Last Updated on April 29, 2026 by George Pavlopoulos
Featuring an active volcano and home to unique settlements, Nisyros is one of the most fascinating Greek islands. Located in the Dodecanese, just an hour from Kos, the island owes its shape to volcanic eruptions. Although tourism has not transformed it to the same extent as other Greek islands, there are several things to do in Nisyros, and some of them are truly unique.
In this Nisyros travel guide, you will find the best things to do on the island, along with practical information that will help you plan your trip. Apart from the volcano and the island’s most beautiful villages, I will also cover how to get to Nisyros, where to stay, where to eat, which beaches to visit, and how to plan your budget accordingly. You will also find my photos, a 4K video of the volcano, and useful travel tips to make the most of your time on the island.
So, let’s start with the best things to do in Nisyros and everything you need to know before visiting this stunning volcanic island.
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How to get to Nisyros, Greece
The Dodecanese complex consists -as its name suggests- of twelve islands. Nisyros is one of them, and it’s very close to the Turkish shore. The distance between the port of Piraeus and Nisyros is approximately 185 nautical miles. As you can imagine, the journey to Nisyros is long, and you have two options to reach it: by ferry or a ferry-and-plane combination. So, let’s break down each option and see which is best for getting to Nisyros.
To Nisyros by ferry
There are two direct ferries per week between Piraeus and Nisyros. Travel times vary depending on the ferry’s itinerary, but usually, it takes between 12 and 14 hours to reach Mandraki, Nisyros’ port and main settlement. However, since the ferries call at various ports before reaching the island, even short delays in previous stops can extend the journey.
You can always book a cabin if you don’t want to be on the deck or remain seated for such a long journey. Booking a cabin will give you a bed to sleep on or stretch out on and an ensuite bathroom. It’s a far more convenient traveling option, and the cabins are usually spacious enough (read my Blue Star Ferries cabin review here). However, this option comes at a cost. To get an impression, a one-way ferry ticket from Piraeus to Nisyros costs approximately 80 euros, while a cabin costs slightly less than double.
It’s always recommended to book your ferry tickets in Greece in advance (you can read my Greek ferry guide too). You might find regular seats on the day of your journey, however, it’s better not to risk it. But if you’d like to have a cabin, a last-minute reservation won’t usually work.
The best option for booking ferry tickets is to visit Ferries In Greece. That’s the best ferry price aggregator, and it also provides up-to-date itinerary info. You can use the interactive planner below to find the best prices for your Piraeus-Nisyros journey.
To Nisyros by airplane
Nisyros doesn’t have an airport. Therefore, it’s not possible to fly directly from Athens or any other Greek city to the island. However, if long ferry journeys are nothing for you, there’s a workaround. You can fly from Athens to Kos and from there take the ferry to Nisyros. The flight from Athens to Kos is less than an hour, and it’s just another hour by ferry to Nisyros.
Please keep in mind that the airport of Kos is located in the island’s heart. This means you’ll have to take the bus or a taxi to one of the ports on Kos, from where boats depart for Nisyros. Kos Town port is the largest, and larger ferries depart from there; on the other hand, several smaller vessels depart from Kardamena port to Nisyros throughout the day. If you don’t plan to stay in Kos at all, it’s better to take a ferry from Kos Town for its historical interest. Kardamena is a resort town that feels bland.
Aegean Airlines flies several times per day between Athens and Kos.
Things to do in Nisyros: a travel guide
Nisyros is home to fewer than 1,000 people, making it an ideal place to avoid crowds and enjoy a relaxing holiday. The majority of inhabitants live in Mandraki, the island’s biggest settlement. Despite Nisiros usually being added to travelers’ bucket lists for its volcano, there are many things to do and see on the island.
Therefore, in this section, you’ll find a travel guide to Nisyros containing every attraction and activity you can enjoy.
