We took the ferry from Kos for a day trip, not really knowing what to expect and it ended up being one of the absolute highlights of our time in Greece.
The most surreal part was visiting the volcanic crater and actually walking down into it. Standing inside an active volcanic system, surrounded by this almost otherworldly landscape, with steam rising from the ground and the smell of sulfur in the air, was an experience I won’t forget anytime soon.
But Nisyros is so much more than its volcano.
We explored Mandraki with its whitewashed houses, narrow streets and beautiful seaside atmosphere, and then headed up to Nikia a tiny mountain village overlooking the caldera.
The views from up there are absolutely insane, and the little main square might be one of the prettiest I’ve seen on a Greek island.
And then there’s the mythology behind the island, which makes the whole place even cooler: according to Greek mythology, during the battle between the gods and the Giants, Poseidon tore off a piece of Kos and threw it at the giant Polybotes, trapping him underneath it. That piece of land became Nisyros and the volcano’s eruptions were said to be the movements of the defeated giant beneath the island. 🌋⚡
Volcanic landscapes, Greek mythology, beautiful villages and hardly any of the mass-tourism feeling you get on some of the bigger islands.
We only had one day here, but Nisyros genuinely stayed with me. One of those places you visit without huge expectations and leave thinking: “How did I not know about this island before?”
Definitely one of my favourite discoveries in the Dodecanese. ❤️
Wish we stayed longer. 🥲
Picture Order:
1 to 9: Mandraki
10 to 11: Volcano Crater
12 to 19: Nikia