Nisyros sports Greece's only 'active' volcano, with a walk-in crater.

Nisyros is a small island of the Dodecanese group, a few miles south of Kos.

Understand

Nisyros, with fewer than 1000 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.

Get in

By sea

Nisyros is one of the stops for ferries that run between Piraeus (on the Greek mainland) and Rhodes, with other nearby stops being at Kos, Tilos and Symi. Sailings are not to a regular daily schedule and become less frequent in the winter months.

In addition, a fast catamaran service runs to Rhodes on some days (via Tilos), and many tourist boats bring day-trippers over from Kos each morning, returning early afternoon.

Get around

Mandraki and Nikea are small enough to stroll around on foot. To travel between the two there is an occasional bus service, or you can take a taxi. Alternatively, it is a half day hike between the two villages, via the volcanic crater. There is one car and motorcycle rental based on the main port. Manos tel 2242031029. Eagle's Nest Car/Bike Rentals in Pali Harbour. Mike and his American wife Marilyn very friendly service and very good tour advice. Not to be missed. 6932732906 www.eaglesnestnisyros.com

See

Volcano crater

Emporio

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.

Do

Mandraki

Hike between Nikea and Mandraki via the volcanic crater. Most hotels on the island have free maps available for anyone interested in walks around the island.

Eat

If you go to nisyros with a group, try to avoid 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.

Sleep

Budget

• Miramare, Mandraki, ☏ +30 22420 31100, +30 22420 31254. 
• Ta Liotrida, Mandraki, ☏ +30 22420 31580, info@nisyros-taliotridia.gr. 
• Tria Aderfia (Three Brothers), Mandraki, ☏ +30 22420 31344, fax: +30 22420 31344. 

Midrange

• Hotel Porfyris **, Mandraki. 38 rooms, 400m from the sea 
• Haritos, Mandraki, ☏ +30 22420 31322. 11 rooms 
• White Beach **, Pali, ☏ +30 22420 31497, fax: +30 22420 31389. 47 rooms 
• Polyvotis ***, ☏ +30-22420-31011. 20 rooms