Picture of Nisyros
Caption: Three Days on Greece Nisyros
Video of Mandraki
Caption: Nisyros is a volcanic Greek island that is part of the Dodecanese group of islands in the Aegean Sea. My husband and I spent three days exploring this wild and wonderful island at the beginning of September, 2021.
Picture of Livadia
Caption: We arrived on Nisyros via ferry (the Blue Star Chios) from the island of Tilos. Nisyros is well served by ferries from Piraeus (Athens), Rhodes, and Kos. In the summer months, there are also many daily excursions from Kos to Nisyros. Arrival
Picture of Romantzo
Caption: We spent four nights at the Romantzo hotel on Nisyros. The hotel is conveniently located near the port and within easy walking distance to the shops, restaurants, and attractions in Mandraki, the main town on the island. Where to Stay
Picture of Romantzo
Caption: The hotel was comfortable and clean; in addition, it offered a good breakfast that included fresh figs!
Picture of Mandraki
Caption: Nisyros has many good dining options, especially considering the island has a permanent population of about 1,000 people. Where to Eat
Video of Το μπαλκόνι του Εμπορειού, To Balkoni
Caption: Our favorite dining experience was in the small town of Emporeios at the Balcony Restaurant. The restaurant has a beautiful outdoor seating area with an expansive view of the island and the famous Stephanos volcanic crater.
Picture of Το μπαλκόνι του Εμπορειού, To Balkoni
Caption: In terms of food, the skordalia, Greek garlic mashed potato dip with almonds, was particularly amazing.
Picture of RESTAURANT APOLOLI KORI
Caption: We also really enjoyed the Apololi Kori Restaurant in Mandraki town. The restaurant was really accommodating to our meat-free diet and made a pasta dish with walnuts and tomatoes that was particularly exceptional.
Video of RESTAURANT APOLOLI KORI
Caption: The outdoor dining area was stunningly beautiful, and the house red wine was spectacular.
Picture of Taverna Issikas
Caption: Another restaurant in Mandraki that we really enjoyed was Taverna Issikas. There were so many great options to choose from that we really struggled to order. Two items that we really enjoyed were the chickpeas in the oven and the bulgar in tomato sauce with roasted vegetables.
Video of Oxos - Restaurant
Caption: Finally, for a drink and snacks, we liked Oxos Restaurant. We were able to watch the sunset here while enjoying snacks, some wine and a soumada, a local non-alcoholic drink from Nisyros made out of almonds and sugar.
Picture of Mandraki
Caption: Transportation Nisyros is a fairly small island with a diameter of only 5 miles. Most of the restaurants, shops, and tourist infrastructure is located in Mandraki. While many people choose to explore the remainder of the island by rented car or moto, we used the island's public bus system, walked, and took some tours.
Picture of Mandraki
Caption: There are enough activities on Nisyros to occupy at least three full days. Things to Do
Video of Stefanos Crater
Caption: Visit the Nisyros Volcanic Crater Nisyros is home to the largest accessible volcanic crater in Europe. To get there, we bought a six Euro return bus ticket from the Enetikon Travel and Shipping Agency in the port. The bus took about 30 minutes to reach the crater.
Picture of Stefanos Crater
Caption: Once there, we paid three Euros to enter and walk down into the crater. It was a relatively easy walk into the crater.
Video of Stefanos Crater
Caption: Although the volcano is still active, it hasn't erupted for over one hundred years. Since there are a few roped off areas and some steam vents in the crater, you should be very careful when walking around.
Picture of Stefanos Crater
Caption: The bus only gives you 45 minutes to be in the crater, but we found this to be plenty of time to explore.
Picture of Giali
Caption: Take a Boat to Gyali Island
Video of Giali
Caption: Gyali is a small outlying island that is being actively mined for deposits of perlite and pumice. In fact, it is these deposits that bring much of the wealth to Nisyros.
Picture of Giali
Caption: Coincidentally, Gyali is also home to one of the most amazing beaches in the Greek islands.
Picture of Giali
Caption: To get there, we bought a 10 Euro return boat ticket from Enetikon Travel and Shipping Agency. The boat took about 45 minutes to get to Gyali, and we were allowed to stay for about 4 hours before returning.
Picture of Giali
Caption: To get to the beach, we followed the crowds of other tourists walking to the north side of the island. We also made sure to borrow a sun umbrella from the boat crew.
Picture of Loutra
Caption: As Nisyros is a volcanic island, it is also home to several hot springs. Unfortunately, many of these hot springs are no longer functional, including the beautiful but ghostly Iamatika Loutra Nisyrou. Spend the Day Relaxing at a Hot Springs Pool
Picture of Haritos Hotel
Caption: Fortunately, though, we were able to enjoy a hot springs experience very close to Mandraki. For five Euros, you can use the hot springs pool at the Haritos Hotel.
Picture of Haritos Hotel
Caption: The pool mixes three types of water (well water, ocean water, and hot springs water) to create a divine hot springs experience. The hotel pool also has a nice bar attached where you can order food and drinks.
Picture of Paralia Chochlaki
Caption: Nisyros is not known for its beaches, but there is one close to Mandraki that is beautiful and unique. Paralia Chochlaki is a black stone beach that has nice swimming and a few free umbrellas and wooden-plank loungers. Spend Time at the Beach
Picture of Paralia Chochlaki
Caption: We visited several times but particularly liked it at sunset as it is located on the west of the island.
Picture of Virgin Mary Spiliani Monastery - Nisyros
Caption: Perched on a cliff above the town of Mandraki, this monastery is well worth a visit. The monastery was established in the fourteenth century in the ruins of the Castle of the Knights Hospitaller. Visit the Panagia Spiliani Monastery
Picture of Virgin Mary Spiliani Monastery - Nisyros
Caption: Inside the monastery, there is a cave chapel with the icon of Panagia Spiliani who is the miraculous patron of the island.
Picture of Mandraki
Caption: To get to the monastery, we had to climb about 130 steps and pay a 2 Euro charge, but the atmosphere and views of the sea and town were definitely worth it.
Video of Mandraki
Caption: Nisyros is perfect for travelers who are looking for an off-the-beaten path adventure in Greece. We would especially recommend this unique island to people who enjoy dining out and visiting hot springs.