Walk in the crater of an active volcano
Obviously, that’s the best thing to do in Nisyros and among the top activities in Greece. I found the Nisyros volcano much more beautiful than Santorini’s. In Nisyros, you can walk into the volcano’s crater, named Stefanos. The caldera is almost 4 km wide (~2,5 mi) and took shape during three eruptive stages. The volcano is active but, fortunately, not erupting: the last steam explosion was in 1888.
Visiting the volcano is a must-do. You can easily reach it by car or buy a ticket for one of the organized bus tours that start from Mandraki. The entry ticket currently costs 3 euros, and there’s a small taverna straight before the crater. Regarding the volcano walks, you must know that you enter at your own risk. Just use common sense and enjoy a terrific spectacle in one of Greece’s most unique spots.
Nisyros volcano travel tip: Be prepared for some intense smells when walking around the crater. This rotten-egg smell is due to hydrogen sulfide, and if you can’t cope with it, it’s better to wear a face mask. The smell is intense, but I didn’t need a cover because I quickly adapted to it. However, if you are more sensitive to bad smells, consider having something to cover your mouth and nose.
Explore Mandraki, the island’s capital
Mandraki is the port and main settlement of Nisyros. Mandraki’s atmosphere is impressive: you’ll walk in narrow streets, where all buildings have strictly two floors. Every walk will bring you straight to the sea, and at the village’s top, you’ll see Panagia Spiliani Monastery and the Castle of the Knights of St. John’s Order.
As you’ll read later in this Nisyros travel guide, Mandraki is the best place to stay in Nisyros. That’s where most accommodations are, and also the place where the few bars operate. Moreover, for history lovers, there’s a fantastic yet compact Archaeological Museum in Mandraki, where you can see exhibits from Nisiros’ history. You’ll find the local Folklore Museum not that far away, which houses utensils and traditional Nisyrian costumes and dresses.
Close to Mandraki, you can see Paleokastro, the ancient acropolis of Niryros, with its dark-colored cyclopean walls. Paleokastro is easy to reach either by car or on foot: it takes just twenty minutes to walk from Mandraki to Paleokastro. The location seems to be a patchwork of civilizations, as the oldest monument dates back to the Neolithic period, while the Acropolis is a Classical Greek element.
Discover Emporeios, a formerly abandoned village
One of the Nisyros highlights is undoubtedly Emporeios, a small village built on the caldera’s edge. Apart from the terrific volcano views, Emporeios has a long history and a sad story.
Located at an altitude of 330 meters, Emporeios is invisible from the sea. This strategic location helped the village flourish during times of piracy. However, the 1933 earthquake destroyed the village, and the people immigrated to other islands or even other countries. Although the earthquake occurred almost a century ago, most of the village’s buildings are still destroyed, and only recently has there been an effort to reinhabit it.
Wandering through the narrow streets of Emporeios will remind you of a walk in a castle. The houses are very close together, and the streets are narrow. The picturesque streets are steep, and the roofs are flat to collect the rainwater. Emporeios’ center is around the tiny square, where you can find the village’s church. However, on the hill’s top, there’s also a castle dating back to the Knights’ era, and there you’ll also find the temple of Taxiarchis Michael, dating back to the 13th century.
Stroll around Nikia, a whitewashed village
Compared to Emporeios, Nikia is a picturesque village in excellent condition. The streets of Nikia are less narrow, and the whitewashed houses give the settlement a pleasing appearance. Located on the other edge of the caldera, Nikia offers some incredible viewpoints directly to the crater Stefanos.
Interestingly enough, every street on Nikia will lead you to the beautiful square called “Porta,” where you can find two local cafes/tavernas to unwind. On the square, you’ll also see a beautiful black-and-white mosaic, a typical decoration throughout the island.
Around “Porta,” you’ll see the village’s main church dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the school, and Kazellaria, which serves as the town hall. On Nikia’s top are also the remains of an old Knight’s castle, where you can probably have the best views over the volcano.
Visit the Volcanological Museum of Nisyros
Located at Nikia, the Volcanological Museum is among the best things to see in Nisyros. That’s actually the only Volcanic Museum in Greece, and it’s hosted in the old school’s building. Although the museum occupies only a room, it has plenty of information for visitors.
