful beaches & swimming spots
\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f All top sights & attractions
\ud83e\udd2b Unpublished insider tips
\ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f Accommodation, tavernas & caf\u00e9s<\/div>
To Kos Travel Guide \u2192<\/a><\/div><\/div>
\"\"<\/div><\/div>\n

#7 Volcano of Nisyros<\/h2>\n

We return to the junction for Emporios and turn right toward the volcano. A winding road winds its way down into the impressive caldera of Nisyros<\/strong>, the so-called Lakki Valley. On the terraced mountain slopes, the vegetation is still very lush.<\/p>\n

The further you go into the Nisyros volcano,<\/strong> the more barren the landscape becomes. The different rock layers and numerous lava domes make every geologist\u2019s heart beat faster. At a ticket booth, you pay a \u20ac5 entrance fee to visit the crater.<\/p>\n

\"Nisyros
The volcanic landscape of Nisyros\u2014<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, before you join the crowds on a pilgrimage to Stefanos Crater, we recommend a short detour to the lesser-known Polyvotis Crater<\/strong>. Hardly anyone strays here, even though the twin craters are no less impressive.<\/p>\n

At the restroom building, follow the well-trodden path on the right. Even from a distance, you can see several hills in magnificent colors. Behind them lie other hidden craters. Even if you can\u2019t go down, you\u2019ll get a good sense of this natural wonder.<\/p>\n

The steaming sulfur fumaroles glow neon yellow and serve as a reminder that an active volcano still slumbers underground. Caution is advised\u2014the rock is partly porous and there are no barriers!<\/p>\n

\n

\u2192 You can find out more about the Nisyros Island Volcano<\/strong> in our article: Earthquakes and Volcanoes in Greece<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"\"
The twin-crater Polyvotis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Descent into the Nisyros volcano<\/h3>\n

The heart of the Lakki Valley is the spectacular Stefanos Crater<\/strong>. You can descend into the 4,000- to 5,000-year-old crater, which has a diameter of 330 meters, as long as you can tolerate the strong smell of sulfur.<\/p>\n

Filled with awe and admiration, you stand in the middle of one of the largest hydrothermal craters in the world<\/strong>. In some places, the ground is very thin, and even though the permeable areas are more or less closed off, you should still be careful.<\/p>\n

\"Kos
View to the Nisyros Caldera<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tip for visiting the Nisyros volcano:<\/strong> If you visit the Nisyros caldera and its fascinating crater landscape before 10:30 a.m. or in the late afternoon, you\u2019ll avoid the crowds of day tourists. Descending into an active volcanic crater is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are probably very few craters in the world that are accessible at all.<\/p>\n

#8 Church of Prophet Elias<\/h2>\n

We drive out of the caldera again and head toward Nikia on our Nisyros Island Tour<\/strong>. The road runs along the edge of the volcano, offering a fantastic view of the Aegean Sea, the mainland of Asia Minor, and the neighboring island of Tilos<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Shortly before Nikia, a road branches off to the right leading up to the church of Profitis Ilias<\/strong>. The location of this blue-and-white gem is dreamlike, and the panoramic view from the front of the church is breathtaking. We could stay here for hours, soaking up this heavenly atmosphere.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Church of Prophet Elijah<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the church\u2019s forecourt, there are free high-performance binoculars through which you can look out over the caldera, as well as the village of Nikia and the Aegean Sea. On days with good visibility, the view even extends to the islands of Astypalea<\/a> and Saria (Karpathos).<\/p>\n

\"Nisyros
Atmospheric sunset at Nikia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Alternatively, you can walk up to the church from the parking lot in the village of Nikia. The trail starts behind the Volcano Museum. The climb is short but quite steep. For individual tourists, a visit at sunset is well worth it.<\/p>\n

#9 Nikia: Picture-perfect village of Nisyros<\/h2>\n

Nikia is the picture-perfect village of the island of Nisyros<\/strong>. With its white houses and red roofs, it immediately captivates visitors. You can enjoy the most beautiful view just outside the village from a small park bench. You can park your vehicle for free at the entrance to the village; the entire village is a pedestrian zone.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Nikia: Too good to be true<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the right side of the parking lot is the Volcano Museum of Nisyros<\/strong>. It is one of the best geological museums in the entire country. Here you will find a wealth of background information about the formation of Nisyros and the volcanic activity of the entire Aegean Sea. The museum is open every day except Sundays, and admission costs \u20ac5.<\/p>\n

\"Nisyros
Volcano Museum in Nikia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The narrow, picturesque main street of Nikia winds through the village like a ribbon. After a few meters, you\u2019ll reach the heart of Nikia, the \u201cPorta Nikia<\/strong>.\u201d The Platia has already been voted one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, and rightly so. Between the white houses, the sky and the Aegean Sea seem to blend into a single hue.<\/p>\n

If you climb the steps to the church of Iss\u00f3dia tis Theot\u00f3kou,<\/strong> you can enjoy a great view of the village square decorated with sea pebbles. A visit to the church interior with its imposing marble iconostasis is well worth it. Donations for the preservation of the church are welcome.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Village Church of Nikia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Time out at Porta Nikia<\/h3>\n

On the picturesque village square of Nikia,<\/strong> there are two cafes. The owners of Caf\u00e9 Porta<\/em> are our longtime friends Nektaria and her husband Efthimios (Please say hello from both of us). Here you can order a cool drink and delicious Greek meze. For chocolate lovers, we recommend the legendary \u201cVolcano chocolate cake\u201d with vanilla ice cream.<\/p>\n