Volcano island Nisyros, Greece. Journey to the volcano and the Church of the Virgin of the Caves. Nisyros: Between Heaven and Hell
Island Nisyros, has the shape of an almost perfect circle.
The island is located on the so-called “volcanic line” Aegean Sea , and, as a result, is subject to fairly frequent tremors. The island also has its own volcano, the most strong eruption which happened in 1422.
View from Nisyros island
The soil The island is rich in various minerals and volcanic ash. The vegetation here is lush and rich. In general, Nisyros has its own specific flora and fauna, unique to the islands of the Aegean Sea.
According to Greek mythology the island was formed during the battle of the god Poseidon with the giant Polivotis. The sea god simply broke off a piece of land from the island of Kos and threw it at the giant. This piece, as well as Polivotis buried under it, later turned into the island of Nisyros.
Today, the economy of the island largely depends on two components. Firstly, the island of Nisyros is the largest place in Greece where pumice. Well, it’s over, Nisyros was simply created by the gods for perfect holiday. It has everything that tourists need - nature, beaches, attractions, hotels.
Attractions of the island of Nasiros
capital the island is a small port town of Mandraki. There are many good Greek brands, car rentals on the island, and excursions to the volcano depart from Mandraki. While walking around this town, pay attention to the houses of the village. As a rule, these are two-story buildings, the first floors of which are reserved for shops.
A mandatory attribute of buildings in Mandraki are painted balconies with intricate Greek pattern. Particularly impressive are the houses of Chora, the medieval part of Mandraki. The streets of Hora are so narrow that sometimes it seems as if the balconies of the houses touch each other.
The main attractions of Mandraki are gothic castle , which was built in the 14th century, as well as the Mandraki Monastery, founded in the early 17th century. In the monastery, keep your eyes on the rich monastery iconostasis, made in the best traditions of the Greek Orthodox Church. Also noteworthy is the rich library of the monastery.
From the harbor of Mandraki you can go to exciting excursions on the island of Nisyros. For example, visit Bay of Saint Antonio which is famous for its white sand beaches.
But to volcano Mandraki better to go in the afternoon. When numerous tourists from the neighboring island leave the slopes of the volcano.
Lovers of antiquity will be interested in a visit to - ancient acropolis which is over 2500 years old. Pieces of “Cyclopean” walls made of volcanic rock have been preserved here, as well as Doric-style columns, which date back to the time of classical Greece.
In addition, while relaxing on the island of Nisyros, we advise you to go to the fishing the village of Piloi, famous for its fish taverns on the seashore, as well as beaches with volcanic sand.
Nisyros on the map
Nisyros is one of the smallest islands in the Dodecanese. The island has one of active volcanoes— Nisyros. It has several craters and the largest of them is Stefanos. And you can see all this and even walk along the crater. So, the island of Nisyros is a volcano, in person.
Nisyros Island, Volcano
The opportunity to visit Nisyros and “touch” the volcano with our own hands became a decisive factor when we were thinking which Greek island to visit this time. And we are the easiest way to get to Nisyros. Perhaps those who have the time and money should go to Nisyros on their own and stay there for a couple of days, but for budget tourists there are options. Of course, you already know that buying excursions from Russian tour operators is throwing money away. After all, in every local tourist office you will definitely be offered one day tour to Nisyros for 25-30 euros. We did just that, bought tickets in the capital of Kos and went on a tour. A transfer picks up from the hotel and takes you to Kardamena, from where ships leave for volcanic island Nisyros.
About an hour's journey, a good boat trip and we are on Nisyros. Everyone arriving on the island of Nisyros is first met by the icon of the Virgin. It is located on a hillside and can be seen from afar.
The island is small. The closest to Kos, for which it is also called the satellite of Kos. The terrain is mountainous. The crater of the volcano is located almost in the center of the island. The path to it lies along a serpentine. The landscapes are amazing. Very beautiful and deserted.
Only about a thousand people live on the island and almost all of them live in the only city of Mandraki. There are several other villages in the mountains, but, unfortunately, we did not visit them. By the way, there are no stocks on the island drinking water, it is delivered to Nisyros from neighboring islands.
Volcano Nisyros
The crater of the volcano is in the ring high mountains. The surface of the crater is almost white, and olive groves are located on the slopes of the mountains.
in the crater
The landscape is truly cosmic. Passage to the crater paid - 3 euros.
You can go down into the crater, look at the fumaroles from which streams of gas rise, and something gurgles in the very center.
It smells strongly of hydrogen sulfide. And the ground is hot. A seismic sensor was also found in the crater, so it's pretty safe to be there.
There is, of course, a shop with souvenirs and a cafe, you can buy and take pieces of the volcano with you.
After we returned to Mandraki, the capital of the island. small town with whitewashed houses with blue shutters and doors.
