Kythira (also Cythera, Kythera) is an island spanning 280 rectangular kilometers, located approximately 10 kilometers south of the Peloponnese peninsula, Greece. It nestled between the Aegean and Ionian Seas. It boasts about 40 picturesque villages, home to 4,000 residents, heavenly seashores, lovely azure seas, historic Venetian castles, and excellent traditional tavernas: this island gives various perspectives.
Kythira, stimulated by painting and literature, stays off the beaten tourist path. Its attraction is still the natural allure of Greece. The island is blessed by considerable sunshine and a perfectly mild climate, boasting some of the most temperate climates in Greece. It fosters a unique atmosphere, facilitating a dialogue between the Greece of the day past and these days, embodying a global interwoven with Greek, Italian, and French impacts.
Kythira Island: Map
| Name | Kythira Island |
| Country | Greece |
| Region | Attica |
| Coordinates | 36°15′27″N 22°59′51″E |
| Area | 300.0 km2 (115.8 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC +2 |
| Population | 3,644 |
| Heliport | "Alexandros Onasis" Kythira Airport (KIT) |
Kythira Island: History
Kythira represents a vital geostrategic vicinity that has traditionally aroused a significant desire. The Minoans from nearby Crete colonized the island in the third century BC. In the Iliad, Homer precisely describes two heroes of Kythira: Lycomedes and Amphidamas. During the Peloponnesian War in 424 BC, Kythira became an ally of Athens. In historical instances, Kythira became renowned as the island of Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love, who had her temple there.
Following the Romans, the Byzantines ruled the island. After a duration of depopulation, Kythira fell under the rule of the Monemvasia lords in the early Middle Ages. From the 13th century, it skilled nearly 600 years of Venetian rule, first of all under the adventurous Marco Venieri family and later, in the 16th century, below the Serenissima itself. Unlike other Ionian Islands, Kythira in no way experienced Turkish rule besides a brief Russo-Turkish career from 1715 to 1718.
This tumultuous history covered terrible pirate raids, drastically via Barbarossa, which devastated the island.
Due to the damaging pirate raids and the non-stop hazard of Turkish navy actions in the reason that 16th century, the Venetians built a minimum of four fortresses (Mylopotamos, Avlemonas, Paliochora, and Chora) to defend the island. However, Venice's primary goal was to guard this critical maritime pass, as Kythira allowed control over sea traffic between the western and eastern Mediterranean. Kythira and Crete have been pivotal for Venice, linking its territories on the Greek mainland, the Adriatic, the Aegean, and in the end Egypt and the Middle East: this turned into the famed spice course.
In 1797, after the Venetians, the French took control. Following the Italian wars, under General Bonaparte, Kythira became part of the French Republic and the Aegean Department.
The first French career was brief-lived. From 1799 to 1807, the Russians managed Kythira, accompanied by a 2d French occupation beneath Napoleon I in 1807.
From 1812 to 1864, Kythira turned into part of the Septinsular Republic under British safety. After a protracted wait, in 1864, Kythira finally united with the other six Ionian Islands to form the young Kingdom of Greece.
Kythira Island: How to Getting There
If you have the chance to visit Kythira in July and August, During those instances, the island is nearly deserted. Of course, summer brings extra traffic, as is the case with all Greek islands.
By Plane
You can effortlessly reach Kythira via plane. Olympic Air and Sky Express offer direct flights from Athens, with a flight length of handiest 50 minutes. To test flights and examine charges, we recommend visiting the Ulysses internet site and entering Kythira (the Greek name for the island) to discover flights to and from Kythira.
By Boat
You also can journey to Kythira by ferry:
- From Piraeus: A 6-hour and 30-minute crossing. Book online at Ferry Hopper. The site permits you to examine expenses and purchase ferry tickets without fees or hidden fees. Its person-pleasant interface helps you to view all crossings (direct or oblique).
