Stefanos Crater on Nisyros Island | The largest Volcano Crater Island Of Nisyros In Greece
The round island is actually just the tip of a volcano that rises out of the water. With an island diameter of 8 km there is an elliptical caldera of 4 km diameter in the middle of Nisyros, on the outer edges of which the villages have settled. Especially Emporios and Nikia offer a wonderful view.
When talking about the Nisyros volcano, one actually refers to the Stephanos crater, which with a diameter of almost 300 metres and a depth of 27 metres was "new" in the old caldera. "New" means 3,000 to 4,000 years old. The Greek “new”.
Even if the last magmatic activities are said to have taken place about 15,000 years ago, the volcanic activities have not completely ceased to exist to this day. What exactly happens? Seawater and rainwater seeping in meets a deep magma bubble. A mass of sulphur, sludge and vapour pressure is formed and pushes to the surface. The sulphurous water vapour still emerges visibly from the so-called fumaroles to the surface in the Stephanos crater. A unique natural spectacle that amazes every visitor from a safe distance.
Unlike other volcanic islands, Nisyros is rich in vegetation thanks to its fertile volcanic soil and mild climate all year round. Moreover, it is the only active volcano in the Aegean with such a rich flora and fauna.
Nisyros was born according to the legend of the Battle of the Giants. The mother of all, Earth, turned the mortal Giants against the immortal gods of Olympus. The gods chased the Giants, who retreated in fear. The god of the sea, Poseidon, had undertaken, on the orders of Zeus, to destroy the Giant Polyvotis, who crossed the Aegean Sea in order to be saved.
Poseidon overtook him near Kos. With his trident, he snatched a part from Kos and hurled it against Polyvotis. Poseidon reached the Giant and crushed him. This part of Kos became Nisyros. With this ancient legend began the birth of this volcano that is still alive and breathing today.
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