Among the museum’s exhibits, you can see a collection of volcanic rocks, various maps explaining the volcano’s birth and its influence on the area, and a selection of books on volcanology.
Unwind at Pali, the beautiful fishing village
Pali (or Paloi) is a small fishing village on the other side of the island. Its proximity to Emporeios proves that Pali once served as Emporeios’ port. Its name most likely derives from the Latin “palus,” which translates to a place for tying ships. Nowadays, you’ll find a few rooms to rent in Pali and fish tavernas where you can enjoy delicious meals overlooking the marina.
Among the sights of interest, you’ll find the Roman baths and the small chapel dedicated to Panagia Thermiani, dating back to the early 1870s. The small church is carved into a rock, and its name derives from a hot spring on its back.
Take a daily excursion to Gyali, the tiny island opposite Mandraki
The small island of Gyali will be in your view while walking or driving around Nisyros. Its name means “Glass,” and it’s a small volcanic island between Kos and Nisyros. The tiny island offers an explanation for why Nisyros doesn’t depend on tourism -unlike most other Greek islands. Gyali has large amounts of pumice and obsidian, both mined in significant quantities and contributing mainly to the island’s economy.
During the summertime, organized tours to Gyali start from Nisyros, and you can spend a day walking in the barren landscape and enjoy the island’s unique beaches. Alternatively, after receiving special permission, you can get on the worker’s vessel at 6 am and return to Nisyros with the same vessel at 3 pm. However, the heat on the island is intense, so if you choose the latter, make sure to bring enough provisions for the day.
Swim at Nisyros beaches
Compared to other Greek islands, Nisyros has relatively few beaches. However, the beaches of Nisyros are splendid, and each has a unique vibe. Moreover, the sea is crystal clear, and you’ll have fantastic days at the beach. Therefore, I encourage you to see most of the volcanic island beaches. In the following lines, you’ll find some info about the best beaches in Nisyros.
Chochlaki Beach
Chochlaki (Greek: Χοχλάκοι) is the closest beach to Mandraki. The paved path between Mandraki and Chochlaki is beautiful and offers tremendous views over Gyali and Kos. The beach is unique: it consists of black volcanic stones inside and outside the sea. It might be hard to lie on a towel or get into the sea; however, it’s one of the most beautiful places you can find in Greece. Sea shoes are recommended, and you should keep an eye on the currents: Chochlakoi always seems to have waves.
I went swimming at Chochlaki, and it was one of the most wonderful things I did in Nisyros. Take care of your feet and pay attention to the mesmerizing sound of the constantly moving volcanic stones.
Lyes beach
Lyes Beach is located on the other side of the island, and it’s a stunning location. Although Nisyros is a green island, the landscape becomes barren on this side. Since Nisyros is a volcanic island, you can’t expect white sand: the color palette is darker, and pebbles are everywhere. However, at Lyes, you can easily lie down and enjoy a day at the beach. It has crystal clear waters, and it gets deep quickly.
There’s a small taverna straight before Lyes, where you can have delicious food and buy daily provisions. In general, Lyes is not a single beach but a complex of smaller bays and beaches spanning almost 3 kilometers. The nicest beaches are around the small taverna, but if you prefer being completely alone, pick a spot and enjoy the sea.
Pachia Ammos
Pachia Ammos is the best beach in Nisyros. You’ll have to walk fifteen minutes from the taverna in Lyes to reach Pachia Ammos, and sometimes it might feel too steep. Practically, you’ll have to walk carefully next to a rock, on a combination of soil and sand, while next to you, there’ll only be a vertical cliff. So keep an eye on your footsteps, and don’t miss the chance to visit the island’s most beautiful beach.
Free campers will occupy a big part of Pachia Ammos during the summertime, but there’s always enough space for everyone. It’s a long, amphitheatric beach with stunning views and clear water. Pack your goggles and enjoy swimming.
