Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HIKING ON NÍSSYROS ISLAND
Níssyros is a fabulous destination for hikers, with enticing trails to suit all abilities. The one
drawback is that hiking to and from the volcano from Mandhráki is for most walkers too much
to attempt in a single day. It's not so much the distance that's the problem as the fact that you
have to climb back out of the island interior on your way home. SKAI publish a good
topographical map ( W shop.skai.gr).
VOLCANO TO MANDHRÁKI
About 1km north of the volcano admission booth, a clear, crudely marked path climbs to a pass,
then maintains altitude along the north flank of Káto Lákki gulch, emerging after ninety
minutes at the important monastery of Evangelístra with its giant terebinth tree just outside.
Beyond Evangelístra, you have to walk about 1km on the paved access road before the old path
kicks in for the final half-hour down to Mandhráki. Look sharp at curves to find the old walled-in
path. At first it just short-cuts the road, then for quite a long stretch it loops above the port well
away from the road, before finally curling around to emerge above the local school.
NIKIÁ TO EMBORIÓS
Hiking from Nikiá to Emboriós takes just under ninety minutes, with a short stretch of
road-walking towards the end. Descend from Nikiá towards the volcano and bear right towards
Theológos monastery, then take the left fork by the wooden gate before reaching it. The path
ambles along through neglected terraces, without much altitude change, occasionally obstructed
by debris and vegetation. You eventually emerge after just under an hour by some utility poles on
the modern Emboriós-Nikiá road. Follow the road from there for about 1km (15min) to the
turn-off for Lakkí, where the onward trail continues conspicuously uphill into Emboriós.
8
Nikiá
The village of NIKIÁ , overlooking the caldera from high on its southeastern rim, is a
gorgeous little place that should figure on any island itinerary. Its spectacular location,
14km from Mandhráki, enjoys panoramic views out to Tílos as well as across the
volcano. Tiny lanes lead from the bus turnaround at road's end to railed volcano
viewpoints as well as to the diminutive, engagingly round central platía called Pórta.
Paved in pebble mosaic, ringed by stone seating for folk dances, and facing a pretty
little church, it's all so dazzlingly white that it's hard to keep your eyes open.
A 45-minute trail descends from the end of the road to the crater floor. A few minutes
downhill, detour briefly to the eyrie-like monastery of Áyios Ioánnis Theológos , whose
festival grounds come to life at the September 25-26 evening festival.
EATING AND DRINKING
THE INTERIOR
Andriotis Nikiá T 22420 31027. The only taverna in
Nikiá, at the village entrance, with huge views out over the
sea, serves a good menu of meaty €6 specials, including
rabbit or chicken stews, and succulent chocolatey desserts.
Summer only, daily lunch & dinner.
Ì Apyria Emboriós T 22420 31377. Excellent little
taverna, which spreads out into the platía by the church in
peak season, and otherwise has a couple of tables
crammed into a tiny alleyway, and a breezy indoor dining
room. Delicious local food at great prices, including spit-
roasted suckling pig in summer as well as grills and
mezédhes. The friendly owner is also a beekeeper; be sure
to sample fresh honey if you're here in July. Dinner daily all
year, lunch daily in summer, Sunday only in winter.
Porta Pangiotis Nikiá T 22420 31285. This welcoming
village café, one of a matching pair on Nikiá's tiny,
delightful circular platía, is an irresistible spot to pause for
a snack, juice or coffee. Daily 10am-8pm.
Visiting the volcano
What's loosely referred to as being the “volcano” is the eerie conglomeration of cinder
cones and deep craters at the far southern end of the summit caldera, reached by a single
road that drops down beyond Emboriós. Although the volcano is dormant, and you won't
therefore see fiery eruptions or flowing lava, it's disconcertingly alive, with sulphurous
steam sprouting from holes and fissures on all sides. Access is unrestricted, though
occasionally a ticket booth charges €2.50 admission. A snack bar opens at peak times only.
 
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