{"id":51243,"date":"2025-09-11T12:43:26","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T10:43:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/?p=51243"},"modified":"2026-03-28T13:38:51","modified_gmt":"2026-03-28T12:38:51","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 in the depths. Strictly speaking, Nisyros consists of only 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 holidaymakers 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 harbour town of Mandraki. With its narrow streets, whitewashed houses and colourful shutters, it offers countless photo opportunities. At the top of the volcano you will find the dreamy villages of Emporios and Nikia, where time seems to have stood still.<\/p>\n

In the summer, Nisyros is used as a neighboring island of Kos<\/strong> daily by ferry and numerous day trippers want to visit the volcanic crater of the island. If you stay on Nisyros for more than a day, you will be enchanted and want to return again and again.<\/p>\n

We’ve visited the island more than ten times now and we’ll tell you our best tips for your excursion to Nisyros<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

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

The Nisyros Island<\/strong> (also Nissiros) is only 42 km\u00b2 in size, which corresponds to only a tenth of the city area of Cologne. But there is a lot to discover! Numerous idyllic hiking trails invite you to explore them. In conversations with the lovable locals, you always learn about new highlights.<\/p>\n

You can only reach Nisyros by ferry, there is no airport. From the island of Kos, organized Tours to Nisyros<\/strong> offered. However, it is worthwhile to take the ferry to Nisyros on your own.\u00a0By Kardamena and Kos Town<\/a> In the high season, several excursion boats and ferries run daily to Nisyros.<\/p>\n

Kardamena offers itself with only 45 min crossing to Nisyros<\/strong> as the shortest starting point. Ideally, tickets should be purchased one day in advance directly at the port, there is no online booking. The guided tours to the island (including with a pirate boat) are usually more expensive than the individual journey. Click on the link and get more information about the tours from GetYourGuide<\/em>*:<\/p>\n

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

From May to October, the ships from Kardamena<\/strong> daily at 09:30 a.m. to Mandraki, the main town of Nisyros. Around 3:30 p.m., most Nisyros ferries depart again. For a one-way trip, you pay about \u20ac10 per ferry ticket as a foot passenger. From October, ferry traffic can 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 out the exact departure times on their homepage. Furthermore, a small supply ship (including 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

In Mandraki, you set your first foot on land. With around 700 inhabitants, Mandraki is the largest town on Nisyros<\/strong> and thus also the liveliest village on the island. In addition to numerous souvenir shops, the coastal town offers the best supply with many mini markets and shops.<\/p>\n

\"Nisyros
There are some 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 cosy taverns and caf\u00e9s invite you to linger. In the meantime, there are numerous beautiful self-catering holiday homes and some small hotels. Here you can find our recommendations: Nisyros Accommodations<\/a><\/p>\n

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

The place is a typical Greek village with white houses and colorful shutters. On every corner there is a photo motif between colorful bougainvillea, sleeping cats and blue wooden balconies. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque alley<\/strong> and take a look at the floor more 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. \u00bbHohlakia\u00ab<\/strong> (Chochlakia). Various motifs are set by hand in mosaic form from 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 the \u00bbPlatia Ilikiomeni\u00ab<\/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 harbour promenade, which stretches from the entrance to the village to behind the monastery.<\/p>\n

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

Some caf\u00e9s and taverns have settled here and offer a spectacular view of the setting sun, especially in the evening. When the sea is rough, the spray hits the harbour 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-safe muzzle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In addition to many souvenir shops, interesting shops have also settled along the main street to the monastery of Panagia Spiliani, including the pretty boutique Loles Kores<\/em>, where owner Alkiste offers original textiles for every age group. Find self-catering in the delicatessen Frou Frou<\/em> from 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 tourist 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 is usually very far away. And if you listen closely, you won’t hear anything. Absolute silence and solitude.<\/p>\n

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

Already from the ferry you will see the white monastery enthroned on a hill above Mandraki on arrival. The Monastery of Panagia Spiliani<\/strong> is embedded in the remains of an old Venetian castle. Inside the complex there is a cool rock grotto with an altar and numerous icons. In a small museum, various religious finds from the last centuries are also exhibited.<\/p>\n

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

Panagia Spiliani is an important pilgrimage site of 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 the Hohlakia Beach<\/strong>. It is a magical beach and it only reveals its very special beauty when you listen closely. Instead of white sand, turquoise blue sea and palm trees, you will only find black round stones on the shore and crystal clear water.<\/p>\n

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

At the most popular beach of Nisyros<\/strong> there are hardly any shady trees. Sit on the shore of the beach, close your eyes and listen as the surf sets the round volcanic stones in motion. A meditative place and at the latest now you will feel the magic of Nisyros. A swim in the warm sea is worthwhile. So don’t 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 with a rental car and drive along the coastal road along the flanks of the volcano. That fishing village of Pali<\/strong> or Paloi is the next stop on our Nisyros island tour. Sleepily, the boats sail here in the harbor pier. On the shore, the beautiful blue and white Apostle Church shines. The marina of Pali is a popular anchorage, especially for sailors.<\/p>\n

