Nisyros. Nisyros is a small volcanic island between Kos and Tilos. In ancient times it was known as Porphyris. Mythology claims that Nisyros was united with Leros, and when Poseidon was chasing the giant Polyvotis, he slit the two islands apart.
The capital and port of Nisyros is Mandraki, located in the northwest at the foot of a steep hill. Nisyros is 41 square kilometers (16 mi2) and the total length of the coastline is 28 kilometers (17 mi).
Mandraki, both the capital and port of Nisyros looks more like a large village than a small town. The white houses with flat roofs here are striking. The castle of Spiliani, formerly controlled by the Knights of Rhodes, is located above Mandraki on a high rock.
Events that are celebrated here are:
- On August 15 at the Monastery of Spiliani. (August 15: Assumption)
Nisyros is connected with the ports of Piraeus (Athens), Astypalaia, Halki, Kalymnos, Kastelorizo, Kos, Naxos, Paros, Rhodes, Symi and Tilos. There is also a local connection to the port of Kardamena (Kos).
Text: Jorgos and Wendy Nikolidakis - Text edited by Katrina Butzer