Pachia Ammos: the best black beach in Greece
Santorini may have the most beautiful black volcanic landscapes but the best black volcanic beach belongs to humble Nisyros, an island also volcanic and little known.
Quite far away in the Carpathian Sea lies Nisyros, untouched by mass tourism and any form of publicity, with a rugged landscape that hides many beauties with the volcanic beach of Pachia Ammos standing out.
Below is a list of the hotels I recommend you stay to at:
- (€) Porfyris Hotel (⭐ 9.1) the best stay option in Nisyros in the center of Mandraki
- (€) Three Brothers (⭐ 8.7) hotel at Mandraki harbour with sea view
- (€) Pali Sea View (⭐ 8.9) at beautiful Pali a very decent apartment with sea view
But what is so special about it one might ask since Santorini also has black beaches and even more secular and well - known ones?
The imposing volcanic landscape is a marvel of nature especially the immense layer of ash high on the northern slope that dominates the beach. Furthermore it is located between two large lava flows that flowed many thousands of years ago when Nisyros had a regular volcano shape.
The sand is as comfortable as a mattress so I recommend lying down and the plus is that it doesn't get dirty because it is thick and comes off easily.
I've never laid down on such comfortable sand before!
To get there you have to hike a trail and because it has neither umbrellas nor a canteen nor anything you have to go fully equipped. Of course I do not recommend it for children due to the lack of shade. The nearest taverns are at Pali.
Nisyros is a popular day trip from Kos as the volcano attracts many tourists.
I recommend the trip to the volcano and Panagia Spiliani monastery and from Kardamena to the volcano, Mandraki village and Panagia Spiliani.
The trail leading to Pahia Ammos
It is located 10 km from Mandraki, there is a parking lot where you can leave your vehicle and continue on the trail. To rent a vehicle contact Diakomichalis to pick it up and drop it off anywhere on the island you wish.
No matter how many times I have been there the crowds are minimal and I enjoyed my swim in peace.
Another view of Pachia Ammos
