Nisyros

Nisyros (Greek: Νίσυρος) belongs in the Dodecanese group of islands.  It is situated between the islands of Kos and Tilos.    

According to Greek mythology, the island was formed when Poseidon cut off a part of Kos and threw it onto the giant Polybotes to stop him from escaping during the war between the giants and the Olympic gods.  Nisyros is mentioned in Homer’s Iliad because it supported with several ships the legendary Greek expedition against Troy.

The main town and port of the island is Mantraki (pop 500).  The permanent residents of the island are approximately 850.  On its hill the monastery of Virgin Mary and the medieval castle erected by the Knights of Rhodes in 1315 are still standing.

Nisyros its surrounding islets and the seafloor extending to island of Kos form a volcanic complex.  The caldera of the largest of the volcanoes on Nisyros is still active and measures 2.5 miles wide.  The largest crater, Polyvotis, has a diameter of 260m and a depth of 30m.  Four historical eruptions have been recorded with the most recent activity, a steam explosion, in 1888. 

The main square in the village Nicaea is known for the beautiful church of Virgin Mary, its ellipsoid shape and its unique pebbled floor. 

Narrow streets, architectural simplicity, and the deep blue color of the sky and sea are the prevalent themes everywhere on the island.

The little chapel of Taxiarches  (11th cent.) is known for its remarkable frescoes and icons. 

Islanders and tourists alike enjoy togetherness while dinning at summer nights.