Wandering around the city is very pleasant,
Many narrow streets, ancient churches, a couple of museums, small shops, shops.
On many paths there are beautiful mosaics of pebbles. They are very popular here, they are found at every turn.
And above the city rises the monastery and the ruins of the castle.
Monastery on the rock
From the courtyard of the monastery offers a panoramic view of the entire Mandraki and the sea. Very beautiful, breathtaking. Something reminiscent famous photo Santorini.
View from the walls of the monastery
Spiliani Monastery
This monastery is known for the fact that in the temple there is an ancient icon - the Theotokos Spiliani. According to legend, the icon was found in a cave and more than once they tried to move it to the city, but it mysteriously moved back to the cave.
Some rooms of the monastery are located in a cave.
On your way back, look into the shop and buy some cinnamon syrup (Canelada) and almond milk (Sumada) as a keepsake. Here they make tomato jam and cheese in wine. The prices are quite reasonable.
You can also buy a volcanic clay mask here. Looks like you won't find it anywhere else. Very good cosmetic product. Exclusive, but expensive. For one jar you will have to pay about 20 euros.
Octopuses
It is also worth taking a break and refreshing yourself in a local tavern. There is plenty to choose from, portions are large, prices are low and very tasty. For example, frappe coffee can be bought for 1 euro, and a plate of gyros (even rather a huge wooden tray of gyros (portions are more than enough for two) costs 5 euros. We recommend this tavern, the best combination of price / portion 😉
Tavern in Mandraki
If you are on Kos, do not even hesitate, spend one day in Nisyros - you will get a lot of impressions. The island will not leave anyone indifferent.
We visited the island of Nisyros as part of our trip to the island of Kos, and although Nisyros is a different island, many attribute it to.
Isiros is one of the most beautiful islands Aegean Sea, which is not yet affected by the massive influx of tourists. It is part of the archipelago and located between the islandsKos And . The island covers an area of about 41 km 2 , and its length coastline is 28 km. It can be reached by ferry from Piraeus, Kos and .
According to the myth, the island appeared as a result of the war between the Gods and the Giants. Poseidon chasing giant Polybotes along the island of Kos, broke off a piece of the island and threw it at the enemy, burying him forever at the bottom of the Aegean Sea. The thrown rock became the island of Nisyros, and the legend says that the island's eruptions are the breath of a defeated giant. Seismic activity has shaped the island, which is considered the youngest center volcanic activity in Greece. is still active - as on the islands, and. In ancient times, the obsidian (volcanic glass) trade flourished on the island, which the inhabitants of Nisyros mined on neighboring island
Traveling around the island
Villages of Nisyros
Mandraki: Mandraki - administrative center and the port of the island. This is one of the largest villages on Nisyros, with a developed tourism infrastructure. Enjoy through charming narrow streets and squares, paved with stone, such asPlatea Delphinion(Dolphin Square), and admire the white or colored two-story houses with wooden balconies. The houses are built of volcanic rock with pumice stone insulation. Night life in Mandraki is not particularly active, but in the local small taverns and bars, of course, you can have a good time.
Emborios: The village of Emborios, located 8 km west of Mandraki, is distinguished by the architecture of the houses. In the 20th century, it experienced its heyday, then there were many residents, shops and workshops (forges, sewing workshops, grocery stores, coffee shops) and skilled stone artisans. In the 60s, most of the inhabitants moved to the port village of Palli.
Nikiya: At Porta Square, main square Nikia, is the church of Isodione tis Theotokou (Apparitions of the Virgin), one of the most beautiful churches in Greece. The square, shaped like an ellipse, was paved according to the design of the famous 19th-century master Paschalis Paschalakis, who was born on Nisyros. Walking through the village, you will find several places that offer beautiful view to the volcano. Nikiya is located 14 km southwest of Mandraki.
Attractions worth visiting:
- Volcano. You can go down into the crater and watch the boiling in the cracks. Last eruption occurred in 1888, after which a volcano crater with a diameter of about 25 m was formed. The largest crater of the Polybot volcano has a diameter of 260 m and a depth of 30 m. Five younger craters are also located here, the largest of which is Stefanos with a diameter of 30 m and a depth of 30 m. The (caldera) of the volcano is 2400 m long and 950 m wide.
- Visit Volcanological Museum Nikiya, located on the edge of the caldera, offering a unique view. The museum is well equipped and has a rich collection of specimens, photographs rocks, maps, diagrams, photographs, layouts, computer models of volcanoes and much more. Thanks to technical tools, you will learn about volcanic activity in the area using 3D moving images.
