Description of Nisyros

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The island of Nisyros is in fact a dormant volcano of the Aegean and is actually made of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. Nisyros does not boast of an equally awesome caldera like this of Santorini but the volcano seems to be the main tourist attraction in both islands. Although it is pretty and interesting, offering nice hotels and charming restaurants and traditional coffee shops, Nisyros is not so high in the list of the visitors of Dodecanese.

Geography of Nisyros

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Nisyros spans an area of 50 sq. km. with a total population of 948 residents. The islets nearest to Nisyros are Pacheia, Pergoussa, Kandelioussa, Agios Antonios and Stroggyli are not inhabited. The islet of Gyali has only 10 residents. The islands closer to Nisyros are Kos on the north, Tilos on the south and Symi on the east.

History of Nisyros

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According to mythology Poseidon threw to the Giant Polyvotis a piece of rock from Kos Island during the fight between Gods and Giants. This rock created Nisyros and its volcano that is considered to be the moan of the wounded Giant. During the Persian Wars Nisyros together with Kos and Kalymnos were under the rule of the kingdom of Halicarnassus and fought in Xerxes’ campaign against Greece. Nisyros history is linked to that of Rhodes and the rest Dodecanese. Nisyros joined Greece in 1948.

Sightseeing on Nisyros

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The volcanic island of Nisyros has intense hydrothermal activity with hot springs dotted along the coast. Thermiani Spring has been well known since antiquity as it is considered to be chosen by Hippocrates, father of medicine, as a healing centre. The beaches of the island are mainly rocky and the most popular of them are Mandraki with black pebbles formed from volcanic lava, Avlaki, Palli, Katsouni and Pachia Ammos. You can also visit the islets of Yiali and Aghios Antonios. Hiking is also a good option of sport activity on the island and there are a number of routes you can follow passing by the volcano rim and crater. The charming little square of Mandraki hosts the main social life with taverns and traditional coffee shops.

Local Products of Nisyros

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Try soumada the local drink made from almonds, honey, preserved cherry tomatoes and capers.

Getting to Nisyros

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By ferry boats departing from Piraeus Port in Athens and Kos Island.

Best time to visit Nisyros

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From May till September

Useful Phone Numbers on Nisyros

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Police: +30 22420 31201
Port Authorities of Nisyros: +30 22420 31222
Medical Services: +30 22420 31217