Nisiros is one of the most unusual islands in Greece — a living, active volcano rising from the sea between Kos and Tilos. The island's volcanic origins are visible everywhere: in the black sand beaches, the steaming fumaroles, the sulphurous smell that greets you as you descend into the caldera, and the extraordinary landscape of the interior.

The Island

Nisiros is roughly circular — the classic shape of a volcanic island — covering around 41 square kilometres. The main settlement is Mandraki, a beautiful harbour town of whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches on the north coast. The interior is dominated by the Stefanos Crater, the main caldera, which visitors can walk into and explore.

The Volcano

The Stefanos Crater is the island's great attraction. A short drive from Mandraki brings you to the rim of the caldera — a vast, moonscape depression of grey and yellow rock, with steaming fumaroles and the smell of sulphur in the air. You can walk down into the crater and stand on the floor of an active volcano — an extraordinary, slightly unnerving experience. The last major eruption was in 1888, but the volcano remains active, with minor seismic activity recorded regularly.

Sights and Attractions

Mandraki is one of the most beautiful harbour towns in the Dodecanese — a maze of whitewashed lanes, blue-domed churches and a magnificent Venetian Castle (Kastro) perched above the town. The Historical and Folklore Museum in Mandraki is excellent.

Nikia is the island's most dramatic village — a small, perfectly preserved settlement on the rim of the caldera, its houses decorated in black and white geometric patterns. The views from the village square over the caldera and the sea are extraordinary.

Emboreios is a largely abandoned village in the interior, with a haunting, atmospheric quality.

Beaches

Nisiros has several good beaches, all with the dark volcanic sand characteristic of the island. Hohlaki in Mandraki is a black pebble beach right in the town. Lies and Pachia Ammos on the south coast are more remote and quieter.

Thermal Springs

The volcanic activity that created the island also produces natural thermal springs. The Loutra spa near Mandraki offers therapeutic baths in naturally warm, mineral-rich water.

Eating and Drinking

The tavernas in Mandraki serve excellent local food. Irini is the local favourite for fresh fish and mezedes. The island is known for its soumada (almond drink) and pitties (chickpea fritters) — local specialities worth seeking out.

How to Get There

Nisiros is served by ferry from Kos (around 1.5 hours) and Rhodes (around 3 hours). Day trips from Kos are popular, but staying overnight gives a very different experience.

Best For

Nisiros suits curious travellers who want something genuinely unusual — those who want to walk into a volcano, explore a beautiful harbour town and experience an island that has a character entirely its own.

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Thinking about Nisiros? Talk to us — we can combine it with Kos, Tilos and Symi for a Dodecanese itinerary that takes in the most varied islands.