Take a ferry to Nisyros and enjoy the spectacular natural scenery of this volcanic island, located south of Kos and north of Tilos and Rhodes in the Aegean!
Nisyros is a small and quiet Dodecanese island mostly famous for its youngest and active volcano that has one of the largest hydrothermal craters. Many geologists and volcanologists from all over the world visit this island every year to visit and explore the 160.000 old trademark of Nisyros.
According to Greek mythology the island was created during a battle between the God Poseidon and the giant Polybotes. Poseidon chased the giant down to Kos, he cut a part of it (a huge stone) that landed on the giant and sunk him in the bottom of the sea. This part of Kos, the rock that was thrown on the giant according to the Myth, is the island of Nisyros and that the eruption of the Nisyros volcano was the angry breath of the giant that felt defeated.
Being a volcano island Nisyros is rich in minerals, it has lush vegetation, wild landscapes and tranquil beaches that make Nisyros an open air geological museum.
Like the rest of the Greek islands Nisyros is also dotted with picturesque villages with traditional architecture, white washed houses, a laid back atmosphere and locals offering hospitality to foreign visitors.
If you want to avoid the crowded islands, book in advance your Nisyros ferry tickets and spend a few days in this great destination, mostly selected from those seeking alternative holidays.
Getting to Nisyros Greece by ferry
Nisyros is a lovely and small island of the Dodecanese, easily accessible by ferry from the port of Piraeus in Athens and from some popular islands of the Aegean Sea like Rhodes, Astypalea, Symi and Kos. From the mainland there are 2-3 departures available all year round from the main port of Athens and the distance is approximately 342 kilometers (185 nautical miles)
- Piraeus to Nisyros: The port of Piraeus is located also in the southeast of Greece and is Europe’s biggest passenger port and Athens’ gateway to the islands of the Aegean (approximately 50 km away from the Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos). The duration of the sailing is approximately 13 hours and the route is served by conventional ferries that offer a garage for passengers that would like to travel with their vehicle.
Nisyros ferry port
The port of Nisyros, Mandraki is located on the northwest tip of the island and it offers many routes to the mainland and islands of the Cycladic and Dodecanese complex. The port is small but it gets really busy and crowded during the summer season.
Mandraki Nisyros is the main settlement of the island, one of the most beautiful villages of the island and it offers many facilities to its visitors. As soon as visitors arrive at the port they will be amazed by the unique architectural elements of the village and its traditional layout.
Nisyros transportation
The island is relatively small and you can explore it on foot but visitors can also move around using the public bus service.
Bus
There is a local bus service connecting the villages Loutra, Mandraki, Loutra, Pali, Emporios and Nikia.
For more information please visit Nisyros buses.
Taxi
There is an excellent taxi service on Nisyros. The names and numbers of the taxi drivers are displayed in central spots.
For more information please contact +30 22420 31474.
Things to do in Nisyros
The island is relatively small and the things to do in Nisyros are limited, however there are quite a few natural and cultural attractions to explore. Nisyros is ideal for relaxation, a place that uniquely combines history, natural beauty and tradition.
Get ready for a unique experience in Nisyros and let us help you organize your to-do list!
Visit the active volcano, located close to the Nikia village and admire the rock formations that cover the entire island. Most of Nisyros is mountainous, fertile and the entire island has been formed by lava.
Climb up to Paliokastro, the ancient acropolis and fortress of the island that offers breathtaking views. The ancient city was built in the 8th century BC, close to the village of Mandraki. The acropolis and the cyclopean walls are well preserved and one of the best preserved of the Aegean Sea.
Book a ticket for the Archaeological Museum of Nisyros and discover the rich history of the island.
Spoil yourself in the hot springs (Loutra of Nisyros) that have been operating for almost a hundred years and they are known for their mineralised sodium chloride and sulfur spring waters.
Enjoy the views from the Venetian Castle which is also known as the the Castle of Panagia Spiliani, built on a tall rock.
If you are looking for more information and photos about the volcano of Nisyros and other active volcanoes, the Volcanological Museum in Nikia is also a good idea.
Visit one of the many monasteries and churches around the island like Iera Moni Timiou Stavrou, Monastery of Panagia Kyra or the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian that offers a unique view of the volcano.
Discover the settlements of Paloi, Nikia and Emporios in Nisyros. Paloi is a coastal village with lovely fish taverns. Nikia of Nisyros has a unique and characteristic architecture and it is built on the ledge of the caldera and Emporios is a small village with a cave at the entrance that is considered as a natural sauna due to the heat from the volcano.
Follow one of the main hiking trails that the island offers. Especially during spring where the wildflowers bloom the trails connecting the settlements turn into a colorful and magical scenery.
Nisyros beaches
Most of the island beaches are located on the northern side of the island. Most of the beaches are secluded and non organized and only a few offer sunbeds and umbrellas and they may remind you of Santori as they have black sand, pebbles and rocks. However, all of them have crystal clear waters and they are surrounded by a natural landscape that will definitely amaze you.
Please find below a list with the best rated beaches of the island:
Pachia Ammos: located 16 km east of Mandraki. Pachia Ammos is the most popular beach in Nisyros. Pachia Ammos means Thick Sand. It’s a non organized beach surrounded by jaw dropping scenery.
Lyes Beach: located 13 km east of Mandraki. The longest beach in Nisyros is covered with dark sand and pebbles.
Hochlaki Beach: Hoclaki is the nearest, non organized beach to the town of Nisyros and its name derived from the distinctive pebbles of the shore. A few tall trees provide natural shade.
Pali Beach: located 4 km east of Mandraki. The beach is easily accessible within a short walking distance from the main road. It’s a sandy beach, ideal for children.
Nisyros accommodations & hotels
The most convenient and popular place to stay that has the most accommodation options, is Mandraki, the capital of Nisyros, port of the island and one of the most picturesque settlements with whitewashed houses. Other rooms and hotels can be found also in the village of Pali, but Mandraki has the most tourist facilities like shops, hotels, studios, apartments, restaurants and a lively nightlife.
A list of the best places to stay in Nisyros:
- Nisyros views
- Polyvotis
- Sterna Nisyros Residences
- Romantzo Hotel
- Lava House
- Haritos Hotel
- Three Brothers
- Poseidon House
- Melanopetra Nisyros Botutique Apartments
- Kafka Stone House
- My Old Stone House
Island Hopping from Nisyros
Nisyros, in the Aegean Sea, is part of the Dodecanese Group of islands and it is located between the islands of Kos, Tilos and Astypalea. Starting from the port of Nisyros, travelers can island hopping, as there are frequent direct routes at a relatively low cost to the neighboring islands of the same complex:
- Nisyros - Kos
- Nisyros - Symi
- Nisyros - Rhodes
- Nisyros - Chalki
- Nisyros - Tilos
- Nisyros - Astypalea
- Nisyros - Kalymnos
