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(Distance from Piraeus: about 202 n. miles - Area: 41 km2 Population: 916)
Approaching Nisyros you are impressed by perfectly white houses, dense greenery, and the
colours of the dark volcanic soil.
Nisyros, was known in antiquity as Porphyris. Mythology holds that once it was united with
Kos and that when Poseidon was chasing the giant Polyvotis, he split the two islands
asunder.
The capital of Nisyros is built at the foot of a steep hill which used to be fortified in the Middle
Ages. To the northwest of the capital, clinging to the tip af a tall rock, lies the monastery of
the Madona of the Caves (Panagia Spiliani), the patroness of the island. Built in 1600, it is
linked with many traditions and has a lovely 18th century iconostasis. Every year a huge
feast takes place here, with lots of food and drink.
Yet another castle erected by the Knights of St. John looms above the small town.
Approximately 800 metres southwest from Mandraki we shall meet the ancient Acropolis with
its remnants of Pelasgic walls.
In the town-hall and the primary school there is an archaelogical collection with sculptures,
ceramics, Hellenistic and Roman inscriptions and 18th/19th -century icons. It is interesting to
visit Emporio, to the northeast of the island's capital; here lies the monastery of Panagia Kyra
offering a panoramic view towards Nikia with their monastery of St John.
To the northeast of Mandraki lies Pali, a fishing village with an excellent beach for swimming.
Another village, Emborios, lies to the southeast of Mandrake in the interior of the island, in a
lush area with mineral springs and planted with olive trees, fruit trees, fig trees and
grapevines.
The island's hot springs, fabled since antiquity and still in use today, are to be found at
Loutra just 1,5 kilometres from Mandraki.
You have to go almost to the middle of Nisyros to the Lakki plateau, to see the crater of the
extinct volcano, Polybates. It is 260 metres in diameter and 30 metres deep with steps
leading down to its centre. The reek of sulphur fills the surrounding air, while the scenery could belong to the moon.
In the south of the island, the charming village of Nikia perches on the crest of a hill 400
metres above sea level. Its white houses with their brightly coloured doors and windows and
tile roofs are an attractive complement to the greenery that abounds in the district.
Nisyros is blessed with many lovely beaches: at Mandraki, Hochlaki, Agia Irini, Avlaki and on
Giali, the islet directly opposite.
Because of its volcanic soil, Nisyros is very fertile.
Its inhabitants take great care to preserve their traditions. One of them is their mariage
festivities.
The matrimonial dande "Perioli" is known to all.
HOW TO GET THERE
Nissiros is connected by boat with Piraeus,
Crete and the other islands of Dodecanese.
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Area code 0242
Harbourmaster 31 222
Police 31 201
Municipality 31 203
First Aid 31 217
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