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Nissyros

The island of Nissiros impresses the tourist with its picturesque scenery. The two-storey houses are white with flat roofs covered with limestone and reeds to repel rainwater. The yards are full of flowers and plants, creating a strange opposition to the dark colour of the volcano rock, on top of which the houses are built.

The island's customs are very similar to the customs of the rest of Greece. The only difference is in the weddings ceremony and christenings, which are performed very formal.
During the feasts of the islands, the locals are dressed in traditional costumes, i.e. "vraka" for the men and a decorated shirt for the women. The people of Nissiros love dancing and singing, and their feasts are remarkable. The most significant instruments of Nissiros are the "tsambouna", the "violin", the "sandouri" and the lute.

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 of 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.

The port of Nisyros is Mandraki, set in the northwest at the foot of a steep hill. The whiteness of its houses forms a striking contrast to the dark, volcanic earth. Yet another castle erected by the Knights of St, John looms above the small town, while a chapel nearby dedicated to the Panayia Us Spilianis (Our Lady of the Cave), the patroness of the island, clings to the tip of the rock. Built in 1600, it is linked with many traditions and has a lovely 18th century iconostasis.

The island's hot springs, fabled since ancient times are still in use today, are to be found at Loutra, just 1.5 kilometres from Mandraki. East of Loutra is the picturesque fishing village of Pall.

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 meters deep with steps leading down to its center. The smell 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 meters above sea level. Its white houses with their brightly coloured doors and windows and tile roofs are an attractive complement to the greenery.

Nisyros is blessed with many lovely beaches: at Mandraki, Hochlaki, Agia Irini, Avlaki and on Giali, the islet directly opposite.

Pali is a beautiful seaside village 4 km east of Mandraki. It is one of the tourist resorts of the island, and its few inhabitants are mainly employed in fishing, and in recent years, in the tourist trade. On the waterfront are many taverns, which offer a vast variety of seafood and fish.

 

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