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

Kythnos (Kithnos), Cyclades Islands

In brief
Kythnos (Kithnos) or Thermia is an unspoiled and very Greek Island in every aspect. It mostly attracts Greek tourists, locals are very friendly and life is slow. The island is quiet and offers some nice and empty sandy beaches. Kythnos was an icon painting center in 17th century, led by Skordillis family.

General Information
It was on the small island of Kythnos, famous in antiquity for the excellence of its administration (according to Aristode in his “Constitution of Kythnos”) that recent archaeological findings have provided evidence of the earliest presence of man in the Cyclades.
Here, too, the terrain is mainly mountainous, but the harshness of the bare earth is relieved here and there by vines or fig-trees like brushstrokes on it, while pretty little bays form indentations in its coast-line.

Ferries put in at Merihas, the port on the western side of the island.

Hora or Messaria, the island’s capital is 8 km. from Merihas and stands on a hillside plateau. A typical Cycladic village, it is noted for its beautiful churches with their fine woodcarving, sanctuary screens and icons (St Savas, church of the Saviour, Holy Trinity, Theologos). At the monastery of Our Lady “tou Nikous”, which stands on an attractive hill, the feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary on 15 August is observed with the traditional festivities.

A little way to the south is the island’s former capital, which retains its ancient name of Driopida – a picturesque village, very typical of the islands.
In the north-eastern part of the island lies Loutra, with warm sulphurous spa-waters. The tradition says that the water comes undersea from Vesuvious and the radioactive thermal springs have been used since ancient times -and still are used- as a cure from rheumatism, arthritis, dermatitis and gynaecological problems.

In the south-east, the monastery of Our Lady Kanala, the patron saint of the island, stands on a very attractive promontory facing towards Serifos, with a beautiful expanse of sandy beach. The building is of great interest and the scenery is reminiscent of a fjord - in Greek colours.

Sightseeing
Loutra ("Baths") is a small village where there are hot wells, reputed for their healing waters since antiquity.

Hora is the island's capital, and is a picturesque village in medieval style. Here, you can visit the Church of Trinity.
Driopis is also a very pretty village, with typically winding streets and laid-back atmosphere. There is a small folklore museum here.
In Kanala there is a small church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, with icons of reputed healing powers.

Beaches

Beautiful beaches for swimming can be found at Merihas, Episkopi, Flambouria bay (accessible only by boat), Loutra and Agios Stefanos.

Useful Information

(Area 99 sq km. Distance from Piraeus 52 nautical miles).
How to get there
By sea from Piraeus & Lavrio
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005
Lavrio Port Authority: +30 22920 25249, 60188

Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22810
Municipal Office: 61100
Police: 31201
Port Authority: 32290
Health Center: 31202, 32234

http://www.kythnos.gr

Kimolos, Cyclades Islands

In brief
Kimolos, is a nice, small unspoiled quiet island. It is believed that took its name after chalk (chalk=kimolia in Greek), which it once produced. Kimolos was known in antiquity for the chalk, used as detergent and in medicinal baths (fuller's earth). But according to a legend it took its name after its first inhabitant, Kimolos husband of Side.

General Information
Very close to Milos lies Kimolos, the hilliest island in the Cyclades and one  whose predominant color is as white as blinding as the chalk it produces. The necropolis found at Elinika, in the south-west of the island, and the remnants of the ancient city of Kimolos on the islet of Agios Andreas (facing Elinika) are testimony to habitation as far back as the Mycenaean period.
Much later, in the Middle Ages, pirates used the well-concealed caves of Kimolos as places of refuge.

From the quiet harbour of Psathia road leads uphill to the capital of Kimolos or Hora, where almost all the islanders live.

The houses of Hora, in the authentic Cycladic style, are clustered around the nucleus of the castle, which is itself divided into two settlements, Messa Kastro (Inner Castle) and Exo Kastro (Outer Castle). In the former, the outer walls of the houses form a defensive wall with loopholes for windows and four entrance gates.

The overall impression is of a painting in white against a blue background. Flowers are grown in all the courtyards, and the alleyways are cobbled.
Prassa in the north of the island is where the chalk is mined. There are also medicinal springs with sulphurous waters.
In general, Kimolos is a little off the tourist track. Yet it has superb beaches and would be an ideal spot for those who are fond of quiet and solitude in an idyllic setting.

Sightseeing
Most of the people of Kimolos today live in the island's capital Hora. Because of the many pirate attacks the village has been built like a true labyrinth, in order to confuse the enemies. Here, you can visit the archaeological museum with objects mainly from the excavations at Ellinika, and there is also an impressive church with a blue dome, as well as an old castle.

At Ellinika there is a diving school, where they take you on dives around the sunken city. 

The fishing village Goupa is very pretty and definitely worth a visit.
The hot wells of Prassa are reputed for having healing powers.

Beaches

Apart from the beaches at Psathi and Prassa, there is good swimming at Aliki, Limni, Bonatsa, Klima and Monastiria.

Useful Information

(Area 36 sq. km. Distance from Piraeus 88 nautical miles)
How to get there
By sea from Piraeus & Milos

Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005
Milos Port Authority: +30 2287022100

Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22870
Municipal Office: 51218
Police: 51205
Port Authority: 51071
Health Center: 51222

http://www.kimolos.gr