Pali beach
On one edge of the fishing village, approximately where the marina ends, you’ll find Pali beach. That’s a small family-friendly beach with shallow water and a quiet beach cafe. It’s not the prettiest beach, but it serves its purpose, especially if you don’t feel comfortable swimming or traveling with kids.
Avlaki beach
On the southwestern part of the island, precisely where the road ends, you’ll find Avlaki beach. Despite its marvelous location, the beach itself is nothing special. If you somehow end up there, you can swim; however, I don’t think it is worth driving to Avlaki just for swimming.
How to get around Nisyros
You’ll have a much better time in Nisyros if you rent a car or a moped. Despite the island’s compact size, you’ll need a vehicle to see what the island has to offer, and, of course, it’ll give you flexibility.
There’s a local bus in Nisyros. However, the itineraries are infrequent. Even during the high season, the bus runs just two to three times per day. Some itineraries are reserved for daytrippers from Kos who visit Nisyros to see the volcano, walk quickly around Mandraki, and return. However, I believe that Nisyros is a standalone destination, and it’s better to spend a couple of days here and enjoy its unique atmosphere.
That said, renting a car or moped is better to make the most of your stay. You’ll find several local companies renting cars, mopeds, and e-bikes at Mandraki, and it’s better to ask straight there. Car rentals cost approximately 30-40 euros in June and September, and rise to 50-60 euros in July and August.
Nisyros travel tip: An e-bike might sound tempting, and indeed it’s a great way to move around. However, the island is steep and tends to be hot during the summertime. If you are an experienced cyclist, you can consider it; however, if you don’t cycle that much and think it’s not a good idea, it’s better to skip it. Cycling around Mandraki will be okay, but going to Emporeios or Nikia will require quite some effort.
Where to stay in Nisyros, Greece
As you already read in the previous sections, Nisyros has four main settlements: Mandraki, Pali, Emporeios, and Nikia. The majority of accommodations are in Mandraki, and that’s the place I recommend staying. In Mandraki, you’ll have plenty of options for eating and drinking, and that’s also the place to rent a car. Especially if you don’t plan to rent a car, staying in Mandraki is a no-brainer: every other option will limit you.
So, in this section, you’ll find the best hotels and accommodations in Nisyros, and I’ll also share where I stayed.
The best hotels and accommodations in Mandraki, Nisyros
Porfyris Hotel. That’s one of the few hotels on the island and is located in Mandraki’s center. It’s slightly old-fashioned but has the most competitive prices, and nothing is too far away. If you’re on a budget and prefer not to spend a lot on accommodation, that’s a great option. Breakfast included. See prices and availability for Porfyris Hotel.
Nisyros Views. That’s a great option for your stay in Nisyros. It is located in Mandraki (not Gyali, as it’s incorrectly written on Booking), and, apart from the spacious rooms, it has a fantastic rooftop terrace with sea views. See the Nisiros Views here.
Traditional house by the sea. This is a typical Nisyrian house, with two floors right at the beach of Mandraki. It has a traditional island interior, so it might not be for everyone. However, the location is perfect, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby. See the traditional house by the sea.
Where to stay in Pali and Emporeios
If you have a car and don’t mind driving, there are also some great accommodations at Pali and Emporeios. If you don’t plan to have a car or moped, I recommend skipping this subsection of the Nisyros guide.
Plousiadis Stone House. This stone-built house is at Pali, the small fishing village. The house is just a few steps away from the beach and has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The house is air-conditioned and features a patio with sea views. It’s ideal for families with kids, thanks to its proximity to Pali Beach, and it also features a playground. See Plousiadis Stone House.
Kafka Stone House. Located in the heart of Emporeios, that’s one of the unique accommodations on the island. Kafka Stone House has a balcony and beautiful garden views. The house has two bedrooms, a living room, a bathroom, and a fully-equipped kitchen. Plus, it has a beautiful terrace. See prices and availability for the Kafka Stone House.
