Nissyros with an area of 41,6 square kms and coastine of 28 kms, is situated at the centre of the Dodecanese islands of Greece. It lies between the islands of Kos and Tilos and the promontory of Knidos of Asia Minor. Nissyros island has an almost circular shape and thereofore its coastline is not rich in geophysical formations. It is comprised of mountains which have originated from volcanic activity while the huge volcanic caldera, of length 2400m and width 950 meters, situated at the centre of the island attests to its volcanic past. The visitor will admire from close the impressive craters the largest of which has a diameter of 260m and a depth of 30m.

According to ancient mythology, Poseidon helping Zeus in his battle against the Titans, chased the fearful giant Polybotis over land and seas. When Poseidon reached the island of Kos he broke off a piece of the island with his mighty trident and throwing it at Polybotis he buried him under it. This broken off piece of Kos became the island of Nissyros. The volcano was created over the mouth of Polybotis and the constant rumblings are the sighs of the buried titan! The name of the island possibly derives from pre Hellenic aegean place names. Homer refers to the cooperation of the Nysirian islander in the Trojan expedition. The inhabitants of Nissyros worshipped Delfinios Apollo as well as the sea god Poseidon, a temple to whom was once located where Pali are today. The historical fortunes of Nisyros is common with the fortunes of the other Greek islands of the south eastern Aegean. Pirates harboured in the area until the Knights of Rhodes took over the island in 1312. In 1522 the Turks occupied Nissyros and in 1912 the Italians took over and with the end of World War II Nissyros island was incorporated to Greece

Thermal springs are found at many points on Nissyros, themost well known of which are located a short distance from Mandraki. The capital of Nissyros is Mandraki which boasts, whitewashed houses, colourful narrow lanes and the beautiful piazza "Ilikiomeni" (the old woman's piazza) which is shaded by large trees. The town has a small folklore museum with interesting exhibitions. The small mountainous town of Emporios is found 8 kms south east of the capital and just a short distance from it is the monastery of Our Virgin Lady which is built on a hill 500m high and offers a panoramic view. To the south is Nikia in which is found the remarkable monastery of St. John. The beautiful beach side settlement of Pali is situated some 4kms north east of the capital.

Even though it's a small island and a bit distant from Athens and the Greece mainland, Nissyros island can be reached quite easily nonetheless! There are two weekly scheduled departures from Piraeus to Nissyros year-round.
Travel time from Piraeus is approximately 16 hours. In the summer there are tourist boats on a daily basis that go to Nissyros via Kos and Kardamena (Kos). From Rhodes there are flying dolphins (speed ferries only for passengers-no vehicles), cata-marans and boats

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