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

Santorini, Cyclades Islands

In brief
Santorini Island or Thira, is one of the most picturesque islands of Greece, the rim of a gigantic sunken volcano. Half of island was sunken after a volcanic eruption in 1450BC, which destroyed the island's civilization. Fira, the island's capital, sits on the very rim of the crater nearly 300 meters above the sea with a spectacular view to the sea.

General Information
Santorini, a top-scoring, world class destination and one of the best-known of the Cyclades group, differs from the other islands in the group thanks to its geological morphology, the result of a volcano which is now dormant. Thanks to its unique landscape, it is continuously voted among the best destinations worldwide.
The landscape on the western side of the island consists of towering cliffs crowned by tiny and blindingly-white houses plunge straight into the depths of the sea.
Views from the western coast are spectacular and particularly the sunsets are sensational. Island's architecture is unique with many 'barrel-roofed' cave houses - hyposkafa as they are called in Greek. 

Fira is very attractive, with winding narrow streets, arcades and a quarter where the Catholic nobility once dwelt. There is a Museum with prehistoric findings (mostly pottery), a large collection of vases dating from the 7th and 6th centuries BC (including the pieces known as “Thera ware”), a few Archaic and Classical pieces, and some Hellenistic and Roman sculptures and portraits.
There is a superb view out from Fira to the Kammenes, the two islets of black stone created by the volcano. The islets can be visited by launch.
Ancient Thira is a site of great archeological interest which was occupied by Phoenicians, Dorians, Romans and Byzantines. Down the center of the city runs the Sacred Way. The buildings include groups of houses, market-places, baths, theaters, sanctuaries, the residence of Ptolemy Euergetes, tombs of the Archaic and Classical periods and Early Christian remains. On the surrounding rocks the names of the god Apollo and of men and boys are inscribed in the ancient alphabet of Thira.
 

The site at Akrotiri has yielded the remains of a Minoan city destroyed around 1500 BC by an eruption of the volcano on Thira. In effect, this is a prehistoric version of Pompeii buried beneath volcanic ash, with two and three-level houses, with squares, shops, workshops and so on. Findings from the houses include marvelous murals (on display in the National Archeological Museum, Athens), vases, and everyday utensils. On the highest peak of Santorini is a monastery of the Prophet Elijah (Profitis Ilias), where there is a picturesque religious feast on 20 July each year.
 

The old-world village of Oia, 11 km. to the north of Fira, is a place of incomparable beauty. The unique appeal of Oia lies in its little houses hewn out of the soft rock (some of them whitewashed, others painted blue or ochre), its neoclassical mansions with their courtyards, its narrow paved alleys. There is a superb view out to sea.
The striking landscape, the peculiarities of the natural environment, the unusual architecture and the outstanding monuments of Santorini attract very large numbers of visitors in the summer – so many, in fact, that the excellent tourist amenities of the island can only just cope with them.

Sightseeing
Akrotiri is an ancient town that was buried when the volcano erupted 3500 years ago. Archeologists are still excavating it, but you can walk around in the little street quarters and see the buildings almost like they were back then. You'll be impressed by the modernity: the houses were two or three levels high, and they even had running water!
Ancient Thira is situated on top of high cliff just above Kamari, and there is also and old church there from 1100. This was the Roman head quarters.
 

In Oia you get the best sunsets' views, and both Oia and Fira are excellent towns for just strolling around and shopping.
In Fira there is a folklore museum, a citadel from the Middle Ages, two Metropolises - Christian centers - a Catholic and an Orthodox. In Fira you can go to the church of Agios Minas, which is the church that most postcards of Santorini portray. If you come to Fira in September, there is a renowned classical music festival every year.

Firostefani located at a walking distance from Fira, offering great views of the volcano & the superb sunset is also a worthy visit. 

Imerovigli, a must-see resort town nearby Fira, offering stunning views of the sunset, as well as of Oia.

You should also try to visit the old capital, Pyrgos.
It is highly recommended to go a boat excursion of the plenty offered. There are sunset trips in the evenings, and daily trips to the volcano and the opposite islands Palia Kammeni, with warm natural wells, and Thirasia, where there is a tiny picturesque village.

Beaches
The South East coast is covered by black sand beaches that become very hot in the sun.
Kamari & Perissa are both black pebble beaches, Perissa is also great for snorkelling.
Crowded red beach (kokini paralia) and Mesa Pigadia are both near Akrotiri; red beach is with iron-rich sentimentary rocks surrounding and red sand, while Mesa Pigadia is a rocky beach with lots of facilities nearby.
Perivolos & Monolithos are crowded beaches with lots of facilities, beach bars and tavernas nearby. 
The steep coastline of the west is countered by the vast beaches of the east, north & south side, some of them sandy and others with pebbles. Among the best swimming spots for all kinds of taste are the beaches of Amoudi, Vlihada, Baxedes, Pori, Agios Georgios and White Beach. Many of them offer exceptional snorkelling & diving opportunities due to their very rich sea life. 

Things to taste & buy
Embroideries
Knitted goods & Rugs
Local Wine
Chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, white eggplants, fried tomato balls "tomatokeftedes"

Useful Information 

(Area 96 sq. km. Distance from Piraeus 130 nautical miles)

How to get there
By air from Athens
Olympic Airways: +30 2103550500
By Ferryboat from Piraeus
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005

Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22860
Municipal Offices: 22231
Police: 22649
Port Authority: 22239
Health Center: 22237, 81222, 31175
Olympic Airways Santorini: 22493 (ticket office), 22525 (airport)
Archaeological Museum: 22217

http://www.santorini.gr