Only 4 kilometers/2.4 miles up the coast from Madraki, and still on the flat lands of the island, Pali is billed as a charming fishing village. Henry and I had read reports of this being a quiet, isolated part of the island, and the thought of a good rest here might appeal to us. We booked only two nights at the Romantzo Hotel outside Madraki in order to give ourselves a chance to investigate the town. We took the free mini-bus from a nearby bus shelter to the first stop, Pali,  just a a few kilometers up the road along the coast. We had met a British couple, passengers on the bus to Pali, who had been on the island several times and had decided to stay in Pali. They left their backpacks at one of the tavernas while we explored the town. Henry and I found this little village of stone and white-washed buildings was centered around the small harbor. There were some amenities including a bakery, a few guest houses offering rooms, a couple of tavernas, and a motorbike rental located along the harbor. We ran into the Brits again, the couple still looking into possible accommodations. Henry and I ordered café frappé at a harborside restaurant, then saw our friends who had decided on a room that looked good, but cost €5 more than our hotel in Madraki.  Before we could drink the coffee we had ordered, the mini-bus returned on its appointed route. We took our coffee with us in go-cups, having decided that we’d stay at the Romantza Hotel, already booked. There was quite simply not enough for us to see or do in Pali ... not enough “there THERE”!  Back to Madraki, to the larger but quiet and civilized town, its two beaches, and the hotel we had already decided was just right for us. Days later, we ran into Jean and Ken who were leaving Nissyros for Tilos, an island 40 minutes away by boat. They had thoroughly enjoyed their time in Pali and were island hopping in a different direction, which proves simply that we all have our own preferences and different needs.

PHOTOS: Top Two: 1. A view of Pali on the opposite side of the harbor from the small fleet of fishing boats. The mountainous landscape of the volcanic island of Nisyros is in the background. 2. The Greek Orthodox Church stands in the center of the tiny fishing village of Pali.  Middle Two: 1. A trapezi in Greek is a table, a bench, and a bank. Here is a colorful trapezi and two colorful chairs. 2. A small fishing boat docked in Pali’s harbor.  Bottom Two: 1. A view of Pali from an outer pier in the harbor of the village. 2. The bus stop along the harbor of Pali.

JOURDAN ARPELLE-ZIEGLER                                        BACK TO MAP  PAGE