Kythira
Kythira is an island southeast of the Peloponnese.
Understand
Kythira refers to the Kythirian goddess, nurse of love. The legend says that when Paris stole Helen, they went to Kythira to hide their love.
The local cuisine is a real surprise for those who love Mediterranean cuisine, fresh fish and lobster. The most famous local product is honey from thyme, one of the best in the world, having received numerous international awards.
Landscape
The island has maintained a very rich flora and fauna. Of particular mention is the largest variety of herbs in Greece. The island has unique beautiful natural areas. One of the most attractive sights in Kythira is the magnificent location Mills, a large valley with rich springs, streams, waterfalls, lakes, stone bridges and traditional watermills, amid lush vegetation of plane trees and Mediterranean plants.
Kythira Island Geography, Nature, History of Kythira, People and Local Products.
Villages
The entire island is today governed as a single municipality of around 4,000 people, but there are nonetheless a number of distinct settlements:
- 1 Avlemonas. A traditional fishing village with a picturesque harbour and peaceful Cycladic colour.
- 2 Agia Pelagia. An amphitheatre in a beautiful natural environment is the most important tourist resort.
- 3 Kythira (Chora). The former capital with its traditional houses, the imposing Venetian castle and the depth of the picturesque and cosmopolitan Kapsali.
- 4 Diakofti. A picturesque village having one of Kythira's great beaches - distinct for it golden sand and calm waters for this reason became the main port of the island.
- 5 Fratsia. A village in the centre of the island that has a tradition of farming.
- 6 Mitata. A picturesque village with panoramic views to the south side of Kythira.
- 7 Karavas. A traditional village in the north, consists of many picturesque villages.
- 8 Mylopotamos. A preserved traditional village with lush vegetation and abundant springs.
- 9 Aroniadika. A traditional village with traditional houses.
- 10 Platia Ammos. A picturesque seaside village on the northern part of Kythira.
- 11 Kato Chora. It has a Venetian castle, Byzantine churches, and medieval settlement.
- 12 Kapsali. A picturesque village in the southern part of Kythira. It is the cosmopolitan area of the island.
Talk
Greek is the official language of Greece, and therefore it's spoken by all the permanent inhabitants of the island and most of its visitors, but the foreign visitor will have no problem at all communicating in foreign languages, mainly in English.
Get in
By boat
Access to the island by ferry Aqua Jewel from Athens' port of Piraeus, from Gytheion and from Kastelli in Crete. The ferry Porfyrousa also comes from Neapolis daily.
By road
By road through the Peloponnese to the port of Neapolis or Gytheio and then by ferry.
By plane
By plane from Athens airport by Olympic airlines. Also during the summer season there are direct flights from European capitals. See updated routes to Kythira. Also the Sky Express: Kythira – Heraklion, Kythira – Zakynthos – Kefalonia – Aktion – Corfu.
Get around
Kythira is an island with many villages, beaches and attractions. To visit them, you need your own car, a hired car or a taxi. You can find moped and car rentals at the airport, in Diakofti, Ag. Pelagia, Livadia, and Kythira town. Also, during the summer, there is a local bus daily along the main road of the island.
See
Beaches
Like a diamond necklace, like the beaches around the island of Aphrodite, some larger and others smaller, all with crystal clear blue waters promise unforgettable moments of relaxation and enjoyment. In Kythira will find beaches for all tastes, from large to fine sand, so small in beautiful locations.
- 1 Firi ammos. On the east side of island, it is one of the biggest beaches in Kythira. It has been awarded a Blue Flag for its clean waters.
- 2 Agios Nikolaos (Vlychada beach). The northernmost beach on the island, with a lush canyon in the background, the Peloponnese.
- 3 Kaladi. A beach with blue and crystal clear waterfront with two bays.
- 4 Feloti. A small beach in the south, on the way you will see the islet and Pot Egg.
- 5 Komponada. A beach with big round white pebbles and rock reminiscent of a ram.
- 6 Limni. In Paleopolis, this beach has sand and if you're lucky, you will see flock of seagulls.
- 7 Melidoni. A small beach south of the island facing the pressure and the Cretan Sea.
- 8 Paleopolis. The longest beach on the island, starting from the village and ends up in Avlemonas.
- 9 Kaki Lagkada. North and east of the island, it has been awarded a Blue Flag for its clean water.
Monuments
- 1 Agia Moni. A monastery that is built in the top of mountain above Diakofti.
- 2 Saint Sophia Cave of Mylopotamos. In the entrance is the Byzantine murals of 13th century dedicated in Agia Sophia (Saintly Wisdom) and her daughters in right, Love, Hope and Faith.
- 3 Agios Dimitrios. In Poyrko, Byzantine church inspired architectural composition of three temples.
- 4 Moudari Lighthouse. One from the biggest stone lighthouses in Greece.
- 5 Katouni bridge. This is considered the biggest stone bridge in Greece.
- 6 Mills in Mylopotamos. An area with rich vegetation, running water forming small lakes and waterfalls. Along the way there are traditional water mills and stone bridges.
- 7 Castle of Chora. The imposing Venetian castle, with panoramic view of three seas.
- 8 Castle of Ablemonas. The small Venetian fortress at the entrance to the harbour.
- 9 Castle Kato Chora of Mylopotamos. It has a gate with the lion of Venice and on the central road traditional medieval houses.
- 10 Myrtidia Monastery. The monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary Myrtidiotissa, and constitutes the intellectual centre of island. On the west side is the Ionian sea.
- 11 Agios Petros in Mylopotamos. It is an important Byzantine church with murals of 13th century.
- 12 Paliochora. Byzantine castle-city, the first capital of island called Agios Dimitrios, was destroyed completely by the pirate Barbarosa.
- 13 Panagia Despina. The monastery near the village Karavas in the north of the island.
Do
- Excursions to Kythira
- Myloi: One of the most beautiful trips in Kythιra is a visit to the scenic area mills. The mill or watermills are not just an environment of great natural beauty, but an example where human activity creatively fill the landscape with an exemplary way for us today.
- Chytra: On the south side of the island is the small islet kettle, which is the southernmost sanctuary for seals in Europe and the visitor will be impressed by blue waters of the large cave on the island.
- Hiking trails: The natural beauty of Kythira island attracts a lot of hikers.
Eat
Local products
- Thyme honey: The most famous product of Kythera due to taste as thyme is reputed to give the finest flavour.
- Olive oil: In Kythira you will large olive groves. The olive variety that thrives because of the good climate is Koroneiki.
- Nuts by olive oil: Whoever tries it for the first time becomes a fan because of its taste and nutritional value.
Drink
Sleep
Accommodation The island is famous for its beautiful villages in the hinterland. Many authentic traditional stone houses have been renovated with much taste, and have become an attraction for tourists and can be an ideal place to stay in Kythira. Of course, apart from the interior villages of the island, there are no matching beauty and the beach, the choice is of course a matter of personal taste.
Also you can choose apartments equipped with kitchen and all the necessities to be absolutely independent, and camping in Kapsali village, built in beautiful surroundings and care to offer all modern comforts.