Nisyros Kos

island report and Nisyros map

Nisyros Kos

NISYROS is a small volcanic island to the south of Kos. It is roughly round in shape and it is only about 8km across, but nearly 1,00 people live there in the villages of Mandraki, Palli, Nikea and Emporios.
Nisyros island is a popular day trip destination from several ports on Kos but most notably from the holiday resort of Kardamena. The Nisyros island volcano is still active and the most recent activity was an explosion in 1888.
Various Nisyros craters still give off vents of steam and small earth trembles on the island are not infrequent. There are also hot water springs at the Nisyros village of Loutra, near Mandraki.
Nisyros has four uninhabited monasteries on the island and a medieval castle.
Nisyros island is also noted for a non-alcoholic almond, tomato and honey flavoured cordial called 'soumada'.
Half-way between Kos and Nisyros is the tiny volcanic islet of GYALI which is regularly plundered for pumice. Access is only possible by boat and, as the island is owned by a mining company, you need permission to land there.