- paleokastro- acropolis ancient city belonging to the classical period. It is still in very good condition thanks to the high quality of construction and the building material - basalt andesite (volcanic rock), which is one of the hardest materials in the world. The main gates are built from well-hewn stone blocks with an ideal fit of adjacent surfaces. The total length of the structure is very large, so much so that it surrounds the entire foot of the rocky hill above the southern tip of Mandraki.
- Monastery of Panagia Spiliani, built on top of a hill northwest of Mandraki. The most most of The monastery is built in a cave and consists of two churches. The northern one is called Kimisi tis Theotoku (Assumption), and the southern one is called Agios Charalambos (Saint Charalambos).
- Knights castle St. John in Mandraki, built on a rock, at a height of 150 meters. The castle recalls the times of the knights of St. John, who landed on the island and built in 1315 magnificent castle, in which the monastery of Panagia Spiliani, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin, is located.
- Church Panagia Listiriotissa located in a cave near the village.
- medieval fortress Pantoniki, which offers a unique view. Taxiarches Church (XI or XIII century) was built on top of the fortress, it has wonderful frescoes and icons.
- The monasteries of Panagia Kira (7.5 km to the SE) and Stavros (8.5 km to the SW) in the village of Argos.
- thermal springs : The spring located in Loutra (water temperature 37°C) is ideal for the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, skin infections, sciatica, etc.
Where to swim
On the island of Nisyros are located picturesque beaches, each of which will give you a unique experience. Visit the beachesLefki or Yaliskari, Lies, Pali, Pachia Ammos, Katsuni, Agios Savas, Agia Irini or Hohlakiawith stunning black pebbles, perfect for windsurfers and snorkellers!
The nearby islets have so much to offer that a tour is a must! Do not miss: daily excursions on , where the beach in the southern part of the island is dotted with red stones of volcanic rock, and white sand lies on the northern beach.
traditional delicacies
On Nisyros you can try traditional dishes, such asdrinking(roasted chickpeas)capamas(stuffed goat) and of course fresh fish. Do not miss the opportunity to try myzithra cheese, adramitozumo, capers, trigias cheese, bukuni (pork fried with bacon), yambrakia, marinated fish, beef in tomato sauce and pilaf. Drink a refreshing mealcrazy(almond soft drink)canelade(soft drink with cinnamon) orcorn(strong alcoholic drink).
Cultural events - Nisyros
The feast dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin, which takes place in the church of Panagia Sipliani, lasts 9 days (August 6-15). During the festivities and on the day of the Virgin (August 15) in
The picturesque Greek island of Nisyros, located in the Aegean Sea, is fraught with a great volcanic threat. In its central part, a caldera with a diameter of 3.8 km extends, which actively breathes and poses a danger to the population. It is believed that the construction of the island began about 150,000 years ago with three explosive eruptions that gradually formed the dome of the Nisyros volcano.
The caldera itself appeared, according to various sources, from 24,000 to 44,000 years ago as a result of the collapse of a volcanic structure into an empty reservoir. Its occurrence is associated with two large Plinian eruptions, the ash from which was found on the neighboring island of Tilos - 17 km southeast of Nisyros.
With time western part calderas filled 5 volcanic domes height up to 698 meters. The highest of them - Profitis Ilias - is at the same time the highest point islands. Its exact age has not been established, but it is believed that the volcanic structure appeared about 10,000 years ago.
Volcanic domes of Nisyros
IN modern era at least 4 eruptions occurred in the caldera - in 1422, 1871, 1873 and 1884. All of them came from the small Polivotis crater, which is currently dormant. The current activity of the caldera is concentrated in another crater - Stefanos, which has a diameter of 300 meters. The activity of fumaroles and mud volcanoes is constantly observed here.
In 1996-1997, seismic disturbances began on Nisyros, as a result of which close monitoring was established behind the caldera. Due to the appearance of cracks and rising surface temperatures, the Stefanos crater was completely closed to tourists.
Earthquakes have led to significant changes in the state of the volcano. The temperature of the water in the hydrothermal system of the caldera increased from 210 to 315 degrees Celsius, and the largest crack became 3 times longer and stretched for a distance of 139 meters. As of 2000, the composition of gases emitted from fumaroles has changed significantly. Although on this moment the caldera remains relatively calm, scientists do not exclude that phreatic (steam) and magmatic eruptions await it in the future.
Nisyros Island known for the volcano, which is located right in its central part. The island is small, but rather small. Nisyros is located in the Aegean Sea and is surrounded by other islands, which are the resort places of Greece. Not far from Nisyros is the island of Kos, from which we set off on a one-day, but very interesting trip.
Nisyros Island It is famous for three main attractions: volcano, Mother of God Cave(church in her honor), coastal town of Mandraki. More detailed story about them and all the photos you will find below. Nisyros also has healing springs, a castle and a monastery, and ancient ruins.
