Gulet Charter In Greece, Italy and Turkey

Visit to the volcano of Nisyros

Nisyros island most visited spot and must to see is the volcano. According to the Greek mythology, Nisyros is the rock thrown in battle at the Titan Polivotis by the mighty God Poseidon. Now Polivotis lies beneath it, and every time he struggles to escape, his breath penetrates the ground and the earth trembles.

This small archipelagos of islands are one of the more active volcanoes in Greece.  Nisyros volcano is part of the Hellenic Arc. As a matter of fact, a curved volcano line in Greece is starting from the Saronic Gulf. Then it goes via the island groups of Milos and Santorini in the Cyclades to Nisyros. It ends in Turkey over the peninsula of Datca and Bodrum.

The last eruption of Nisyros were phreatic explosions in 1881-87. They left a moonscape with colourful craters and very active fumaroles. The previous volcanic action in Nisyros occurred several thousand years ago, and of course, it has not recorded in historical sources. We suspected that the volcano also erupted in 1422. But the last eruption it is historically documented.  Earthquakes, detonations, and red and yellow flames accompanied the eruption in 1875. During a three-day-long explosion, a 20-25 foot (6-7 m) diameter crater formed and ash and blackish mud was ejected.  This strong eruption threw out a cylindrical pipe of volcanic material at least 80 feet (25 m) in diameter. Mud, lapilli, and steam eject also.  Nevertheless, Nisyros volcano is a dormant active volcano today.

Craters on Nisyros volcano

The centre of the island is dominated by the caldera with a diameter of 3.8 km. Consequently, it is considered to be the largest caldera in Europe. The caldera hight is over 250 m high, the highest point the mount of Profitis Ilias is 690 m.

We found traces of 20 craters inside the caldera, 10 of which are well preserved and each one has its name. The main visiting area in is Stefanos crater with diameter 300 m. It has a geothermal area with mud pools and fumaroles. When the rainwater enters the inside of the hole, a few meters below its surface, it encounters temperatures above 100 degrees Celsius. As can be seen, starts to heat and turn into steam. The steam pressures the surface of the crater, causing, therefore, small explosions. As a result, is also creating round funnels and the holes that exist in the cavity. Along with the steam, other gases come out, such as hydrogen sulfide. This one produces the distinctive smell that prevails in the area.

To enter this area, visitors pay an entrance fee (3€). From here it is effortless to walk down into the crater. Nearby is a hiking trail around Stefanos; its depth reaches 27 meters.

Next to Stefanos lies a smaller crater, the small Stefanos. The other hydrothermal craters Polyvotis and Small Polyvotis, Alexander, Achilleas and Logothetis are situated in the area, and you can visit them.

How to get to the volcano of Nisyros

Your gulet will be most probably docked at Pali marina. From here you can reach the volcano (6 km about) by:

  • Your captain can arrange a half day tour for all your group. The tours usually include transfer to the volcano and some free there and visit the local villages on caldera like Nikia and Emporio. But for sure it worth a visit also the capital town of Nisyros called Mandraki.
  • You can rent your own vehicle (scooter, quad or car. Or take advantage of a local taxi and discover the island on your own.
  • We do not suggest hiking if you do not have experience. Because paths are classed as difficult about 8km one way uphill.

 

 

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