KythnosCyclades · Greece

All About Kythnos

Kythnos is one of the most beautiful island destinations in Greece. Sitting on the western part of the Cyclades island group, it boasts a wild mountainous landscape, sophisticated architecture, and a wide selection of spectacular beaches. Taking a ferry to Kythnos is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare companies and book ferry tickets. Due to its close proximity to Athens, the island is quite popular as a quick getaway from the capital, while it also serves as an ideal base for island hopping to the nearby islands of Kea, Serifos, and Sifnos. At the same time, Kythnos offers important archaeological sites, museums, and unexplored caves. The villages here are famous for their picturesque alleys and relaxed atmosphere. You can bathe in natural thermal springs, which offer relief and relaxation. Furthermore, public transportation is widely available everywhere on the island. Overall, if you are a lover of simplicity and tranquility, Kythnos is a must-visit.
 

Routes and Ferries to Kythnos

You can book your ferry tickets to Kythnos by using Ferryscanner. The island is connected to the port of Piraeus in Athens and offers regular weekly trips and journeys between the two ports. You can board Dionisios Solomos of Zante Ferries and reach the island in three hours. If you prefer a faster ride, you can depart from Lavrio and board the Artemis vessel by Hellenic Seaways and reach the island in two and a half hours. Alternatively, you can depart from the same location and board the Ionis vessel by Triton Ferries and reach Kythnos in one hour and forty-five minutes.

As Kythnos has no airport, the only option is to travel there by sea. If you are flying into Athens International Airport, you can either take the X96 shuttle bus to the port of Piraeus or catch the direct train from the terminal. Otherwise, take a taxi from the airport for a more relaxed journey.
 

Ports of Kythnos

The two main ports of Kythnos are the port of Merichas and the port of Loutra. However, when it comes to small motorboats and sailboats. you may anchor in several other parts of the island such as Agia Irini, Agios Dimitrios, Episkopi, Agios Stefanos, and Panagia Kanala.

The port of Merichas is located on the western side of Kythnos, in a beautiful bay with pristine waters that are suitable for both fishing and swimming. Furthermore, in Merichas you will find many other facilities, such as restaurants, bars, and clubs.

In Loutra there is also a small port, used for smaller types of boats, while the Loutra area is also famous for its natural thermal springs. Use Ferryscanner to compare prices, routes, ferry companies and book ferry tickets to Kythnos.
 

Capital & Villages

Take your time exploring all of what Kythnos has to offer on foot or by renting a boat. The proximity to Athens makes this a weekend getaway you can return to again and again.

Chora

The town of Chora (also known as Messaria) is a classic, picturesque settlement and the capital of Kythnos. Built on a hill in an amphitheatrical fashion, it is full of white houses, traditional churches, and narrow alleyways that project an ageless charm. Some of the more famous churches, which certainly warrant a visit, are the church of Agia Triada, the church of Agios Panteleimonas, and the church of Metamorfosis. In Chora, you can also find many restaurants offering traditional Greek cuisine, as well as boutiques, souvenir shops, and other basic amenities.

Dryopida

Dryopida is a small settlement in the southern part of Kythnos that served as the old administrative center of the island. The atmosphere here is relaxed and the people are laidback. The houses have tiled slanting roofs and they are all painted in white, while numerous narrow streets form a labyrinth-like landscape. One of the most visited sights in Dryopida is the ancient cave of Katafiki, one of the largest caves in Greece, which was used as a refuge by the locals during times of pirate attacks. The cave was an iron mine in the early 20th century but later developed into a tourist attraction. If you visit Dryopida, don’t forget to take a look at the Folklore Museum which preserves traditional uniforms and objects of everyday use.

Loutra

Loutra is a small village located on the northeast part of the island, approximately 5km from Chora. It is built around a natural bay and is a popular tourist attraction. Many people come here for the thermal springs, which have healing properties, made famous since ancient times. Loutra offers many entertainment options as well, such as restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Furthermore, the village is close to an important archaeological site, a Mesolithic settlement in the area of Maroulas, dating from 10,000 BC to 8,000 BC. This is the oldest known habitation in the Cyclades islands and it is definitely worth a visit.

Merichas

Merichas is a small seaside village, on the west coast of the island, and is also the main port of Kythnos. Merichas has a marina for yachts, sailboats, and inflatables, offering full supply. The bay offers pristine waters suitable for swimming and fishing, while the village has many restaurants, taverns, cafés, bars, and clubs. Merichas provides lively nightlife and interesting archaeological sites for visitors, such as Vryokatsro, the ancient capital of the island, inhabited until the 7th century A.D, with ruins of walls, temples, altars, and Roman buildings.

Kanala

Kanala is a small coastal village in the southeastern part of the island. It is situated inside of a pine forest and it is an ideal place to spend a refreshing and rejuvenating vacation. This village is quite popular and it offers numerous taverns and vacation rooms for rent. The classic Cycladic architecture and its tranquil atmosphere will help you escape the hustle and bustle of the big city.
 

Best Beaches

It’s hard to believe the spectacular beaches of Kythnos are just a short ferry ride away from Athens. These pristine waters and soft sandy beaches are all worth a visit.

Kolona Beach

The beach of Kolona, located 3km west of Chora, is considered one of the most popular and beautiful beaches on the entire island. It is a narrow strip of land that connects Kythnos to the islet of Agios Loukas, and it is famous for its fine, golden sand and its charming atmosphere. Kolona can be reached by taxi boat from Merihas, or by foot.

Apokrousi Beach

Apokrousi Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, located in an enclosed bay in the northwestern part of Kythnos, just 3 km away from Chora. This is a Blue Flag beach and one of the largest on the island, with soft sand and crystal-clear waters. The landscape here is really idyllic and the beach has a tavern, which offers refreshing drinks and tasty snacks.

Gaiduromantra Beach

Gaiduromantra Beach is located on the southern coast of Kythnos. It is a long, sandy beach with white pebbles. Along the left part of the beach, there are a few trees that offer shade, while on the other end, the Andrianos stream flows from the ridges of the nearby hills. This spot is a bit difficult to access, but it is ideal for those who enjoy serenity and peacefulness since it does not tend to get crowded at all. However, since there are no facilities here, bring all the supplies you need for a beach day.

Loutra Beach

On the northeastern coast of Kythnos, Loutra Beach is the main tourist resort and the most popular beach on the island. The beach is well-known because of its many facilities and amenities, but also because of its thermal springs. These are the only thermal springs in the Cyclades group and are used by many as therapy for rheumatic, arthritic, and gynecological disorders. Loutra Beach offers pristine waters and fine sand with pebbles, while there are also many stores, cafés, and restaurants in the area where you can relax and enjoy a coffee or meal. You will also find hotels and apartments a longer stay, and many bars and shops for entertainment.
 

Transportation Around Kythnos

Over the past few years, the transportation system of Kythnos has highly improved. Now there are many different options for you to choose from in order to move around and enjoy the beauty of the island.

Buses are a convenient and cheap way to get to the most popular locations on the island. Otherwise, you can take a taxi for an easier and faster transfer to your destination. You can also rent a car or motorcycle if you wish to explore the island at your own pace.

Furthermore, water taxis and ferries are widely available for a quick transfer to the nearby island of Serifos, Milos, and Kimolos. Using Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book ferry tickets to Kythnos.