Chochlaki Beach

On the northern coast of Nisyros, a short walk from the small port town of Mandraki, Chochlaki Beach takes its name from the smooth black pebbles — chochlakia in Greek — that cover its shore. Nisyros is one of the few active volcanoes in the Aegean, and the dark, rounded stones here are a direct result of that volcanic history, giving the beach an unusual look found on very few other Greek islands. Unlike the sandy beaches typical of the Cyclades, Chochlaki is an unorganized pebble cove with no sunbeds or facilities, so visitors generally bring their own shade and supplies.

The water stays clear and calm for most of the summer, making it a reasonable spot for swimming and snorkeling, though sea shoes are worth packing given the rocky seabed. Currents can pick up later in the day, so it is worth checking conditions before swimming out any distance. A walkway connects the beach to Mandraki itself, with views along the way toward the neighboring islet of Gyali and, further off, Kos.

Because Nisyros lies within easy reach of Kos and the wider Dodecanese, Chochlaki has become a classic stop on a Greece blue cruise itinerary, offering a quieter alternative to the busier beaches further north on the island.