KythiraIonian Islands · Greece

All About Kythira

The history of Kythira follows the same fate as many of the other Ionian islands. Occupied by the Greeks, Venetians, the British, and raided by pirates, scattered around the island even today are remnants of its many past rulers. Known as Cythera or Kithira, the island lies to the south of the Peloponnese Peninsula. Distant from the rest of the Ionian archipelago, of which it is a part, the administrative duties of Kythira lie under the Attica region. Taking a ferry to Kythira is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

Greek mythology places Kythira as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. Unsurprisingly then, this island has unrivaled gorgeousness that emerges from every corner. Kythira’s topography is one of its most enticing features. Here, mountains and valleys, filled with flourishing vegetation, challenge its rugged coastline, where over 40 beaches seduce visitors with their exclusiveness. Off the mass tourist radar and in a world of its own, Kythira is a discovery of dazzling proportions.
 

Routes and Ferries to Kythira

Kythira has good air and sea connections with Mainland Greece. Tourists searching for a relaxing approach often purchase ferry tickets to Kythira. Boats from Piraeus in Athens take 6 hours and 30 minutes to cover the journey. Island-hoppers sometimes reach Kythira via Antikythira. Seajets operates this route that takes 2 hours and 30 minutes, costing between €7.50 and €22. If you plan ahead, it is possible to make a day trip from Kythira to Antikythira, although an overnight stay is better. You can compare prices and book ferry tickets to Kythira from either of the two destinations quickly through Ferryscanner.

The island’s domestic airport has flights arriving all year round from Athens. International passengers can thus fly to Athens Airport and then take the one-hour connecting flight. Kythira Airport also has seasonal flights from Corfu, Kefalonia, and the Netherlands.
 

Ports of Kythira

Kythira has three ports. Kapsali lies just to the south of Chora and has a charming marina for private boats to dock. Agia Pelagia is the old port of the island, now catering only to fishing and leisure vessels. Agia Patrikia on the northeast coast is another harbor, although one used for boat repairs.

The primary port of Kythira is in Diakofti. Taking a spot in the central-east part of the island, it started welcoming ferries in 1996. Situated on the islet of Makrykythira, the port connects with the island via a road bridge. Use Ferryscanner to compare prices, routes, ferry companies and book ferry tickets to Kythira.

Diakofti is 31km from Chora and 14km from the airport. The port’s new road joins with the main highway, linking it with the airport and other villages. Intermittent bus and taxi services are available from the dock. However, pre-book a taxi to avoid a lengthy wait, if not self-driving.
 

Capital & Villages

Large and small villages dot the length and breadth of Kythira, each with its own identity and story to tell. While some have gained fame among the tourist circles, others paint a more subdued picture of island life. To genuinely appreciate any village of Kythira, spend an entire day wandering through its streets, and come ready to be charmed.

Chora

Located in the southern part of the island, Chora is the capital of Kythira that does not have a port. Instead, a very laidback atmosphere engulfs this hilltop village. Chora’s whitewashed houses and spectacular views additionally help create a serene environment. When strolling around Chora’s quaint narrow streets, observe the different architectural styles that somehow merge beautifully. The central square is a quiet space with administrative buildings and a few taverns, while the Venetian Fortress on the hilltop is a sight to behold. History buffs in Chora should step inside the Historical Archives at the fort or the Archaeological Museum to gain more knowledge about the region’s vibrant past.

Paleochora

Paleochora is an atmospheric uninhabited village, 20km from Chora on the northeastern coast of the island. Hidden among the mountains, it was the old capital of Kythira. Built on the slopes, the village has a 100m drop on one side, making it almost invisible from the sea. Supposed to be a safe refuge against pirates, the town was attacked in 1537 by Admiral Barbarossa, who then enslaved its entire population. Abandoned ever since, you can now wander around this ghost town looking at remains of Byzantine churches, crumbling residences, and other official buildings from centuries ago.

Mylopotamos

Mylopotamos is a traditional village everyone visiting Kythira must visit at least once. Located in the west, 15km from Chora, it is home to several ancient watermills. The village’s main square has a large Plane tree under which you can rest or grab a drink from a café. Mylopotamos further enchants its visitors with diverse attractions. Nearby is a Cave of Agia Sophia dating back 4 million years. A 16th-century castle next to the village emphasis the influence of the Venetians on the island. And the abandoned old settlement of Kato Chora is where you can observe traditional Kythiranian architecture. An unmissable natural attraction in Mylopotamos is Fonissa. It is a stream that begins with a gorgeous waterfall and flows all the way to Kalami Beach.

