The village of Mandraki is in essence the capital and main harbor of the island of Nisyros. This is where you can rent your car or your moped if you are in the mood to go out and visit the island, but beware there is only one petrol station on the island, just outside Mandraki, on the way to Pali.
Mandraki has maintained its traditional look and feel, although it does tend to get pretty crowded during the day as there are daily cruises organised out of Kardamena on the island of Kos. There are plenty of meandering little quaint cobblestoned or paved alleys. If not whitewashed, the buildings, for the most part, are painted in the traditional white bringing to the fore the beautiful striking colors of the doors and shutters. The Venetian Castle and Panagia Speliani are the main sites while Chochlakoi beach is perfect for a quick swim or an unequaled view of the sunset.
