Posted by Kythira is a remote, relatively unknown but large island. It lies between the Peloponnese and Crete. Sometimes the island is classified as part of the Ionian Islands, sometimes not as part of any island group. Kythira (also spelled Kithira and Kythera) has an area of just under 300 km² and around 3,500 inhabitants. To this day, the island is one of the poorer islands in Greece. Many residents have emigrated, especially to Australia. In the summer, many of the emigrants return for a few weeks; the rest of the year the island is very quiet. Tourism is comparatively underdeveloped, but is the residents’ most important source of income. In Greek mythology, Aphrodite (the Greek goddess of love) was born on Kythira.
Andreas Karelias – Fotolia.com
Kythira is a very active earthquake area. The last major earthquake was in 2006 and caused major damage. Even worse was an earthquake in 1903, which largely destroyed the village of Mitata. The sea around Kythira is very deep in many places. The deepest point in the Mediterranean (Matapan) is only a few hundred kilometers from Kythira.
Places
There are more than 50 villages on Kythira. The majority have fewer than 100 inhabitants. Most settlements are in the mountainous interior of the island, only a few are by the sea.
Diakofti: The main ferry port in the east of the island. It is a small town with a few taverns and accommodation options. No bus connections. A hotel with a good reputation in Diakofti is the Filoxenes Katoikies not far from the port (free Wi-Fi internet access, centrally located in the town, apartments with kitchen available).
Agia Pelagia: The port in the north of the island for the ferries from Neapoli on the Peloponnese. There is sufficient tourist infrastructure here. You can also rent a moped, which is useful as there are hardly any bus connections on the island.
Potamos: The economic main town is in the interior of the island, about 10 km south of Agia Pelagia. The place is quite nice, but there is little worth seeing.
Mylopotamos: The village with a beautiful church in the center of Kythira is one of the most interesting settlements on the island.
Hora: The most visited village is the old main town of Hora. Worth seeing castle and small museum. Cheap accommodation and taverns. Ideal for vacationers looking for a few days of peace.
Kalamos: This village with about 400 residents is considered the most beautiful village on Kythira. There are several beaches in the area around Kalamos. Several residents rent rooms to tourists.
More information Kythira
Accommodation: In all the places described there are low and medium price range accommodations. Prices are high in August and sometimes in July, and cheap the rest of the year. Recently, a few upscale hotels have been built on Kythira. Almost 100 hotels and guesthouses on Kythira can now be booked online. Our favorite is the Filoxenes Katoikies mentioned above.
Buses on Kythira: Unfortunately, the bus system on Kythira is almost non-existent. Only a few buses, which are actually intended as school buses, operate on Kythira. You should rent a vehicle or bring your own.
Ferries to the island of Kythira: The daily ferries from Neapoli on the Peloponnese go to Agia Pelagia. The ferries from Gythion (Pelop.) go to Diakofti almost every day. There are ferries from Diakofti to Antikythira and on to Kastelli-Kissamos on Crete several times a week. There are significantly fewer connections in winter. From time to time a ferry also runs directly from Athens to Kythira.
➔ To book ferries within Greece, we recommend the reputable website Ferryscanner.com
Flights to the island of Kythira: Planes only fly to Kythira from Athens (daily). The airport is not far from Potamos in the north of the island.
Antikythira Island
Antikythira is an island of about 20 km² with about 40 inhabitants between Kythira and Crete. Antikythira is hardly developed for tourism. Accommodation and a tavern offer beds and meals in summer. Very limited shopping options, no ATM. Especially outside of the main season you should be prepared to be largely self-sufficient. The few residents are friendly and helpful.
Map
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On the map you can see the location of the island south of the Peloponnese in the direction of Crete. The Steno Elefonisou strait between Kithira and the Peloponnese is not much more than 10 kilometers wide. Antikythira is significantly further south, halfway to Kissamos / Crete. |
Kythira Top 10 like attractions and beaches
Chora and the Castle of Kythira
The capital Chora boasts Venetian architecture, picturesque alleys and whitewashed houses. The Castle of Kythira, also called “Kastro”, towers over the town and offers breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding islands.
Kapsali
The charming seaside village of Kapsali lies below Chora and offers two sheltered bays with crystal clear waters. Tavernas and cafes right by the sea make it a popular spot for visitors.
Fonissa Waterfall (Mylopotamos)
Fonissa Waterfall is located near the village of Mylopotamos. It is a picturesque place with lush vegetation, a small lake and a refreshing waterfall – ideal for a short trip into nature.
Kaladi Beach
Kaladi is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island with turquoise waters and a dramatic backdrop of rocks. Access is via stairs, but the views and water are worth the effort.
Monastery of Panagia Myrtidiotissa
Located on a hill in the west of the island, this important monastery is dedicated to the patron saint of Kythira. It is a spiritual place with beautiful views of the sea.
Avlemonas
A picturesque village with small coves, traditional architecture and romantic tavernas. Perfect for a relaxing afternoon and sunsets.
Castle of Paleochora
The ruins of the medieval town of Paleochora, which was once the capital of the island, sit spectacularly on a hill. There are great views from here, and the history of the place is impressive.
Beaches of Diakofti
Diakofti, the port of Kythira, offers one of the most beautiful beaches on the island with shallow, clear waters and golden sand. Ideal for families with children.
Antikythira
From Kythira you can take a trip to the small neighboring island of Antikythira, which is known for its archaeological finds, including the famous Antikythera Mechanism.
Hikes
Kythira is a paradise for hikers. There are numerous well-marked hiking trails through olive groves, gorges and along the coast, including the hike through the impressive Milopotamos Gorge.
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