- From Neapolis on the Peloponnese peninsula: A 1-hour and 15-minute crossing. This makes it the proper vacation spot to conclude an excursion of the Peloponnese peninsula stylishly. To ebook Neapolis tickets, name +30 273 40 24 004. For Kythira-Neapolis tickets, contact Kythira Travel Agency through e-mail at [email protected].
Popular Attractions on Kythera Island
Chora: The Enchanting Main Town of Kythira
Located inside the southern part of the island, Kythira’s principal town is known as Chora, which boasts captivating fortress ruins.
You can park your automobile in the big car parking zone on the northernmost side of the metropolis and then walk into the metropolis center. The picturesque streets of this 300-soul city offer limitless photograph possibilities, and its small stores and boutiques invite you to wander.
Heading south, you may reach Chora Castle, additionally known as Fortezza. This former Byzantine fort was probably improved around 1503 under Venetian rule. Today, the Lion of Saint Mark nonetheless stands proudly above the big entrance gate.
The sizable complicated includes a gunpowder magazine, several small chapels, and exhibition rooms. Behind the Venetian-era Myrtidiotissa Church, you can experience extraordinary perspectives of Kapsali Bay (open day by day from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, loose admission).
Kapsáli
If you head east from Chora, you can get a glimpse of the twin bays of Kapsali within the distance. This famous inn at the southern coast of Kythira, positioned simply under the capital, is an excellent spot for a relaxing day on the beach.
Numerous eating places and café-bars have installation stores alongside the lengthy, curved pebble seaside, imparting sunbeds and umbrellas. Behind the waterfront, you may discover studios, apartments, vacation stores, and mini-markets.
The hinterland of Kapsali once had a simple campsite with the most straightforward tents, but it's been closed in recent years. From the Agios Ioannis rock church above the campsite, you may enjoy lovely perspectives of Kapsali Bay.
Even throughout the off-season, some eating places in Kapsali remain open. We frequently enjoyed clean Freddo espressos and delicious snacks at the relaxed Votsalo Beach Bar. The staff had been friendly and valuable, and the prices have been honest.
From the lighthouse and St. George's Church at the cape, you may absorb lovely perspectives of Kapsali Beach. A delightful stroll will lead you up the white steps to the viewpoint.
An eternal memento of Kythira: Sempreviva (Latin for "eternal life") is referred to as the island's most well-known flower. It represents eternal splendor because the plant requires no water once picked. The delicate yellow plants are dried and woven into ornamental wreaths. In Greek, it is also called Elichrysos, and we refer to it as Immortelle.
A 10-minute inland drive from Kapsali will take you to the Cave of Agia Sophia (Spilaio Agias Sofias). In spring, the adventure through the luxurious, inexperienced gorge is absolutely a highlight. A concrete course leads without delay to the cave entrance, marked by way of a white move.
Inside the widespread stone cavern, you'll discover an open chapel lobby decorated with saintly icons. A few benches invite you to take a quick relaxation. Take some time to experience the serene beauty of this vicinity and pause for some time.
Katouni Stone Bridge
One of Kythira's most full-size architectural marvels awaits you simply outdoors in the metropolis of Livadi. The massive 13-arch Katouni Bridge, constructed in the course of the British career, is the largest stone bridge in Greece.
Completed in 1826, this 110-meter-long monument connected the city of Avlemonas with the capital. This shape isn't always the most effective remnant of the British generation (1809-1864). Above Livadi, the previous British faculty, referred to as the Milapidia School, nevertheless stands.
Located 500 meters south of the Katouni Bridge, you may discover the beautiful ceramics workshop, Ceramics Roussos. This circle of relatives-run commercial enterprise, now in its fifth era, is operated by using the pleasant proprietor Panagiotis, producing hand-crafted ceramics and pottery.
Each piece is tastefully hand-painted, making you want to buy the entire collection. From conventional to modern designs, every person can discover an appropriate island souvenir here. You can also spontaneously be part of small guided tours (open each day from 10 AM to 5 PM).
