Travel reports from the Nisyros expeditions

The island of Nisyros is one of the most fascinating destinations in the Aegean Sea. It remains green throughout the year, making it an ideal hiking destination in every season. Along its natural and sometimes rocky trails, you can enjoy the island’s peaceful atmosphere – here you’ll rarely meet other hikers.

During our tour, we explored the mysterious Nymphios Valley with its historic Monastery of Saint John and prehistoric ruins that reveal the island’s long and rich history. Another highlight was the hike from Lies Beach up to the Panagia Monastery – a route crossing ancient scoria cones and volcanic formations, offering a true geological adventure. With a bit of luck, you might even discover some rare minerals along the way!

Of course, a visit to the Volcano Museum in Nikia was a must – a fascinating stop for everyone interested in the geological origins and volcanic activity of Nisyros.

This journey not only offered impressive insights into the volcanic landscape of Nisyros, but also plenty of opportunities for swimming and relaxation. A perfect combination of nature, culture, and recreation on one of Greece’s most authentic islands.

As always, we stayed in Mandraki harbor at Antonis Nikolitsis’ Hotel Tria Adelfia, which made it perfect to explore the main village on our arrival day. There are many charming alleys and cozy cafés where one can truly experience the spirit of the island. Of course, a delicious dinner at the Ilikiomeni village square was not to be missed.

On this day, we hiked up into the mysterious Nymphios Valley. Some guests find the valley and its buildings rather eerie – and their feeling might not be entirely wrong. Thousands of years ago, this place may have been a sanctuary where rituals and sacrifices were performed. Only a single Minoan stone shaped like a bull’s horn still reminds us of that distant past. The small Monastery of Saint John and a chapel hidden in a cave seem to belong to another era altogether.

A much lighter and more cheerful atmosphere awaited us later around Pali, where free-roaming pigs greeted us along the way.

When staying on a small island like Nisyros, it’s definitely worth visiting the most fascinating places more than once :-)
On this day, we returned to the Stefanos Crater and also visited the old geothermal plant. In Emborio, you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the caldera and taste delicious Greek specialties at the restaurant “Balcony of Nisyros.”

Lies Beach, located just a few kilometers from the harbor village of Pali, is considered the most beautiful sandy beach on Nisyros. Its clear waters, black volcanic sand, and peaceful atmosphere make it the perfect starting point for an unforgettable hike on the volcanic island of Nisyros.

From here, a trail leads past ancient ash cones and extinct craters up to the Monastery of Panagia Kera. Along the way, hikers can enjoy spectacular views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea, as well as fascinating insights into the island’s volcanic geology.

At the monastery, a tranquil oasis awaits — shaded by orange and lemon trees, inviting you to rest and take in the atmosphere. In a nearby meadow lies a Doric column capital, evidence that this site was once a sacred place in antiquity.

This hike is a true highlight for nature lovers, geology enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to experience the authentic side of Greece.

The volcano is one of the most fascinating places on the island of Nisyros. If time allows, it’s worth visiting more than once, as there is always something new to discover.