Nisyros (Nissiros), Dodecanese Islands

In brief
Nisyros according to the mythology, is the stone that sea god Poseidon (Neptune) picked up from Kos Island and throw it to Titan Polyvotis. Apart of all that it is small volcanic island, a mere 41 square km in area, situated between Kos and Tilos. Untouched by tourism but popular with day-trippers from Kos, it has very few beaches but its distinct wild beauty offers stunning views and remarkable walks.
 

General Information
In antiquity it was known as Porphyris. Mythology holds that once it was united with Kos and that when Poseidon was chasing the giant Polyvotis, he split the two islands asunder.
The capital and port of Nisyros is Mandraki, set in the northwest at the foot of a steep hill. The whiteness of its houses forms a striking contrast to the dark, volcanic earth. Yet another castle erected by the Knights of St. John looms above the small town, while a chapel nearby dedicated to the Panagia tis Spilianis (Our Lady of the Cave), the patroness of the island, clings to the tip of the rock. Built in 1600, it is linked with many traditions and has a lovely 18th century iconostasis.
 

As a volcanic island, Nisyros has hot sulphurous springs, well known for healing properties for arthritis and rheumatism.
The island’s hot springs, fabled since antiquity and still in use today, are to be found at Loutra just 1.5 kilometres from Mandraki. East of Loutra is the picturesque fishing village of Pali.
Another village, Emborios, lies to the southeast of Mandraki, in the interior of the island, in a lush area with mineral springs and planted with olive trees, fruit trees, fig trees and grapevines.
 

You have to go almost to the middle of Nisyros to the Lakki plateau, to see the crater of the extinct volcano, Polybates. It is 260 metres in diameter and 30 metres deep with steps leading down to its Center. The reek of sulphur fills the surrounding air, while the scenery could belong to the moon.
In the south of the island, the charming village of Nikia perches on the crest of a hill 400 metres above sea level. Its white houses with their brightly coloured doors and windows and tile roofs are an attractive complement to the greenery that abounds in the district.
 

Sightseeing
The capital, Mandraki, is a very pretty village by the sea in typical Greek style. Here there is a folklore museum with various things displayed from the island's history. Above the capital is the 15th century monastery dedicated to Panagia Spilianis (Virgin Mary of the Cave), which is also Nisyros' patron saint. It is open for visitors, but as always when visiting churches and monasteries in Greece, you should dress appropriately: covered shoulders and long skirts for women, long trousers for men. On the 14th and 15th of August the Virgin is celebrated here with a great feast.
 

There is also a fortification nearby, Paleokastro, which dates back to the 4th century BC, which might have been the ancient capital of Nisyros.
Yet another castle is the Kastro of the Knights of St. John.
The volcano Polyvotis lies on the Lakka plateau, and has a diameter of 260m and is 30m deep.
At Loutra there are hot, supposedly healing, wells.
There are also some wonderful villages here: Nikea and Emboria are definitely must-sees.
 

Beaches

Nisyros has many lovely beaches: at Mandraki, Hochlaki, Agia lrini, Avlaki and on Giali, the islet directly opposite.

Useful Information  
How to get there  
By sea from Piraeus 

Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005 

Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22420  
Municipal Offices: 31204

Police: 31201

Port Authority: 31222
Health Center: 31217

http://www.nisyros.gr

Halki (Chalki), Dodecanese Islands

In brief
Halki (or Chalki), once sponge-fishing center with a rich fleet and thousands of people living there, took its name from the copper (chalkos or halkos in Greek), that mined in antiquity. A small, quiet and unspoiled island with an attractive village port and few people. It is a place for those who love walking, which in fact are rewarding.

General Information
Situated to the south of Tilos and west of Rhodes, Halki has been inhabited since antiquity, when it must have been very prosperous, judging from the coins found by archaeologists.
Its name most probably reflects the copper ore (chalkos or halkos in Greek) once mined there.
It is a small but mountainous island, just 28 sq. km in area.

The island capital and port is called Halki or Nimborio. Situated on the southeast coast, its two-stored houses with their tile roofs seem to climb up the sides of the hill overlooking the bay of the same name. The church of Agios Nikolaos, built in 1861, whose magnificent bell tower soars above the surrounding houses is worth a visit.
In earlier times, the capital was at Horio, which was placed well inland in an effort to escape the frequent pirate raids that were once the scourge of the Aegean. At its peak, it boasted 4,000 inhabitants; nowadays it is virtually deserted. Its stone houses, built in tiers like an amphitheatre, are mute reminders of its past prosperity. Above Horio the ruined medieval castle occupies the site of the ancient acropolis. Within its walls is another church dedicated to St. Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos) with frescoes.

Sightseeing  

Halki or Nimporio, the amphitheatrically built capital, a picturesque village worth scrolling around.
The Belfry of St. Nicholas. Horio with its medieval castle and the monastery of the Holy Cross; its feast is on the 14th of September. 

Halki has often praised in love-songs and its coins show that it was highly civilised in Antiquity.

Highlight this!
In 1983 Halki was declared an Island of Peace and Friendship of Young People of All Nations. On this occasion the Under-Secretariat of State of Youth and Sport, in co-operation with UNESCO, founded in the island an International Centre of friendship and co-operation among the young people of the world.

Beaches

Pondamos is the only beach in Halki accessible on foot from Nimborio (10 min.), but caiques are on hand to take you to its other wonderful beaches: Trachia, Ftenagia, Sarri, Kania, Areta and Yialli (Giali).

Useful Information
How to get there
By sea from Piraeus
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005

Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: + 30 22460
Municipal Office: 45207 

Police: 45213 

Port Authority: 45220
Health Center: 45206