Kloster Panagia Myrtidiot
Kythira's largest monastery harmoniously blends with the picturesque west coast. The journey to the monastery is a genuine experience! The paved road from the village of Kalokairines passes through the natural stone arch of Tripia Petra.
A few meters behind you, you will see a monument topped with a large cross. As you walk through the gates, a magnificent panorama of the monastery and coast awaits you. Within the monastery is the precious icon of Panagia Myrtidiotissa, the protector of Kythira.
Visiting the well-preserved, tree-shaded complex offers profound insights into the art of Orthodox churches. Besides the main church, built around 1857, the 26-meter-high bell tower is a focal point of the complex.
Mylopotamos Water Mills
A genuine highlight of Kythira awaits you inside the island's west. The tranquil village of Mylopotamos is the perfect start line for a hike into the island's verdant coronary heart. After your tour, you’ll have lots of time to linger in one of the cozy tavernas on the village rectangular.
The metropolis middle has a massive unfastened parking lot in which you can leave your automobile. Drive north alongside the country road, passing the Agios Sostis Church and the lovely herbal store Elixrysos in Sgourades. Walk down the slender avenue behind the store.
A few meters in advance, a stone path forks to the proper, main to the wooded valley. On the correct is the Neraida Waterfall, which we saved for finals. Follow the signs and symptoms of the "Watermills."
The M41 trekking path winds through the plush green valley beyond the ruins of antique watermills. In the high season, Phill’s Watermill Café, set in a vintage mill is an excellent prevent.
A few more steps convey you to an excellent waterfall and a natural pool. The scenery is breathtaking, and with a bit of mountaineering skill, you can seize this gem photographically. The stroll from Mylopotamos to the waterfall takes about 20 minutes.
Back in Mylopotamos, the O Platanos taverna invites you to relaxation. Sit below the shaded aircraft trees inside the town center and revel in traditional Greek delicacies. A circulate flows through, and geese refresh themselves within the cool water. A true rural idyll!
Kato Chora Castle
Just 1 km west of Mylopotamos, we embark on an adventure lower back in time to the ruined village of Kato Chora. Behind the former British faculty within the metropolis center, you can discover the Mylopotamos Fortress, built in 1565.
The Chora Castle majestically sits on a rocky outcrop. Exercise caution because the slope behind the church is steep. The environment of the ghostly complicated is magical, particularly at sunset. On your manner again, the brand new segment of Kato Chora (inhabited) offers many photo possibilities.
Below Kato Chora at the coast lies every other remarkable cave dedicated to Saint Sofia. The cave front, with thirteenth-century frescoes, is really worth a look.
Stretching over 2,000 meters, site visitors can recognize several stalactites and go to the church committed to Saint Sofia built into the rock.
The general region of Saint Sofia Cave is up to 2,000 square meters, with an outstanding underground temperature of the highest 16 levels, even in midsummer.
Limnionas Beach
If you drive from Kato Chora to the west coast, after about 12 minutes of winding tour, you'll reach the secluded Limnionas Beach. At the cease of April, it became empty, best for the ones in search of peace and calmness.
Kythira Limnionas
In the summer, the long-lasting "Brothers on Wheels" VW van gives bathers fresh liquids and coffee. The white boathouses with their colorful doors exude Cycladic appeal and the crystal-clear bay invitations you to plunge into the calm waters.
Coastal Landscape of Paleopoli
Just a 5-minute force from Avlemonas, you may locate the island's longest beach: Paralia Paleopoli. Paleopoli means "historic metropolis," and it turned into the web page of the ancient island capital, Skandia. Excavations have uncovered numerous archaeological sites, which include Minoan temples and tombs. A massive earthquake around 370 AD decreased the whole thing to rubble and ashes.
The western part of Paleopoli Beach functions with lovely rock formations. Here, the relentless waves have carved several caves and caverns into the coast (referred to as Kamaroula).
In spring, the yellow Sempreviva plant life blooms at the plateau. On the alternative side is the natural Limni Beach, which is especially popular with nudists.
