Nisyros (Nisiros) is a popular day trip from Kos or stop on multi-day cruises in the Aegean Sea, which can include free time to explore the island’s highlights independently or an all-inclusive experience with a guide and ground transport on the island. Top attractions include Nisyros’s main town of Mandrakia—a charming waterfront sprawl of white-washed houses and taverna-lined piazzas—set in the hills on the northwest tip of the island, and a clutch of inland Byzantine chapels such as the Church of the Panaghia Faneromeni, accessible via cycling and hiking trails.
The most striking of the island’s cultural sights is the Paliaokastro, high on a hilltop overlooking Mandraki. Dating from the fourth century BC, this was once a mighty acropolis and fort but now little survives except for fragments of the walls constructed out of volcanic basalt, although two towers have been recently remodeled out of rock surrounding the site. In addition, visitors flock to the island’s volcanic caldera and numerous hot springs to take advantage of their healing properties.
Nisyros lies in the Aegean Sea north of Rhodes, with ferry services operating between the two islands; crossing time is around 3.5 hours. Otherwise, reach the island by boat on a private day trip or small-group cruise departing from Kos or other nearby islands.
The island is at its most vibrant in summer, when it can also be uncomfortably hot during the peak hours of the day. Opt to explore in the early morning or late afternoon, and use the midday hours to soak in the natural spring waters.
The volcano that forms the greater part of Nisyros last erupted in 1888 but it is one of the most active in the region. Of the island’s six craters, Polivotis is the biggest, measuring 853 feet (260 meters) across and reaching a depth of 98.5 feet (30 meters); it steams gently as gases bubble up from underground. Thanks to all this volcanic activity, thermal springs disgorge their sulfurous waters into the sea at several points around Nisyros, including Loutra, Thermiani, and Avlaki.
