Nisyros is one of the small islands of Dodecanese, yet it is an island full of colors and beauty. The traditionally built houses with the several colors, the dense vegetation, the crystal waters, the beaches with the black pebbles, the imposing rocks and the volcano craters, all together create a mysterious and especially impressive atmosphere. The beaches of Nisyros that stand out are Mandraki, Paxia Ammos, Agia Irini, Hohlakoi and Avlaki. The wild beauty of Nisyros along with the hospitality of the locals surely makes it an ideal destination for holidays. On this island you will rest and relax, leaving all worries and troubles behind. You can also visit the Castle of the island, the monastery of Panagia Spiliani, the History and Folk Museum as well as the remains of the ancient city. The nightlife is not very intense but you will surely have a good time in Mandraki, where there are little taverns and some bars. In Nisyros you will spend unforgettable holidays and you will enjoy every minute so wait no more, book your ferry tickets now.
The Nisyros Port
There are regular ferry departures from the Piraeus port for the Nisyros port and the journey, including stops at other islands, lasts about 15 to 20 hours. In fact by booking your boat tickets online via aktoploika.gr your journey will be more comfortable and carefree. Mandraki, the capital and the central port of Nisyros, enchants visitors with its picturesque character and its impressive architecture.
Connection With Other Islands
Nisyros has a ferry connection with the following ports: Piraeus (Athens), Astypalaia, Halki, Kalymnos, Kastelorizo, Kos, Lipsi, Leros, Naxos, Paros, Patmos, Rhodes, Symi, Tilos. There is also local boat connection with Kardamena port of Kos island.
Ferry Tickets
You can now book ferry tickets online for Nisyros via Aktoploika.gr. If you plan to travel during July and August, it's best if you have booked several days or weeks earlier to avoid hitches. You should also know that round-trip/return ferry tickets come with a considerable discount.
Transportation in Nisyros
In Nisyros there are no regular bus itineraries, or many buses, but there are some itineraries for some of the settlements of the island. You can visit the beaches of the island much easier by boat. You can also rent a motorbike from one of the rental agencies of the island.
Nisyros' roads are in a very good condition, although moving to the island with a bus may become a little bit troublesome during summer, as most of the buses cover the route from and to Ifestio (volcano), mostly serving passengers from the near islands, making access to the rest of the settlements tough, especially during afternoons and evenings. You can of course rent a bicycle, or even walk, choosing one of the islands' many trekking courses.
The breath of the earth!
The myth says that Poseidon, chasing the giant Polivoti, in the battle with the Titans, he cut a piece from Kos, threw it over him and ... hit him. This part is Nissiros! But as he was trapped in the bowels of the island, the giant burst of rage with explosions and flaming gases. And that's why, the island is a volcano.
Geology though, supports that the island is a volcanic cone, which was emerged from the sea 150,000 years ago. The whole island is a volcano, the newest active volcano of the Aegean Sea. The most imposing temple is called Stefanos and is one of the best-preserved hydrothermal craters in the world. Next to it, Andreas, Logothetis and the Big Polivotis. One of the most exciting travel experiences is the ride inside the craters that the visitor can enjoy.
In the charming village Nikia, on the edge of the Caldera, visit the brand new and ultra-modern Volcanological Museum, through its exhibits, you can make a fascinating journey of 38 million years ago to the volcanoes of Greece, and not only. Models, geological sections, virtualization devices volcanic processes and equipped library, make it an ideal destination for lovers of volcanic tourism from around the world.
Tiny beautiful squares with black and white pebbles, traditional white 2floor houses, complex streets, landings and magic glades compose a magical place.
Explore Mandraki, the bigger settlement and port of Nissiros, Paleokastro, Acropolis of the ancient city and excellent example of building technology, the monastery of Virgin Spiliani, which stands on a high cliff since 1600, the mountainous traditional village Emporios, with the castle of Pantonikis and the church of the archangels, as well as the seaport of Emporio, Pali, a picturesque fishing village. Festivals and gastronomy celebrations complete the character of this unique place. The festival of Sumadas, on August in Mandraki, has ... delicious flavor, while unique is also the festival of Virgin Spiliani,on the 15th of August.
Nisyros' "musts"
- Visit the island's volcano (one of the few visitable on Earth) and see its ten hydrothermal craters.
- You'll have the best swim in Avlaki, a place where pirate-ships used to drop anchor.
- You'll be able to enjoy a natural "spa" with sea and rain water in "Public Spa".
- Visiting "Nikolas Cafe" won't be just for a coffee or a beverage. They'll definitely treat you a "tsipouro" or a"rakomelo" and you'll surely won't have one.
- You'll watch the sunset on Mandraki village, by the sea, tasting the "Tzivaeri Tavern's" specialties, asa well as Asian recipes.
Don't forget
There aren't any organized beaches on the island. If you are looking for a shade, you must buy and carry your own sea-umbrella everywhere. Don't forget all the necessary stuff (water, beverages, etc.), as there are beaches with no shops or canteens.
Nisyros has over walking paths, but some of them require endurance and good mountain conditions knowledge. In case there are kids or elders with you, it will be better to know each course's condition before you start.
Happy Holidays in Nisyros!!!