Tour of Nisyros Island
Nisyros is a small graphic and volcanic island in the middle of the Dodecanese complex with rare natural beauties, landscape exchanges, traditional villages and fine beaches ideal for quiet holidays.
The volcano and the thermal springs are the most important natural sites of the island.
MANDRAKI
The picturesque town of MANDRAKI is the capital and harbor of Nisyros.
The characteristic white houses with their flat roofs ascend the rock to the castle on its summit.
This is the castle of Spiliani, built by the Order of the Knights of St. John and named after the monastery of the Panagia Spiliani.
Its church is a basilica with a fine 18th c. icon.
The town has a small Folklore museum, housed in a traditional building and containing some interesting exhibits (photographs, traditional costumes, icons, embroidery, etc.)
Close to the capital is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island CHOCHLAKI with volcanic black pebbles and clear waters.
You can swim in the small sandy beach of Agios Savvas.
The tourist infrastructures of Mandraki are satisfying.
You will find hotels and rooms to let with all comforts, taverns and café bars.
Near Mandraki there are some therapeutic sulphur springs.
The most famous springs are in Loutra at 1500 meters in the north part of Mandraki and Thermiani in the northern border of Pali village.
The source of Thermiani is known since the ancient years.
To the north-west is Paleokastro with the ruins of the ancient city.
Tour of Nisyros Island
The mountain village of EMPORIOS lies 8 kilometers south-east of Mandraki.
A short distance away is the monastery of the Panagia Kyra, built on a hill 500 meters high with a panoramic view over the entire island.
The ruins of a Venetian castle are preserved at the highest point of the settlement.
NIKIA
Further south is the village of NIKIA (14 kilometers from Mandraki), which has the notable monastery of Agios Ioannis.
The Nisyros volcano can be visited from here. The crater has a diameter of 260 meters and is 30 meters deep.
NISYROS VOLCANO
The biggest and most important crater is Stefanos.
It is one of the biggest and best preserved hydrothermal volcanoes in the world.
Next to Stefanos is Small Stefanos.
The oldest crater in the region is named Logothetis.
Another important crater is Alexandros and the biggest with a diameter 300 by 150 is Big Polyvotis.
In the deserted village of Avlaki you will see the monastery of Agios Panteleimonas, while you can swim in the homonym beach with a beautiful shore.
PALI
The sea-side settlement of PALI, which has a fine beach and plenty of fish, is 4 kilometers south-east of Mandraki.
Near Pali there are two impressive beaches ASPRI AMMOS and LIES.
Whereas farther away there is the beach of PACHIA AMMOS, ideal for nature lovers.
Tour of Nisyros Island
TRADITION – EVENTS
Many local customs are still preserved on Nisyros.
In the various feasts and festivals the inhabitants wear their traditional costumes.
The traditional wedding lasts three days and ends in dancing to folk instruments and singing in the square.
The traditional musical instruments of Nisyros are the violin, the santouri (dulcimer) and the lute.
There is a large festival on 15th August at the monastery of the Panagia Spiliani.
NISYRIAN CUISINE
Don’t forget to taste some traditional dishes of the island: boukounies (pork baked in grease), the kapamas (stuffed kid), the pitthia (chickpea balls), the myzithra (cream cheese), and of course the traditional sweets xerotigana, diples, finikia, honey etc.
There are also the traditional beverages such as the soumada (bitter almond juice), and the koukouzina (essence of grapes or figs).
All these are made from traditional recipes passed from one generation to the other.
NEARBY ISLETS
The small island of YALI lies 4 nautical miles north-west of Nisyros and has a small settlement.
