Kythira

Kythira is a destination for all those who seek for rare natural beauty and scenic landscapes. Especially if you take a walk through the narrow whitewashed alleys of its capital, the Chora.

This is the only Greek island where three of our Seas (the Ionian, the Myrtoan and Cretan) all come across, just in front the cape of Cavo Malias, in the south end of Peloponnese.

This is an island blessed with numerous beautiful beaches, picturesque small villages, a small lake with a waterfall, and of course, the enchanting Chora.

Right on the top of Kythira, it offers you an astonishing view of the Aegean, and a gorgeous sunset to admire from the balcony of its Venetian Castle.

Being part of the seven Ionian Islands, it is full of traditions, a common history and their discrete way of life.

Apart from the capital, it’s worth exploring the different parts of the island and the inland.

In Mylopotamos, you will enjoy the near-by beach, but you should not skip a visit to the waterfalls of Fonissa. Leaving the car, you will follow the signs and after a short walk under the shades of ancient platans, you will see a small lake.

If you follow the path for some extra meters, you will also find the old traditional watermills of Kythira.

The liveliest village of the inland is Potamos (river), full of coffee bars and restaurants, all around the magnificent central square. Every Sunday there is a small open market, set by the local farmers and producers, where you have the chance to buy or taste some of the local products.

Kapsali is the closest beach from the capital, with plenty of bars and nightlife, but also traditional fish taverns and restaurants.

If you can’t stand the heat, you can also spend the night inside the cool narrow alleys of Chora, full of bars, lounge music and cool cocktails.

To name just a few of the sandy beaches of Kythira, you should dive in Kaladi, Firi Ammos, or Kalamitsi, Lagadas and Agia Pelagia, heading to the northern part of the island.

On your way to Kato Livadi, you will pass over a rare bridge, with 13 arches, being built back in 1826, and at the centre of Kythira, you have to visit the preserved old village called Paleochora.

It is not occupied in our days, but you can walk among its old roads with the numerous churches and chapels. Admire the traditional architecture of the preserved buildings, which were destroyed from the bombing of the famous pirate Barbarossa, back in 1537.

On your way home, don’t forget to buy some of the distinguished local products (like honey, olive bread, and fatourada – a local liqueur) and ask for the sebreviva flowers.

They are only met in this area of Greece, and they last for ever. An ideal souvenir from your summer vacation in Kythira.

• There are many ways to go to Kythira. The island can be reached by car from Peloponnese, and then take the ferry from Gythion and Neapoli in Lakonia,
• or take one of the boats and the flying dolphins departing from the port of Piraeus.
• You can reach island by aeroplane from the international Airport of Athens.