Potamos

Chora might be the capital, but Potamos is the largest village on the island. Preferred as a place to stay in Kythira by returning tourists, it is a thriving commercial hub with hotels, restaurants, shops, and taverns. Come Sunday, and everyone rushes to Potamos for its weekly market that offers an opportunity to buy local products. Additionally, it is an excuse for island inhabitants from near and far to mingle with each other. Sites worth visiting in Potamos include a school and a bridge built in 1823 by the British, the Church of the Holy Mother Ilariotissa, the monastery of Saint Theodoros, and a theatre where Potamos Philharmonic Orchestra performs regularly.

Agia Pelagia

Agia Pelagia is in the north of the island, 26km from Chora. Even though it is one of the oldest settlements of Kythira, the village is a bustling tourist hub with several hotels, restaurants, bars, and shopping outlets. A fishing village for the longest time, it gained popularity upon becoming a ferry port in the 1980s. Although the port shifted to Diakofti in 1996, Agia Pelagia continues to attract travelers in large numbers every summer.  Adding to the village’s fame are the nearby beaches of Lagada and Fyri Ammos (of Agia Pelagia), the Cave of Saint Sophia, and a stone windmill in its center.
 

Best Beaches

It’s a surprise that Kythira continues to be a hidden gem among Greek island travelers even though it has some of the most amazingly distinct beaches in the Ionian archipelago. Offering pebble and sandy stretches, some with facilities, while others completely secluded, there is something here to appease every beachgoers appetite.

Kapsali Beach

Considered among the best beaches in Kythira, the twin strands of Kapasali have a vibrant atmosphere accentuated further by multiple restaurants and cafes in their vicinity. The cliffy background, shallow crystalline waters, and views of Chora Castle add to their appealing nature. Located in the south of the island, these family-friendly beaches are only 2.5km from Chora. When not sunbathing, you can indulge in water sports, walk along the marina, or wait till the sun goes down to enjoy the local nightlife.

Diakofti Beach

When you arrive with ferry tickets to Kythira, the very first beach you’ll come across is Diakofti. Located just off the ferry terminal, it lies 32km northeast of Chora. As the largest sandy beach on the island, with easy road access, Diakofti gets very busy on warm days. The shallow turquoise water, restaurants and bars close by, ample parking, and parasol renting facilities make it all more family-friendly. To add drama to your beach day, check out the Nordland shipwreck just off the islet Prasonisi. Or else, venture carefully into the Housti Caves that go up to 15km underground.

Fyri Ammos Kalamos Beach

A large shingles beach with red sand, Fyri Ammos Beach is in the northeast of the island, 35 minutes away from Chora. Entering the seaside is via a tricky and slender dirt road but worth the trouble. While the Mediterranean Sea’s water is clear and clean, the seabed slopes down quickly, making the beach less than adequate for children. On the other hand, adventurous adults can either walk or swim to the two caves on the right side of the beach. The canteen at Fyri Ammon provides all necessities, including snacks, drinks, showers, changing rooms, as well as loungers and umbrella rental at the typical island rate of €10 per day.

Lykodimou Beach

A beach cannot get any more theatrical than Lykodimou on the northwestern shoreline of Kythira. The beach is a regular thin shingles strip with red sand and pebbles. What gives it personality, though, is a giant cave in its center. Paved flat surfaces on one side provide ample space to lounge while the nearby beach shack plays music throughout the day. About 23km from Chora, plan to arrive here by late afternoon, so you can stick around to view the sunset. The drive to the beach is comfortable but narrow and steep towards the end.

Melidoni Beach

Access to this pebble beach, situated 25 minutes from Chora, is pretty straightforward by road. On the way to Melidoni, you can also take a slight detour and visit the Agios Kosmas monastery. Several tourists, however, prefer a boat tour to the beach. Crowded during the summers, Melidoni fronts a calm, bottle-green-colored sea. Hardly any wind and water ideal for snorkeling further makes it a hot favorite with visitors. The on-site canteen offers snacks, two sunbeds and an umbrella for €10, and free WiFi.
 

Transportation Around Kythira

Kythira’s landscape is primarily mountainous. Walking between villages is thus best reserved for enthusiastic hikers. A bus service, while available, is infrequent and not ideal if you are short on time. The same holds for taxis, which you must book in advance for a guaranteed ride.

Therefore, the best way to travel around Kythira is in your own car or scooter. For international travelers who purchase passenger-only ferry tickets to Kythira, renting a vehicle is possible upon disembarking on the island. Several local car and scooter rental agencies have their offices at the port and the airport.

When choosing a car, pick a 4-wheel drive if you plan to visit some of the isolated beaches. Otherwise, a smaller vehicle is easy to park and ideal for driving on narrow roads. Car rental rates range from €25 to €50 per day, depending on the vehicle’s make and size.