It is Easter in Greece and the all the usual preparations have began. Easter, as many other Orthodox holidays in Greece, is a great opportunity for family bonding and get togethers. We’ve shared recipes from our Greek islands in the past and you love them. Remember the popular Halki pasta recipe? So, we’ve decided to share another great recipe for you, this time it’s our favorite Greek Easter butter cookies, also known as “Smyrneika”.

We’re living in unprecedented times. Coronavirus, or Covid-19, has turned our lives and our world upside down. We’re all experiencing a new ‘normal’, isolated in our homes, home-schooling our children, and entertaining our confused-but-delighted pets. It’s unlike anything we’ve experienced before.

And we’re definitely not able to travel.

But that doesn’t mean travel shouldn’t be on your mind. In fact, a little escapism is a good antidote to the barrage of bad news facing us on a daily basis. Although we can’t jet off to warmer climes at the moment, there are still ways to temporarily ease your wanderlust.

We want to help you escape from your four walls and take a trip to one of your favourite countries – from the comfort of your sofa. It’s time to reminisce about why you fell in love with Greece, revisit your treasure trove of memories, and let a little travel nostalgia brighten your day.

Here are a few ideas for how you can satisfy your love of Greece during the coronavirus quarantine.

Despite its petite size, the little-known island of Nisyros is bursting with magical experiences. And we’re not just talking about the volcano!

Here’s our guide to seven wonderful things to do in Nisyros.

Tucked in the far reaches of the southeastern Aegean hugging the coastline of Turkey, the Dodecanese is a fascinating archipelago. Rich in history with abundant natural beauty, this magical cluster of islands is linked by a network of ferry services and, in some cases, flights, making it ideal for a spot of island hopping.

Rhodes and Kos are the most popular islands in the archipelago, and both offer plenty of charms away from the tourist trail. But venture further afield and you’ll be richly rewarded. From grand, neoclassical mansions to religious and archaeological sites, superb diving and watersports to myriad spectacular beaches, here are just some of the delights in store when island hopping in the Dodecanese.

Walking in Nisyros is a hiker’s dream. Walking trails criss-cross the island, passing through fertile meadows studded with beehives against a backdrop of soaring peaks. The countryside is sprinkled with oak and terebinth, providing food for foraging goats and pigs and welcome shade for walkers. In spring, wildflowers carpet the ground.

Blessed with abundant natural beauty and a dramatic volcanic landscape, Nisyros’s burgeoning reputation as a walking destination is well deserved. The shoulder months of April, May, September and October are the ideal time for lacing up your walking shoes and heading out to explore on foot.

Nisyros has long been one of the most popular islands in the Dodecanese … for a day trip. But have you ever considered staying here?

Once the day-trippers have departed, you can really appreciate the charm of this petite island. Wild beaches, quaint villages, stunning views, a crackling volcanic energy and hip, artistic vibe.

Here are nine reasons to visit Nisyros in 2019. 

As you may have seen, Nissia Holidays is adding Nisyros to its portfolio for the 2019 season. We’re all really excited about the addition of this wonderful little island, and we hope you’re equally excited to explore another of Greece’s small, unspoilt islands.

You may also be wondering about the smoking volcano at the heart of Nisyros. Is it safe? How close can you get? We have all the answers…

Here’s everything you need to know about the Nisyros volcano.

One of the smallest Dodecanese Islands, Nisyros sits between Rhodes and Kos. This tranquil island is largely off the beaten track and has a quaint, retro atmosphere and a wild, natural beauty.