The volcanic island of Nisyros is well known, thanks to the smouldering volcano at its heart. Because of this, many visitors jump on a day trip to the island, swoop into the volcanic crater, wander round and take some pictures, then head back to their larger island base (usually Kos).

One question we’ve seen frequently mooted in travel forums, etc. is whether it’s worth staying or if a day trip to Nisyros is sufficient to experience the island.

As you can imagine, we have a pretty strong opinion on this!

Yes, if you’re staying on a nearby island and don’t have much time, then pop over to Nisyros for the day, because the volcano is such a unique experience. But this authentic Greek island has so much more to offer – and when the daytrippers have left, you can really feel the island’s magic.

Here are our reasons why a day trip to Nisyros is never enough.

There’s more to holidays in Greece than soaking up the sunshine and eating all that delicious food! With such a wide variety of landscapes – from coastal paths to forested mountain views, ancient sites to traditional villages, all criss-crossed with ancient mule trails – Greece offers incredible walking opportunities.  

If you fancy lacing up your hiking boots and exploring on foot, here’s our guide to ten of the best Greek islands for walking.

With over 6,000 islands and islets, 227 of which are inhabited, choosing which Greek island to visit can be somewhat daunting. Obviously it’s subjective, based upon your personal preferences and what you’re seeking from your holidays.

If you’ve found your way to the Nissia Holidays website, we assume you’re looking for an authentic Greek island offering peace and tranquillity. Each of our three islands – Halki, Tilos and Nisyros – has that in abundance. But each has its unique attractions, too.

To help you decide which Greek island to visit, here’s an overview of Halki, Tilos and Nisyros.

Tourism is booming in Greece, with holidaymakers drawn here to admire the dazzling colours, relax on sun-kissed beaches, explore archaeological sites and savour traditional cuisine. But many people don’t venture beyond cosmopolitan islands, like Santorini, Mykonos and Rhodes.

If you want to know the real Greece then it pays to get off the beaten track and seek out the lesser-known gems. Here are seven of the most authentic Greek islands.

Nisyros has a unique, magical energy. People are drawn here to explore the dozing volcano, wander lunar landscapes, and bathe in hot springs.

The island is less well known for its beaches. You won’t find any glamorous beaches here, but the coastline has a wild, untamed quality. Much like the more famous volcanic island of Santorini, the beaches are mostly coarse black or red sand, with black pebbles.

But they have a dramatic quality, especially with the crystal-clear Aegean waters lapping their shores. And unlike Santorini, the beaches of Nisyros are tranquil and relaxing.

Here’s our guide to the best beaches in Nisyros.

The Greek islands are one of the most popular tourist destinations – although that popularity can come at a price. If you adore Greece, but don’t wish to spend your holidays jostling for a sunbed on the beach or queuing for the optimum sunset shot, it’s time to get off the beaten track and turn your attention to more sustainable destinations.

Luckily, with almost 6,000 islands, there are plenty of opportunities to find a quiet, unspoiled spot, untouched by mass tourism. If you’re keen to find out more about the best non-touristy islands in Greece, we’ve put together this guide to the most tranquil islands in our little corner of Greece, the Dodecanese.

If you want to enjoy near-deserted beaches, friendly neighbourhood tavernas, incredible nature, picturesque towns, stunning hiking trails, and abundant charm and character, head to one of these lesser-known lovelies – and hit the reset button!

After two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s only natural that we’re looking forward to 2022 with cautious optimism, eager for our annual escape to the sun.

Pre-pandemic, the importance of sustainable travel was becoming ever more obvious, with many destinations suffering the effects of overtourism (though luckily not our peaceful, unspoilt Dodecanese islands). The recent UN Climate Change Conference, known as COP26, further heightened our awareness of the benefits of travelling sustainably.

While many people are aware of the looming climate crisis, it’s easy to feel a sense of helplessness, a feeling of ‘well, what difference can I make?’

Luckily there are plenty of small adjustments we can all make that collectively make a big difference. Here are our tips for how to travel more sustainably in 2022.

The kitchen smells of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and sweet honey. We’re getting closer to Christmas and it’s that time of the year when we start baking the Greek traditional Christmas cookies. Our favorites are Melomakarona of course!

Melomakarona are traditional Greek Christmas cookies, that are served during Christmas time throughout Greece.

The word “melomakarona” is a combination of the two words “meli”, which means honey and “makarona”. “Makarona” comes from the ancient word “makaria” and means blessed.

Find the recipe below and you can also enjoy a bit of Greek Christmas with your family too. Happy Holidays and “Kala Christougenna”!

A volcanic land rising from the luminous blue waters of the Aegean, Nisyros is a cinematic feast for the eyes. The creation of the island of Nisyros is told in the pages of Greek mythology: the sea god Poseidon was giving chase to the giant Polyvotis when he decided to snap a piece off the island of Kos to trap Polyvotis underneath — this rock, having landed on top of its target, became the island we know as Nisyros today.

The Greek islands are world-famous for their stunning natural beauty, making for quite the desirable holiday destination. But our islands are as diverse as our visitors who come from all around the world. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil escape from the norm or a nonstop party, you’ll find a Greek island to suit your travel style.

At Nissia Holidays, we love to help visitors uncover the true, authentic Greece beyond the typical tourist spots. Our Greek Island Getaways help you find the best non-touristy destinations to bask in natural beauty, traditional culture, fascinating history, and so much more. 

Whether you visit our favourite quiet Greek islands of Halki, Nisyros, and Tilos or you opt for any of these other non-touristy Greek islands, we hope you thoroughly enjoy your escape to our lovely paradise. 

Without further ado…

Our Favourite Non-Touristy Greek Islands to Visit