Where I stayed in Nisyros
For my accommodation in Nisiros, I chose the Patriko Nisyrian Guesthouse. That’s a typical two-story stone house on a side street in Mandraki, close to the monastery. On the first floor were the kitchen, bathroom, and a cozy living room, while on the second floor were two bedrooms. Everything seemed newly renovated, and the house was spotlessly clean. The price was slightly elevated, but I decided to splurge a bit after a long winter.
Overall, the Patriko Nisyrian Guesthouse exceeded my expectations, and I had a fantastic stay. Whenever I return to Nisyros, I’ll check for sure if this stone house in Mandraki is available. See prices and availability for the Patriko Nisyrian Guesthouse.
For all other accommodation options on Nisyros, please use the interactive map below, which shows every available rental on the island.
Where to eat in Nisyros
Nisyros offers several food options, including a couple of local dishes. First of all, you should try “koukouzina,” a local version of raki: it’s high in alcohol, so don’t overdo it. Of course, since you are on a Greek island, enjoying as much fish as possible is always a good idea.
In the following lines, you’ll find the places I enjoyed eating the most in Nisyros, and I can recommend them. At the bottom of the list, you’ll also find my favorite bar on the island. Every link in this section will take you to the restaurant’s Google Maps location; therefore, make a list and save them for your Nisyros holiday.
Oasis. The taverna Oasis is one of the best places to eat on the island. Located -literally- in the middle of nowhere, this taverna is the only building on Lyes beach. There are just a few homemade dishes, and if you arrive late, most won’t be available. Nevertheless, it’s a perfect spot to have lunch after spending a couple of hours at the beach. It’s inexpensive, and the food is fantastic. See Oasis on Google Maps.
Oxos restaurant. Located on the left side of Mandraki, straight below Panagia Spiliani’s rock, Oxos offers a selection of Greek meze (tapas) and homemade wine. The location is unique in Mandraki, offering great sea views, and the food is equally good. This small tavern has a nice atmosphere, and it definitely deserves a stop. See Oxos.
The balcony of Emporeios. There’s a good reason why this place is called a balcony. This great restaurant has a volcano view. You can enjoy lunch and dinner from the balcony overlooking the crater and the breathtaking landscape around it. The food is excellent, and the prices are compatible with the island’s standards. It’s at the main square of Emporeios opposite the church, and if you want to enjoy the volcano views, stop here for lunch. See the balcony of Emporeios.
Γευsea. Don’t let its weird name stop you from eating in this restaurant in Mandraki: it’s actually a wordplay between the Greek word for “taste” and the sea. This family-run restaurant has fantastic fish dishes. It’s the closest to Greek fusion cuisine in Nisyros, and the dishes are delicious. It’s slightly pricier for the island’s standards, but the food deserved every penny. See Γευsea.
To kafeneio tou Nikola. Located at Nikia, that’s one of the two cafes at Porta Square. You’ll find a wide selection of dishes, and it’s an excellent option for lunch. They also have homemade sweets and delicious yogurt with honey. See the kafeneio tou Nikola.
Plateia Ilikiomenis. The name means “Old Lady’s Square,” and that’s actually not a restaurant but the most famous square in Mandraki, where a couple of tavernas are located. The food is similar in every taverna on the square, so if you want to be in the epicenter of local life and observe people while enjoying food, pick a table.
Enallax Bar. Located directly on the waterfront in Mandraki, Enallax instantly became my favorite night hangout. The guys working there are always in a good mood, the cocktails are fantastic (tip: get a Negroni), and the music is always compatible with the island’s atmosphere. Enallax is a place to remember and return. See Enallax on Google Maps.
How to budget for Nisyros
Compared to other islands, Nisyros depends less on tourism. Therefore, you can expect slightly elevated accommodation prices, but regular prices for food and drink. That said, even in the low season, you might have to pay more than 80 euros for a double room, which can easily go up to 120-150 euros in the high season. On the other hand, the food is reasonably priced, and I think you can easily have dinner for 25-30 euros per person (add another 10 euros if you go for fish, though).