By the way, you could experience the most lovely perspectives of the Avlemonas and Paleopoli coastline from the medieval church of Agios Georgios, located above Avlemonas. The direction is uphill, winding through numerous twisting roads in a totally slim concrete direction. The panorama and ecosystem at sunset from right here are truly remarkable.
Diakofti
Almost every traveler will set foot in Diakofti. This small harbor village on the east coast, with its shallow lagoon and the most beautiful blue waters, welcomes all inexperienced persons.
The great way to savor the paradisiacal atmosphere is to head directly to the stylish Minas Café upon arrival for a fresh smoothie. This café is placed right on the intense sandy beach. Diakofti itself consists of just a few rows of houses, which encompass flats and inns.
The most lovely view of Diakofti can be enjoyed from the Agia Moni Monastery located on the hill above the town. Unfortunately, there may be little left of the Nordland deliver, which ran aground in 2000 and became a famous image challenge in Kythira.
From Diakofti, hiking fans can comply with the Aphrodite Trail M38 to Avlemonas. After approximately 6 kilometers through wild, unspoiled herbal surroundings, you will reach the small fishing village, where comfortable taverns and the famous Aphrodite Baths watch for.
Coastal Town of Agia Pelagia
The northeastern resort town of Agia Pelagia is bustling during the height of summer. Numerous apartments, holiday homes, and small hotels are available for vacationers.
A highlight of the area is Kakia Lagada Beach to the south, where a river flows into an impressive canyon outlet, offering a stunning backdrop and the opportunity to dive into the sea. This magnificent scenery is well worth a detour!
Antikythera Island
The sister island of Antikythera, positioned approximately 1.5 hours by ferry south of Kythira, is only 10 km long and has 68 residents, making it one of the least populated islands inside the Aegean Sea.
The island is a vital stopover for migratory birds, and the arena's biggest populace of Eleonora's falcon breeds on its western cliffs. Since 2006, Antikythera and its surrounding islets have been part of the Natura 2000 application nature reserve.
Due to relocation efforts, the Cretan wild goat (Kri-Kri) can also be observed here, or even the rare Mediterranean monk seal has determined a shelter. In 2017, the weather observatory (PANGEA) was established to observe human impacts on nature.
Nature lovers and hermits will find Antikythera profitable. The island's layout is easy, with the simplest one huge village, the port town of Potamos, and a few scattered settlements inland. The tavern "I Gonia tou Strato" in Potamos gives rustic, home-cooked meals.
The highlight of the year is August 17th, while the big festival of Saint Myron of Kyzikos takes area, drawing up to 1,000 visitors to Antikythera. Apart from this, the island stays tranquil.
Accommodation on Kythira Island
The island does not function as any big resort or accommodations. However, it offers several self-catering apartments and hotels, in addition to a small circle of relatives-run lodges that generally consist of breakfast. Here, we have curated a few lovely accommodations for your excursion in Kythira:
- DonQuihotel Chalet, Karvounades
This fascinating excursion residence (accommodating as many as five humans) is located on the outskirts of Karvounades, within the heart of Kythira. It has timeless fixtures, charming hosts, and delicious breakfasts that are available upon request.
Anemes, Avlemonas
A small apartment resort in Avlemonas. Well-prepared studios, some with sea perspectives, imparting hearty breakfasts, a helpful team of workers, and really truthful costs.
- Kythira Golden Resort, Diakofti
An adequately maintained circle of relatives-run hotel above Diakofti with a small pool. Spacious rooms and self-made breakfasts offer extraordinary costs, specifically outside of July and August.
- The Pigeon House, Potamos
Friendly Brit Claire and her husband lease out a newly renovated small residence in the middle of an idyllic lawn. Despite its compact size, the residence is well-ready (small kitchen, toilet, washing system). We specifically enjoyed the big sunny terrace and the quiet vicinity on the outskirts of Potamos.
