Nisyros is a volcanic island in Dodecanese, with an impressive history dating back to millennia ago. The continuous eruptions of the past have led to the shape of the island as we know it today, with its almost circular formation and the distinctive minerals in its soil. Basalt, pumice and obsidian are what you find on the ground, along the imposing Nisyros volcano and the rest of the island. Fertile and uninviting at the same time, discreet and subtle as well as awe-inspiring and almost unearthly, the island has been intertwined with the power erupting from the depths of the Earth.
This is the only place in Greece where you can walk along the crater of an active volcano, at the area of Stefanos. This is the Lakki plain, with temperatures that can rise up to 100 degrees. You are greatly encouraged to wear solid shoes rather than flip flops or sandals. In this way, you will avoid getting burned or at least feeling that your feet hurt. As you will find out yourself, access to the crater is at your own risk. There are signs informing you of that on site. Of course, everyone enters the Lakki plain and the active crater, since it is a sight not to be missed when in Nisyros.
Alexandros and Polyvotis are two other craters within short distance from Stefanos. If you want to access them all, you can follow the trails that connect them. Nikia and Emporios are the two villages that allow you to gaze at the volcanic craters from above, even if you do not want to access them from up close. The caldera shaped by the eruptions is purely mesmeric and out of this world. All the way up the caldera from Stefanos crater, you can reach the Monastery of Stavros.
The island of Nisyros has been shaped after the volcano and its history cannot be set apart from its powerful presence. And it is perfectly fine, because all travelers are stunned by the emblematic Nisyros volcano that reminds us all of how small Man is before Nature…A lesson we should all bring to mind from time to time!