As I wrote earlier, a vehicle is essential on Nisyros. If you decide to rent a car, it will cost between 30 and 60 euros depending on the season. That’s actually cheaper compared to the Cyclades in places like Amorgos or Folegandros.
Finally, traveling to Nisyros by ferry or by airplane via Kos is a cost in itself. The journey is long, and it will cost some money to reach the island, especially if you book a cabin or go for the airplane option.
All that being said, accommodation in Nisyros is slightly pricier than elsewhere, but the food prices balance the costs.
Nisyros FAQ
Finally, in this last section of the Nisyros travel guide, you’ll find some frequently asked questions about the island and their answers. Consider this FAQ as extra Nisyros travel tips, and feel free to comment below if you need additional info or have more questions.
When is the best time to visit Nisyros?
The best time to visit Nisyros is September. The sea is still warm, and most tourists have left. July and August tend to be hot, and the island is full of people. Alternatively, June is also a great time to visit the island, although the sea might be chilly.
Can I go on day trips from Nisiros?
Apart from Gyali and Kos, visiting other islands won’t be easy, as they’re too far away to reach in a short time. Therefore, I would only recommend a day trip to Gyali; Kos is a big island, and you won’t see much on a day trip there.
Day trip or overnight stay in Nisyros?
Nisyros is close enough to Kos to make a day trip possible, and most travelers do exactly that. Therefore, if your main interest is seeing the volcano, walking around Mandraki for a while, and getting a quick impression of the island, a day trip can work. However, a day trip to Nisyros will only offer you a glimpse of its soul, which I find a pity since this is one of the most fascinating Greek islands.
That being said, I think it is much better to stay at least one or two nights in Nisyros. In my opinion, it deserves to see villages such as Nikia and Emporeios, spend more time at the few yet stunning Nisyros beaches, enjoy the local cuisine, and experience the island when the day-trippers have already left.
How many days are enough for Nisyros?
You can see everything in Nisyros in two days: the four settlements, the volcano, and a couple of beaches. However, four or five days will give you enough time to explore at a more relaxed pace (which aligns with the island’s vibe), visit different parts of the island, swim, eat well, and actually enjoy the atmosphere. As always, it’s better to enjoy a place than rush from one place to the next.
If you like quiet beaches and small Greek islands with a strong vibe, you could easily stay even longer. Sure, Nisyros isn’t an island with many attractions, but I guess you already know that. Its charm lies in the landscape, the mysterious volcanic scenery, the pretty villages, and the slower rhythms.
I spent 9 days on Nisyros and honestly wished I could have stayed longer. Nisyros was one of these places that I didn’t want to leave.
What to buy in Nisyros?
In Nisyros, you can buy traditional handmade products, like cherry tomato sweets or Kanelada, a cinnamon drink. Moreover, the traditional Nisyrian raki, Koukouzina, is very popular among travelers. Finally, you can find volcanic products, such as shampoos and face creams.
The best store in Mandraki for traditional Nisyrian products belongs to Eirini Sakkali. You can see Eirini’s shop on Google Maps here.
Is Nisyros worth visiting?
Absolutely. Nisyros is one of the last remaining paradises of the Aegean Sea. It has a unique vibe, and the volcano’s presence creates a fascinating atmosphere. Nisyros is definitely worth visiting, especially if you are tired of overpriced or crowded places and you want a more original Greek vacation. It instantly became one of my favorite islands, and I highly recommend it.
Nisyros travel guide: final thoughts
Nisyros is a fascinating island, and the fact that it relies less on tourism makes everything even better. Wandering around the picturesque streets of Mandraki, stopping in Emporios or Nikia, and swimming in crystal-clear waters are more than enough reasons to visit.
If you are not after crazy nightlife or a different sandy beach every day, Nisyros might turn out to be one of those holidays you remember for years.
More Dodecanese: Tilos travel guide, Kos day trips
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