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

At the port there are some taverns serving freshly caught fish and typical Greek cuisine<\/a> offer. The road continues along the sea, past the oldest bakery on the island. In the Pali Bakery<\/strong> bread and pastries are still traditionally made by hand. Here you can get provisions for exploring the island.<\/p>\n

\"Pali
View of the harbour 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. Even from Egypt, people traveled to Nisyros. Even the ancient physician Hippocrates of Kos is said to have cured 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 big Nisyros Thermal Building<\/strong> made of volcanic rock. In the 1920s, investors from Rhodes began to build the sanatorium. The Second World War destroyed parts of the complex and reconstruction came to a standstill in the 1970s for financial reasons. Since then, the huge building has been 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 bizarre pumice caves to Lies beach. This stretches for miles along the east coast and is covered by dark volcanic sand and pebbles.<\/p>\n

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

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

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

\"\"
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 is still quiet here and you usually have the bay all to yourself.<\/p>\n

From July to the beginning of September, the beach is populated by numerous wild campers<\/strong>. Then it will be difficult to get a free place between the numerous tents. Many visitors then switch to the less frequented Moulari Beach at 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: Village in Sleeping Beauty<\/h2>\n

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

\"Emporios
Emporios sticks 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 article: 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

Directly at the entrance to the village is the fascinating Natural sauna of Nisyros<\/strong>. In this small grotto it gets well over 40 degrees warm and even if 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

In the parking lot below the village you can park your vehicle and walk into the village. After a few meters you will come to the small village square of Emporios. There are two traditional taverns where you can recharge your batteries. Several steps take you from the Plateia to the ruins of the former Kastro of Emporios<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

On the highest point stands today only the medieval church of St. Michael the Archangel<\/strong> (13th century) with a neat church square made of sea pebbles. From up here, you can see the huge 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

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

Tavernas 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 ambience 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) of Emporios are particularly atmospheric.<\/p>\n

\"Emporios
Emporios comes to life 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. In the tavern Apyria <\/em>next to the blue and white Koimisis Theotokou Village Church<\/strong> awaits you delicious Greek comfort food all day on weekends and evening food during the week.<\/p>\n

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

The owners of the tavern Apyria, the brothers Triantafilos and Gianni, are good-hearted people and always have an ear free for a chat. Especially the Skordalia dip with almonds, the chickpea thalers and the meat dish Sheftalies (minced lamb balls) are 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 towards 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’s heart beat faster. At a ticket booth, you pay \u20ac5 entrance fee to visit the crater.<\/p>\n

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

However, before you make a pilgrimage to Stefanos Crater with the masses, we recommend a small detour to the lesser-known Polyvotis Crater<\/strong> . Hardly anyone gets lost here, although the twin craters are no less impressive.<\/p>\n

At the toilet house, follow the beaten path on the right. Even from a distance you can see several hills in magnificent colors. Behind it are hidden other craters. Even if you can’t go down, you will get a good impression of this natural wonder.<\/p>\n

The steaming sulphur fumaroles glow neon yellow and are a reminder that an active volcano is still slumbering underground. Caution is advised, the rock is partly porous and there are no barriers!<\/p>\n

\n

\u2192 More about the Nisyros Island Volcano<\/strong> you can find out in our article: Greece Earthquakes and volcanoes<\/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 4,000-5,000-year-old crater with a diameter of 330 meters, as long as you can withstand the strong smell of sulfur.<\/p>\n

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

\"Kos
Caldera of Nisyros<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

We drive out of the caldera again and put our Nisyros Island Tour<\/strong> towards Nikia. The road leads along the edge of the volcano and you can enjoy a fantastic view of the Aegean Sea, the mainland of Asia Minor and the neighboring island Tilos<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Shortly before Nikia, a road goes up on the right side to the Church of Profitis Iliad<\/strong>. The location of this blue and white beauty is dreamlike and the panorama from the front of the church is breathtaking. We could stay here for hours and soak up this heavenly atmosphere.<\/p>\n

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

On the forecourt of the church there are free high-performance binoculars, through which you can look into 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 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 of the village of Nikia. The trail starts behind the Volcano Museum. The climb is short but quite steep. For individual tourists, the visit at sunset is worthwhile.<\/p>\n

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

Nikia is the picture-book village of the island of Nisyros<\/strong>. With its white houses and red roofs, it immediately inspires visitors. You can enjoy the most beautiful view just outside the village from a small park bench. You can park your vehicle free of charge at the entrance to the village, the entire village is considered 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 whole country. Here you will get a lot 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 runs through the village like a hose. After a few meters you will come to the heart of Nikia, the \u00bbPorta Nikia<\/strong>\u00ab. 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 merge into one color.<\/p>\n

If you climb the steps to the Church 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 worthwhile. 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 the Caf\u00e9 Porta<\/em> are our long-time friends Nektaria and her husband Efthimios. Here you can order a cool drink and delicious Greek meze. For chocolate addicts, we recommend the legendary “Volcano chocolate cake” with vanilla ice cream.<\/p>\n