Vulkanwanderungen auf Nisyros

Hiking on Nisyros – A Green Volcanic Island with Untamed Trails & Now a UNESCO Global Geopark

Although Nisyros is an active volcano, it is also one of the greenest islands in Greece. Around 2008, many of its hiking trails were last cleared and signposted. Today, the paths are still reasonably easy to follow, allowing you to reach some of the island’s most fascinating places on foot:

• From Mandraki up to the Paliokastro Acropolis
• From the Evangelistria Chapel to the summit of Profitis Ilias, into the Nymphios Valley, or down into the caldera
• From the Evangelistria Chapel to Emporio
• From Nikia or Emporio down into the caldera to the craters
• From the café at Stefanos Crater to the Polyvotis Craters
• From Nikia down to the abandoned thermal spa of Avlaki
• From the Panagia Monastery down to Liés Beach

Some trails are now covered with loose scree, as free-roaming goats often dislodge stones. The routes remain passable with care, but sturdy, ankle-high hiking boots are essential — without them, it’s easy to slip, twist an ankle, or suffer serious injury.

Profitis Ilias & the “Hanging Garden of Diavatis”

One of the most beautiful and rewarding hikes is the ascent to Profitis Ilias (698 m) and the magical “Hanging Garden of Diavatis.” The starting point is the Evangelistria Chapel, from where you can take the direct steep route up or a longer scenic path via the caldera and into the Nymphios Valley before climbing to the summit. It’s a demanding trek, but also one of the most breathtaking on Nisyros.

At the Hanging Garden of Diavatis, there’s a small stone shelter where you can spend the night. Bring a sleeping mat, sleeping bag, and provisions. You can even grill outside; there’s plenty of wood under the chestnut and other trees. Hikers often leave small supplies (well-packed sugar, instant coffee, etc.) for the next visitors. The shelter has cups and a small camp stove for Greek coffee, and water can be taken from the cistern. Naturally, take all your trash back down with you. Be aware that it can get cold and damp at night, especially when the summit is wrapped in clouds - even in summer and autumn.

Safety Tips

• Never hike alone. Even a twisted or broken ankle can become dangerous if you’re by yourself.
• Don’t rely solely on your smartphone for help; reception may be unreliable.
• Inform your hotel if you plan to hike to the summit (especially if staying overnight).
• The hike from Evangelistria to the top takes about 2 hours with breaks for someone in good condition.
• Bring a map or offline navigation apps for extra orientation.

For those who prefer to explore safely in a small guided group, Tobias Schorr leads expertly guided volcanic and geological hiking tours several times a year, including on Santorini and Nisyros. His full travel program can be found on his official website.