Nisyros
Geopark
The area of the Nisyros Geopark has been formed for thousands of years by both geological forces and human activities. Located in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea, Nisyros Geopark stands out for its untouched volcanic-shaped relief that travels visitors back to its spectacular past. The natural environment includes extraordinary species of flora and fauna which make the geopark’s biodiversity unique.
21 Unique Geosites01. Location
Discover a unique place at the Southeastern Aegean Sea that fascinates with its present beauty, but grips with its violent past.
The area of the Nisyros Geopark was shaped by the magmatic forces of the Earth for the past hundreds of years and carved by human civilizations to what it is today. Located at the southeastern Aegean Sea, the Geopark stands out for its pristine natural and cultural character.
02. Islets complex
It is not only about Nisyros. The wider onshore and offshore area has a lot to share as well.
Surrounding Nisyros, the main island of the Geopark, is a number of smaller islets: Pachia, Pergoussa, Strongyli, of a volcanic origin, and Kandelioussa, that consists of Mesozoic limestones. Deep underwater lurk the mysteries of the fascinating volcanic past of the region, that active research currently shed light on.
03. Geomorphology
A volcano with many personalities over the years, that eventually blew itself apart twice, now reveals its nature to everyone.
Interesting geomorphological features include the circular-shaped caldera, the volcanic domes that filled its western part as well as relics of previous eruptions, such as lava necks and terraces, volcanic beaches and faults.
04. Volcanism
Entirely composed of volcanic rocks, Nisyros became what we see today after five eruptive phases.
Once an underwater volcano, Nisyros rose to become a shield volcano and then evolved into a complex cone with many eruptive vents. It eventually collapsed after two violent caldera-forming eruptions and gave birth to the complex hydrothermal field we see today.
05. Biodiversity
The ‘Green’ volcano, a significant crossroads for wildlife.
450 different species of Flora and almost 90 species of Fauna, including endangered ones, call the area of the Geopark home. It is essential for all visitors to respect, protect and coexist with the natural environment.