NISYROS ISLAND - a Volcanic Experience

Picking you from your Hotel's door around the area of Mastichari, our modern and air-conditioned busses will drive you to Kardamena. A village at the other side of the island. Modern and convinient ferries will transfer you to Nisyros' main hardour called Mandraki , a trip that lasts apprx 45 minutes.  Half way between Kardamena and Nisyros  a volcanic Greek island named Giali or Yali is located. It consists of rhyolitic obsidian lava domes and pumice deposits(which are mined in huge quantities). 
According to the Greek Mythology, Poseidon, helping Zeus while he was combating the Titans, was pursuing the terrible Titan Polyvotis  on the beachside and in the seas. Arriving in front of the island of Kos, he detached a part of the island with his trident, launching it against Polyvotis and buried him underneath. The island of Nisyros is created by this fragmentary part of the island of Kos. 

Arriving at Mandraki, you will be transfered with a short journey by air-conditioned coaches, at the approx 4000 -5000 years old Stefanos Crater , a geological open-air museum, with a diameter ranging from 260m -330m and depth of 27m.
It is one of the largest and best preserved hydrothermal craters in the world, with otherworldly surface of hydrogen sulfide - puffing fumaroles (the holes in the ground). 

An hour later the same coach will take you down to Mandraki (Nisyros small capital) again. There you will have time enough to walk around the charming bougainvillea-adorned streets, you will come across elegant houses, some inhabited by people who tired of city life, white washed churches, workshops and stores. With elderly ladies knitting on stoops, and dozen of cats living large. Spend some time at Ilikiomeni Square at the heart of Mandraki, with its giant ficus tree, its tavernas and its pastry shops. 

For those who wish a rather sophisticated  island approach, we can definetely reccomend a visit at the sacred place from the 15th-c Panagia Spiliani Monastery. It appears to hover over the night time sky like an illuminated apparition. Climbing 130 steps will bring you in front of an intricately carved wooden iconostasis from 1725, which is one among its treasures. 

While in Nisyros, don't miss out of delicacies such as pythia (chickpea fritter, the Greek version of falafel) usually served with almond and garlic sause, boukounies ( pork chunks fried in lard) and kapama (kidgoat stuffed with rice) 

At 15:30,  with your boarding card you will embark your ferry and you will depart for the return trip to Kardamena and from there with the bus  back to you Hotel around at the area of Mastichari. 

NISYROS ISLAND EXCURSION'S HIGHLIGHTS 

• A beautiful little island, nearby Kos!
• A peaceful and laid-back destination!
• Unique Geology - a 3000 - 4000 years old Volcano still active!
• Traditional architecture and terrific views!
• Sophisticated attractions like Panagia Spiliani Monastery