Nisyros is a small island of the Dodecanese group, a few miles south of Kos.
Nisyros, with fewer than 1,000 permanent inhabitants, is famous for having the only 'active' volcano in Greece together with Santorini (Thyra). The island is essentially a volcanic cone with a large collapsed caldera in the center. It is possible to walk into the volcanic crater and view the smoking fumaroles at close hand.
There are two main villages on the island: Mandraki in the north-west (where the ferries dock) and Nikea, up on the edge of the volcanic rim to the south.
During the summer month the island is frequented daily by hundreds day-trip visitors from Kos that arrive on multiple boats in the morning, visit the crater, spend some time in Mandraki and leave in the afternoon. Afterwards the island returns to its calm and relaxing atmosphere in which some traditional greek life can be enjoyed, therefore it's worth to stay for a night.
- The walk-in volcanic crater.. A path leads down to the yellow sulphur stained floor where you can walk up to and view the steaming vents. Try to avoid being here when the day-trip visitors come (~11:00). There’s a small café with shaded seats after the entrance. 3€ (free if you hiked there).
- Nikia. A mountain-village at the ridge of the crater. The village is pretty, painted in blue and white. There’s one square with 2 restaurants. There’s a view-point to see down into the crater valley.
The walk-in volcanic crater.. A path leads down to the yellow sulphur stained floor where you can walk up to and view the steaming vents. Try to avoid being here when the day-trip visitors come (~11:00). There’s a small café with shaded seats after the entrance. 3€ (free if you hiked there).
Nikia. A mountain-village at the ridge of the crater. The village is pretty, painted in blue and white. There’s one square with 2 restaurants. There’s a view-point to see down into the crater valley.
Hiking between Mandraki and Nikia via the volcanic crater is a great day-trip. Beware of the elevation and the sun and pack enough water. The island’s peak can also be climbed, apparently one could sleep there with a sleeping bag (unverified).
There are multiple hiking paths between and Mandraki and the volcanic crater. The one east of the mountain is hard to find for the last part until it hits the paved street leading to the crater.
OpenStreepMap maps have good coverage of the trails. Most hotels on the island also have free maps available for anyone interested in walks around the island.
Mandraki has many restaurants. If you go with a group, try to avoid the places where the tour guide sends you to eat. Some tour guides get a commission from the restaurants, which means it will be expensive. Look around and try to avoid the main tourist pathways.
Nikia and Emborios have just 1-2 restaurants, the tavern in Emborios has a great view of the crater valley.
Mandraki has a few bars and lots of restaurants inviting for a drink.