There is a story about the appearance of this island - Poseidon (the ancient Greek god of the sea) broke off a rock from the island of Kos, which he threw at Polybot (a giant from Greek myths). The crushed giant remained in place, he could not get out from under the rocks. Since that time, Politbot only sighs. That's how it was described history of Nisyros and its volcano by the ancient inhabitants.
By the way, Nisyros island has no sources fresh water, it is regularly brought here from other islands. In ancient times, the ancient inhabitants of the island collected rainwater, which they then drank and used in the preparation of food. The answer to the question why it was necessary to live there at all is the assumption that due to the lack of fresh water, Nisyros was not at all interested in pirates, from whom its first inhabitants found shelter there.
visit Nisyros island in Greece You can take a tour, or you can do it on your own.
We traveled to Nisyros from Fr. Kos, from the port of the Kardamena resort on a small longboat, with two decks - open and closed. By time route Kos - Nisyros took about an hour. It was stuffy on the lower and closed deck, we had to move to the upper one, where it was cooler. And there, keep your hats tight - one of ours was blown away by the wind towards the distant Fr. Kos. :)
After arriving at the port of Nisyros, we were taken to its main attraction - a volcano, the path to which must be done along a serpentine road that encircles almost the entire island. We noticed that almost all steep slopes the islands are fortified and are very similar to steps - this is the work of the ancient inhabitants of Nisyros, who used such steps as beds and built them to prevent collapses and landslides.
If you are traveling on your own, then it makes sense to rent a car or motorcycle right at the port and .. be ready for the serpentine :). For a certain price, you can negotiate and get to the island by ferry with your car, for example, if you have already rented it.
Volcano on the island of Nisyros- the most real and active, at the present time he is sleeping. It erupted 7 centuries ago, and Last Activity it has not been seen for about 15 years. Excursions bring to the upper edge of its mouth and allow vacationers to go down. This is where comfortable shoes and clothes come in handy. Explaining the save attempt natural nature- the road to the Nisyros volcano is "as is", in places it is very inconvenient, without fences, steps, steep edges. However, the descent is not as tiring as it might seem, the main thing is to go down with a good attitude.
The closer the bottom of the volcano, the more the smell of hydrogen sulfide is felt. Almost everything is covered with gray, including tourists who have visited the volcano :). Myself volcano about. Nisyros strikes with a lunar landscape, with its craters. Hot steam comes out of some craters - it’s better not to approach them at a very close distance, this is dangerous. And being near the most large group craters (you can't miss it!) you can hear a low rumbling sound - the sound of a living, sleeping volcano.
On the surface above the volcano there is a small shop, cafe, toilet. They sell some unsightly pebbles (probably from a volcano, but not a fact), it is better to buy magnets with a volcano here.
After visiting the volcano, we went to the capital of the island Nisyros - city of Mandraki, over which rises the church, to the creation of which, according to legend, the Virgin Mary, or as she is called here, Mother of God Cave.
Myself city of Mandraki is already a tourist attraction. Snow-white, low houses, located on the very close range to the shore, blue shutters and windows, beautiful greenery, narrow old streets. Walking around this city is a pleasure. And the building of the city hall and the sidewalk paved with mosaics are themselves historical monuments and works of art.
After passing through Mandraki and overcoming a slight rise, we came to another attraction of the island - Churches of the Virgin of the Cave. On the way to the church we met very Beautiful places and opened great views. Get ready what's inside the church if you're traveling by Nisyros with guided tour, there will be a lot of people. There is a legend that the one who put the candle will be healed from childlessness (if any). However, not very religious tourists will have enough for five minutes to inspect the church premises and sights - icons Virgin of the Cave.
About the icon Virgin of the Cave, which the island of Nisyros keeps all the time, will tell more detailed guide. We will not open all the cards at once, as they say. ;)
Prices in taverns and souvenirs on the island of Nisyros are slightly lower when compared, for example, with Kos. However, it is difficult to find something very unique. Unlike the shops of the same Kos (), pumice, of local origin and processing, is sold in huge quantities on Nisyros. We limited ourselves to magnets with the inscription Nisyros and the landscapes of the island and a mug.
If you move away from the city of Mandraki, and go up a little in the port area, you can find yourself near the ancient ruins of the old city of Nisyros.
On Nisyros, you can taste fresh fish in a settlement called Pali. Pali is located one kilometer from the city of Mandraki.
The healing springs of Nisyros are located in a place called Loutri, which is located one and a half kilometers from the port.
A definite plus for traveling Nisyros with guided tour, is the organization of the return path - Nisyros - Kos. They sailed back on the same ship as on the island. Upon arrival, we were transferred to the bus, on which we were taken to the hotel.
The time allotted for the tour was enough to see the main sights of the island of Nisyros, the volcano, the city, the church. However, lovers of a very secluded holiday can stay on the island longer. Good luck on your travels!
