Hey Greek island lovers! I’m Edit Végh and welcome to my guide on Nisyros – a gem of an island in the Dodecanese. I live in Hungary with my daughter (Sofi) and husband. We love to travel and since Sofi is with us we explore the world as a trio. This year we decided to visit Kos and Nisyros. We wanted to visit a not so frequently visited place with beautiful attractions.
So we had the opportunity to spend 10 wonderful days in Kos. This island is just an hour boat ride from Nisyros. We also visited Nisyros for a day. It was a fantastic little addition and we definitely could have spent more time there, however we got to see everything on the island that we wanted.
The main things we wanted to see were the Santorini-like white and blue houses, and the narrow streets which have such a pleasant vibe. I couldn’t get enough of the views on the island! The island is located between Kos and Tilos islands. We visited the active volcano in the heart of the island, and wandered around the two main towns of Nikia and Mandraki.
Why Nisyros is a Hidden Gem Worth Visiting
I was pleased to find such a small and not so popular island to visit like Nisyros. This place gave us so many epic experiences. I would recommend it to those who are interested in tiny little Greek houses, narrow but intimate streets, beautiful nature and amazing sea views. The island is not too crowded with tourists, like many of the other Greek islands are.
We loved walking around the maze of winding streets – which have this special atmosphere (I felt amazing there). My favorite places that I visited, and my favorite photos that I took, were at the Church of the Virgin Mary and the Panagia Spiliani Monastery where I wore a yellow dress standing on the stairs. This place gives you a panoramic view of the town and sea.
7 Best Things To Do in Nisyros
There are so many beautiful things to see on the island of Nisyros, but don’t miss out on the following experiences when you visit. You might want to spend more than a day on the island to immerse yourself in these activities.
- Explore the charming town of Nikia
- See the Church of the Virgin Mary in the main square of Nikia
- Visit the Prophet Elias Church – a small church “on top of the world”
- Take in the views of the sea and volcano wherever you go
- Spend an afternoon wandering the streets of Mandraki
- Capture a few cool photos at Panagia Spiliani Monastery
- Hike around the Stefanos Crater for incredible volcanic views.
Hotels, Restaurants & Bars on the Island
About 1,000 people live in Nisyros and it’s 42km². As the island is small, there are relatively few hotels around, however one can find a place to stay. In Mandraki, near the streets leading to the monastery, there are plenty of restaurants and bars waiting for tourists. It’s a special feeling having lunch next to the sea, viewing the waves and admiring the monastery.
My Best Memories from Nisyros
Our trip was special because I went to Nisyros with my daughter and we explored everything together. I have never been to a town with incredible white and blue colors, so I absolutely loved it! I was also happy that many locals liked my blue dress when I was in Nikia. I really felt like a “star”.
Need to Know Before you Go
I recommend coming to Nisyros for a few days – not just one day like us. Although it was a fantastic trip, we did have to rush a bit which wasn’t ideal. I would suggest spending a night or two in an apartment facing the sea with beautiful panoramic views. In fact, every moment spent on the island is special – so those who choose to visit Nisyros will not be disappointed.
