Sailing among the islands of the Southern Aegean, one island in particular captures a traveler's attention, even from a distance, with its more or less geometrical shape - like that of a truncated cone, with the absence of the steep cliffs which usually mark the shores of these islands, and with its rich vegetation. Without the usual indented beaches and bays, which are abundant on other islands, a cone rising from the surface of the sea to a height of 700 metres is the striking characteristic of Nisyros, the youngest of the Aegean’s major volcanoes.


                           


The volcano is not of course limited to the popular Stefanos crater standing in the centre of the island and which is seen each day by hundreds of visitors from Kos. The whole of Nisyros is one huge volcanic centre. There is not a rock on the island which does not owe its existence to volcanic activity, not a single one of the hundreds of layers of rock forming the island was not deposited there by volcanic eruption.

The enormous variety of rock formations that make up the island, the extensive and easily accessible natural sections of exposed rock, and the superb climate throughout the year make Nisyros an open-air geological museum. One of the best places in the world to admire and study, to learn and teach about the most dynamic forces at work on our planet. A paradise, not only for the volcanologist, but for any visitor who loves and respects the natural world and strives to learn about their own ephemeral moment of existence from its eternal wisdom.


                           


What makes Nisyros such an ideal place for a creative relationship between man and nature is not only its geological character. The structure and composition of the island were the foundations on which an amazing variety of plant and animal life has evolved. It is the only active volcano in the Aegean with such a profusion of high and low vegetation, and harboring a rich variety of fauna - from lizards to birds of prey. Even from dry land the crystal-clear blue waters offer a splendid underwater display, emphasizing the continuity and equilibrium between sea and earth. It is easy to see why this little island has been a significant place of settlement going as far back as the prehistoric period of mankind, for it is linked with myths and deeds of antiquity, preserving monuments and memories of civilization.


             


The growth in tourism, which came late and is still only advancing slowly, allows the balance between man and nature to be preserved, offering the opportunity, which is also a challenge, to let this coexistence continue undisturbed.