Attractions to See in Nisyros, Greece

Written by Greek Boston in About Nisyros, Greece, Greek Travel Guide Comments Off on Attractions to See in Nisyros, Greece

The Greek island of Nisyros is also an active volcano making it a pretty unique place to visit. The good news is the volcano has been asleep for the past 130 years. Besides the volcano that you can actually visit, the island of Nisyros has much to offer visitors. Here are some of the attractions you won’t want to miss while in Nisyros, Greece.

Volcano of Nisyros

The most well-known attraction on the island of Nisyros is the volcano. This is the youngest volcano of the Aegean and has a caldera that is fifteen thousand years old. The caldera has six main craters. The crater of Stefanos is the biggest and best-preserved of the craters. The crater called Polyvotis has a depth of 30 meters. The Volcano of Nisyros is one of the few in the world that can be so easily visited.

Monastery of Panagia Spiliani

Located on a rock 30 meters up at the end of Mandraki is the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani. The monastery is accessible by climbing 270 steps. The monastery was established in the 14th century and is actually in the ruins of the Castle of the Knights. The fortress was built by the Knights of St. John. Inside the monastery there is a cave church with an icon of the Virgin Mary. As you approach the island of Nisyros by ferry, you will see the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani and from the monastery, you will have a fantastic view of the surrounding area.

Municipal Thermal Baths

Thanks to the mix of rainwater and the sea that are heated by geothermal activity, hot water springs can be found around the island of Nisyros. If you’re hiking around the island, you’re likely to come across a thermal spring where you can relax in the warm seawater. Another great place to experience these thermal water is the municipal baths building that was opened in the 19th century.

Time in the sulfurous water is limited, so your visit will be short. The water ranges from 30 to 60 degrees, so you’ll find it more than enough time. There is also no cost to enjoy the relaxing and healing waters. There is a café on the ground floor and rooms available at the municipal guesthouse.

Archaeological Museum of Nisyros

Located close to the Square of Heroes in the village of Mandraki, you will find the Archaeological Museum of Nisyros. Admission to the museum is free. Periods showcased include: Late Neolithic, 5300 – 4500 BC; Bronze Age, 3200 – 1050 BC; Ancient historical times, 1050 BC – 324 AD, Byzantine period, 324 – 1453 AD, and Post-Byzantine period, 1453 – 1821. Exhibits include tools, stone, frescoes, icons, jewelery, sculptures, and more. The helpful staff at the museum is eager to share their knowledge with visitors.

Visiting the volcanic island of Nisyros, Greece is sure to be a unique experience. Take in the amazing site of the volcano up close before relaxing in the thermal springs and exploring the rest of the island.

Categorized in: About Nisyros, Greece, Greek Travel Guide

This post was written by Greek Boston