This location is #65 on our Best Travel Destinations In Greece List!
Nisyros Bay, located on the volcanic island of Nisyros in the Aegean Sea, is a scenic coastal area along the island’s roughly 5-mile diameter. The bay, primarily near the port town of Mandraki, features a mix of rocky and pebbled shores with a few sandy beaches, particularly on the northeastern side. The island itself spans about 16 square miles, with the bay’s waters influenced by the surrounding volcanic landscape, including a caldera approximately 1.9 to 2.5 miles wide. The highest point on the island reaches 2,290 feet, offering stunning views over the bay and nearby islands like Kos and Tilos. The bay’s waters are part of the Dodecanese island group, with smaller islets like Gyali, covering about 3 square miles, nearby. The climate is hot and semi-arid, with mild winters and hot summers, and the area experiences strong Meltemi winds from June to August, which can affect coastal conditions.
Nisyros Bay is renowned for its dramatic volcanic scenery and tranquil ambiance, offering a quieter alternative to more tourist-heavy Greek islands. The island’s active volcano, with its largest crater, Stefanos, draws visitors for its geothermal features like fumaroles and hot springs, particularly near the bay in areas like Paloi. Mandraki, the main town by the bay, is known for its whitewashed buildings, narrow streets, and historical sites like the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani, perched on a hill with panoramic views. The bay’s beaches, though limited, provide serene spots for swimming and relaxation, while the volcanic landscape creates a unique backdrop for hiking and exploration. Nisyros’ small population of about 1,048 (2021) and its unspoiled charm make it a hidden gem for travelers seeking natural beauty and cultural authenticity.
Historically, Nisyros’ story is tied to its volcanic origins and strategic location. Greek mythology claims the island formed when Poseidon hurled a piece of Kos at the giant Polybotes, creating Nisyros. Archaeological evidence points to Neolithic habitation from the 5th millennium BC, followed by Minoan, Mycenaean, and Dorian settlers. The island flourished in the 5th and 4th centuries BC as an autonomous city-state, minting its own coins and building the impressive Palaiokastro fortress. It joined the Athenian League briefly and later fell under Rhodian control by 200 BC. The Byzantine era saw pirate raids, leading to fortifications like the 13th-century Byzantine Castle in Mandraki. The Knights of Saint John fortified the island in 1315, but a massive eruption in 1422 shaped the central caldera. Ottoman rule began in 1522, followed by Italian occupation from 1912 until Nisyros joined Greece in 1948. The bay’s history reflects this blend of ancient prosperity, medieval defenses, and modern tranquility.
