Kythera is one of the Ionian Islands. It lies opposite the south-eastern tip of the Peloponnese peninsula. It is a lovely family island with secluded atmosphere. With an intense Medieval style and unorganized beaches, this is a great place for total relaxation. Holidays in Kythira will give you amazing moments of relaxation and privacy.
According to Hesiod the sea of Kythera is the birthplace of goddess Aphrodite (Venus). Gaia (the Earth) wanted to punish her husband Uranus (the Sky) for forcing her to keep her children within the bowels of the Earth, so she called on them to help her get rid of their “wild” father. Cronus took a weapon and severed his father’s genital organs, which fell into the sea of Kythera. The foam thus formed traveled by force of wind to the island of Cyprus, where Aphrodite came forth.
The Kythirian goddess is the nurse of love. The legend says that when Paris stole Helen, they went to Kythira to hide their love.
The ancient myth that referred the island as Aphrodite’s birthplace has been the inspiration for the paintings of celebrated artists such as Sandro Botticelli and Jean-Antoine Watteau.
How to get in Kythera
1. By boat
Access to the island by ferry from becoming the port of Piraeus, from Gytheion of Neapolis and from Kastelli in Crete.
2. By plane
By plane from Athens airport . Also during the summer season there is direct air flights from European capitals.
3. By road
By road through the Peloponnese to the port of Neapolis or Gytheio by ferry.
Kythira beaches
All beaches in Kythira have crystal water and they are surrounded by beautiful landscape. Most popular and organized Kythira beaches are Kapsali and Agia Pelagia, while there are also many secluded places to enjoy total privacy, such as Chalkos, Lykodimou and Melidoni.
Accommodation
Most hotels in Kythira island are found in the beach resorts of Kapsali and Agia Pelagia. These place have a large variety of accommodations, mostly small seaside hotels, traditional apartments and rooms to stay in your Kythira holidays. The villages of Diakofti and Avlemonas also have good accommodation options. The island has no large resorts, although some hotels have more upscale facilities, such as pools.
Kythira museums
While you are in Kythira, it is essential to visit the few museums dedicated to the historic past of this island. The most important museum of Kythira is the Archeological Museum where you can view a unique collection of findings from the Minoan and Paleolithic period. It includes pottery, ceramics, archaic items, and sculptures from the Classical period. Equally interesting is the Byzantine Museum of Kythira which is housed in the church of Analipsi, in the village of Livadi. The museum offers a rare collection of Byzantine icons and paintings as well as fragments of an important early floor mosaic and ruins from the church of Agios Ioannis Potamos.
Kythira activities
Despite the fact that Kythira is a quiet island, there are many organized activities to do in it.
- Hiking : The extensive network of trails that connects the sixty-plus settlements of Kythera is a traveler’s paradise, one that transports you through time.
- Mountain biking :The terrain of Kythera is particularly suitable for mountain biking, as it features small hills of low altitude crossed by many dirt roads and trails.
- Scuba diving : Through this activity, the magic of Kythera’s rich seabed comes to life—ancient cannons from a corsair ship, beautiful corals and rocky formations, and encounters with sea turtles and seals.”
- Sea Kayaking : The sea excursion by kayak is ideal for everyone who loves action and the sea, providing unforgettable views of deep-blue waters, imposing cliffs, hidden caves, and crystal-clear beaches.
Exploring the Villages of Kythera
Kythera is an island of contrasts, where history meets breathtaking landscapes, and every village has its own story to tell. Whether you’re chasing cultural treasures, idyllic beaches, or local flavors, the island offers something unforgettable in every corner. Here’s a guide to some of the must-visit villages of Kythera.
Chora – The Heart of History
The island’s capital, Chóra, stretches around the majestic Venetian castle of the 13th century, renovated in 1503. From this historic fortress, you can enjoy an overwhelming view of the sparkling Cretan Sea. Wander the narrow streets, and keep an eye out for a small yellow flower growing on the cliffs around the castle—a delicate jewel in the island’s natural crown
Kapsali – The Island’s Vibrant Hub
If nightlife, cafés, and bars are what you’re after, Kapsáli is the place to be. Full of energy and charm, this seaside village is also home to a marina, making it a lively spot where locals and tourists mingle. As the sun sets, the village comes alive with music, laughter, and romance
Kalamos – For Agrotourism Enthusiasts
For those who love agritourism and a taste of local life, Kálamos is the beating heart of Kythera’s countryside. Here, vegetable gardens, orchards, and vineyards thrive, providing the island with its freshest produce. Visit the tavernas and you can savor the natural flavors of Kythera, from ripe fruits to handmade specialties. Kálamos is where tradition meets sustainability, and every meal tells a story of the land.
Agia Pelagia – Beaches, Caves, and Legends
Agía Pelagía is one of the largest villages on the island, and a hub for accommodation, dining, and shopping. People flock here not just for the stunning beaches but also for its fascinating caves. Don’t miss the 120 m² Cave of Saint Sophia or the mystical Cave of Venus in the ravine of Galáni. And if legends appeal to you, try a sip from the spring at the village entrance—locals say that those who drink its waters will one day marry on Kythera!
Paleochora – The Ghost Village
A visit to Paleochora Village is like stepping back into the 13th century. Wander the fortified streets of this ghost village, then take a refreshing swim at Lagkada Beach below. Its architecture is reminiscent of Mystras and Monemvasia, reflecting the island’s medieval past.
Paleochora was once invisible from the sea, protecting it from pirates—until 1537, when the infamous pirate Barbarossa discovered it, destroying the village and selling its inhabitants into slavery. Since then, Paleochora has never been rebuilt, earning a reputation as a place of misfortune, yet its haunting beauty continues to captivate visitors today.
Local Products
Kythera has a small, non-industrialized production, and the absence of chemicals makes its local products exceptionally flavorful and healthy.
Honey
Kytherian honey has maintained its exceptional quality for many years and is considered among the finest in the world.
Olive Oil
Kythera also produces high-quality extra virgin and organic olive oil. These are completely natural products, made from the island’s rain-fed olive trees and bottled exactly as they come out of the olive press, without any processing or additives. In recent years, agricultural cooperatives as well as several private olive producers have been standardizing and distributing these premium products throughout Greece and abroad.
Wine and Tsipouro
Kytherian wine comes from red or blond varieties. The local grape varieties include Petrolanos and Arikaras. It also produces delicious tsipouro, which is the base of the island’s famous liqueur, Fatourada—a type of tsipouro enriched with sugar and cinnamon-clove spices.
Sea Salt
One of the island’s finest local products is pure, unprocessed Kytherian sea salt (fleur de sel), collected from the rocks of Kythera. Its taste elevates dishes and salads, and it is exceptionally rich in iodine.
Kythira an island for every mood
Kythira is the perfect place to slow down—on a quiet beach or in the gentle countryside. Its secluded shores invite you for unforgettable swims, while sun-soaked afternoons lead naturally to fresh seaside meals. When night falls, sip a drink under the starlit sky and let the island’s calm spirit stay with you long after you leave.
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The Greek Heaven Team