Gyali Island

Gyali (also Giali) is a small volcanic island in the Dodecanese group of Greece, located in the Aegean Sea near the island of Nisyros.

The island’s shallow bays and rocky shoreline are set against areas of exposed pumice and perlite that have been quarried for industrial use. Recreational visitors encounter a largely uninhabited landscape with limited facilities and occasional small-boat landings.

Gyali is volcanic in origin and its pumice and perlite deposits have been exploited commercially in the 20th and 21st centuries. Human settlement has historically been minimal, with activity focused on mineral extraction and brief seasonal occupation.

Gyali lies between the islands of Nisyros and Kos in the eastern Aegean Sea, in the South Aegean administrative region of Greece.

• Pumice and quarrying: The island is notable for its pumice deposits and active quarrying; much of the land is used for mineral extraction rather than tourism.
• Access: Access is by private boat or occasional local boats from Nisyros and Kos; there are no major ferry terminals or large settlements.

What to See#

• Pumice quarries: Extensive pumice and perlite quarrying areas that have been exploited in modern times for industrial minerals.
• Coastal bays and landing points: Small bays and sheltered coves used for landing and local anchorage, linked to nearby islands by small boat services.

• Reach Gyali as a short day trip from nearby islands (Nisyros or Kos) on local boat services-there are no tourist facilities on the island so plan a defined landing and return.
• Anchor or moor at the main sheltered bays and stick to public beaches and coves-much of the island has active pumice deposits and small mining operations that are best avoided.
• Spend time walking the pumice shores and low volcanic formations just above the landing spots; these natural textures and colors are what most visitors miss when they only stay on the boat.