Nisyros is famous for its extinct volcano Polyvotis, whose crater occupies a significant part of the island and around which revolves an intriguing story tied to Greek mythology. It is said that Nisyros was born from a violent quarrel between the hot-tempered sea god Poseidon and Polyvotis, a Cyclops warrior who, along with the Giants, participated in the legendary war against the gods of Olympus. As the Cyclops tried to flee to safety, Poseidon took a gigantic rock from the island of Kos and hurled it at Polyvotis, submerging him in the Aegean and creating the wonderful islet of Nisyros.
From a purely scientific and perhaps less fascinating point of view, Nisyros, located right on the volcanic line of Santorini, underwent the violent eruption of 1422, which forever changed the morphology of the Greek islands, creating this small gem of land. Thanks to its volcanic origin, it has a particularly fertile soil with a lush and diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna that you will find only here.
The serene and relaxed atmosphere enjoyed in Nisyros will make you forget everything for a day. Characterized by small white houses or brightly colored ones, it is a must-visit day trip to discover crystal-clear waters and a very different reality from the nearby islands. Besides the walk on the volcano, the Monastery of the Sacred Virgin is worth visiting (on August 15th there is an important festival with very characteristic religious celebrations) and an interesting museum.
Port of Kardamena
9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Undoubtedly, it enriches your knowledge of this stunning Dodecanese archipelago, which enchants and charms its visitors with islets like Nisyros, where life flows peacefully and at the rhythm of nature, where nature itself is still respected, offering its pristine fruits, where people still enjoy talking and telling their beautiful legends, where you can spend a day in peace and contemplate the Aegean.
And last but not least, the experience of walking inside an extinct volcano is something to live and remember.
If you have opted for the included transfer, the bus will pick you up based on where you are staying. When you receive your ticket, it will have the bus name, time, and exact pick-up location.
Departure from the port of Kardamena at 9:30 AM heading towards Nisyros. The boat ride takes about an hour. Upon arrival in Kardamena, head to the boat that will take you to the island where you will meet the hostess who will give you a card.
Upon arrival in Nisyros, based on the card you receive, you will know which bus will take you to the caldera to visit the extinct volcano. On the bus, there will be a guide who will tell you something about the volcano and the island (the guide speaks English). Upon arrival at the caldera, you will need to pay an entrance fee to walk inside the crater (3 euros per person). Before embarking on the path leading into the volcano’s mouth, you will find a bar and public restrooms.
Descend the indicated path and enjoy this surreal landscape with colors ranging from white to yellow and red, where there are several cinder cones emitting sulfur vapors. The strong smell of sulfur will accompany you throughout the excursion, so if you are sensitive, we recommend bringing a mask. Considering the high temperature, remember to wear appropriate shoes and avoid flip-flops. The same goes for clothing; something light is better.
The stop in the caldera lasts about an hour, after which the bus will take you to the village of Mandraki where you will be free to do whatever you prefer. If you fancy a swim, there is a small free beach at the village entrance where you can refresh yourself and sunbathe, or lose yourself among the beautiful shops in the labyrinthine streets, or stop to eat in some tavern the local delights that Nisyros offers its visitors.
Do not miss the beautiful Monastery of Panagia Spiliani, which stands atop a rock accessible by 270 steps, dating back to the 14th century and built within the ruins of the Castle of the Knights of Saint John. It houses an ancient cave church with a wonderful icon of the Virgin Mary, considered miraculous and the protector of Nisyros. Another intriguing story is told: in the 1400s, a farmer found the icon near the thermal springs of Pali. He brought it to the church, but the next day it disappeared and was found in a grotto above the village of Mandraki. They brought it back to the church, but the next morning the same thing happened; the icon disappeared and reappeared in the rocky cavity above the village. The inhabitants then decided to build the church in the grotto and dedicate it to the Virgin Mary. The Monastery was later built around the sacred chapel.
If you can, also visit the Archaeological Museum in the center of Mandraki village. It is divided into sections that tell the history of Nisyros from prehistory to the post-Byzantine era. If you are very curious, do not forget the Folklore Museum on the steps of the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani in a beautiful 18th-century building. You can admire the customs and traditions of the island, starting with how a traditional Nisyrian house once was with its unique bedrooms called moni where the whole family gathered to sleep, as well as various folk art objects, handmade textiles, and ancient documents with photographs.
At 3:30 PM, you must return to the port for your boat departing back to Kardamena. Sailing time is about an hour.
