Nisyros Beaches: White Beach, Katsouni, Lies & Pachia Ammos
The beaches of Nisyros are mostly black or red volcanic sand and pebbles, much like Santorini. The best sandy beach is White Beach in the north near Paloi, and Katsouni next to it is the largest on the island. The east coast holds the long pebble beach of Lies, while the south keeps the wilder, quieter beaches of Pachia Ammos and Avlaki. Most beaches have few facilities, so bring your own water and shade. Hire a car to explore Nisyros at your own pace, covered in our Nisyros car hire guide.
- Best sandy beach
- White Beach
- Largest beach
- Katsouni
- Naturist beach
- Pachia Ammos
- Hot-spring cove
- Avlaki
White Beach
White Beach is the best sandy beach on Nisyros, in the north of the island near the village of Paloi, 4 km from the capital Mandraki. It is named for its sand, which is mostly white with some pebbles, unusual on a volcanic island where most beaches are black or red. Trees behind the sand give shade, and the water is shallow, so it is easy to get into the sea. There are few facilities, so it is wise to bring your own water.
Katsouni
Katsouni is the largest beach on Nisyros, in the north-east 2 km east of Paloi, between White Beach and Lies. It is made of sand and pebbles, with trees along the back that give some shade. An interesting cave sits at the beach. Like White Beach it lies close to Paloi, which makes it an easy trip from that side of the island.
Lies
Lies is a beach in the east of Nisyros, made of small grey pebbles and some sand. It runs about 1.5 km, spread across a longer strand and several coves. There are no trees for shade, so bring your own. A small tavern stands at the end of the beach, but it is safest to carry your own water as well.
Pachia Ammos
Pachia Ammos lies south of Lies and is reported to be a naturist beach. It is the only beach on Nisyros that cannot be reached by car: where the road ends near a restaurant, a path climbs a little up the hill and then drops to the beach. Through the summer months a number of wild campers pitch on the sand.
Avlaki
Avlaki is a small pebble beach at the end of a path in the south of the island, with hot springs by the shore. It was once the harbour of the village of Nikia, which stands 450 m higher up, but the place is now uninhabited. The walk down passes the ruins of ancient churches and the monastery of Agios Panteleimonas. The sea at Avlaki is shallow and easy to enter.
Koklaki
Koklaki is a pebble beach below the cliffs on the west side of Mandraki, made of large pebbles. It is reached over a path that is not easy, with a walk down of about 10 minutes. Its position right below the capital makes it the closest beach to Mandraki, though the rough access keeps it quiet.
