The little port village of Avlaki, once a bustling hub of activity, now stands as a quiet and serene testament to the passage of time. Abandoned for several decades, Avlaki was, until the 1950s, an essential port serving the needs of the nearby mountain village of Nikia. Its location along the rugged coastline made it a vital link for transporting goods and providing access to the sea for the villagers of Nikia, who relied on it for their trade and daily necessities.
Today, Avlaki is a peaceful and remote spot, far removed from the more frequented areas of Nisyros. The road leading down to Avlaki begins not far from the village of Nikia, winding through the rugged landscape before descending towards the sea. The journey itself is an adventure, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and the vast expanse of the Aegean Sea. As you approach Avlaki, the landscape gradually changes, with the lush vegetation of the mountains giving way to the more arid, rocky terrain typical of the island’s coastline.
Upon reaching Avlaki, you are greeted by a tranquil scene—a small, abandoned port that has been largely reclaimed by nature. The remnants of the village’s past, such as the old stone buildings and weathered piers, stand quietly against the backdrop of the sea, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a time when the port was alive with the comings and goings of fishermen and traders. The silence here is profound, broken only by the gentle lapping of waves against the shore and the occasional call of a seabird.
Avlaki’s greatest appeal lies in its simplicity and natural beauty. The port’s once-active quays have long since been overtaken by the elements, but the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea remain as inviting as ever. The secluded bay offers an idyllic spot for a refreshing swim, with the clear, cool waters providing a perfect escape from the summer heat. The beach, though small and rocky, has a certain rugged charm that adds to the allure of the place. Swimming in Avlaki feels like a step back in time, as you are surrounded by the quiet solitude of a place that has been largely untouched by modern development.
For those who make the journey, Avlaki offers a rare opportunity to experience a side of Nisyros that few visitors see. It’s a place where you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature in its purest form. Whether you’re taking a leisurely swim in the clear waters, exploring the remnants of the old port, or simply sitting on the shore and gazing out at the horizon, Avlaki invites you to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of life by the sea.
Despite its abandonment, Avlaki has a timeless quality that resonates with visitors. The village may no longer serve the bustling port functions it once did, but it remains a place of quiet beauty and reflection. For those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the more popular destinations on Nisyros, Avlaki is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
While there are no facilities or services in Avlaki today, its proximity to Nikia means you can easily combine a visit to both villages in one trip. After exploring the traditional charm of Nikia, a detour down to Avlaki offers a contrasting experience—one that is equally rewarding for its solitude and natural splendor.
In Avlaki, you’ll find a rare tranquility that is increasingly hard to come by in today’s fast-paced world. It’s a place where the past lingers in the air, where the beauty of the Aegean Sea is yours to enjoy in peace, and where the rhythms of nature provide the perfect soundtrack to your visit.