The picturesque island of Kythira has a myriad of ancient footpaths that lead to secluded villages and churches. You can also sample thyme honey and the local liqueur called “fatourada.”
This postcard-perfect island offers unique natural beauty as well as cultural highlights. It is believed to be the birthplace of Aphrodite and has an interesting history.
1. Visit the Monastery of Agia Moni
One of the top attractions of Kythira, this monastery is built on a hill overlooking Diakofti and offers an amazing view. The monastery was founded in 1840 by the sailor Theodoros Kolokotronis who vowed to build it after he returned home from liberating Greece from the Ottoman rule. You can visit the church and see its impressive icons. The monastery is located about 3 km from Nafplio.
The Fonissa waterfalls are a beautiful nature spot with mesmerizing water falls that drop from 20 m high in the village of Mylopotamos. Visit the Platanos tavern in Mylopotamos that serves delicious local dishes under three plane trees for 130 years. Also, don’t miss tasting ‘fatourada,’ a traditional drink made with tsipouro and cinnamon.
Another popular destination in the north of the island is Agios Nikolaos Beach, a beautiful organized beach that stretches along a large bay with crystal clear waters. It is ideal for families and has a lot of amenities. Also, check out Halkos beach a few kilometers away, it is a sandy beach that has waters that are of exceptional beauty.
In the south, Kapsali is a wonderful seaside resort that has twin wonderful bays that look like the letter omega (o). It can get quite busy during the full season. You can stroll on the stone bridge of Katouni that is amazingly impressive with 13 arches and 12 domes, as well as admire Cape Spathi, the northernmost point of the island, where you can visit the Moudari lighthouse. The Chapel of Saint John off the Cliff is also worth visiting.
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2. Visit the Monastery of Agia Elesa
Dedicated to the patron saint of Kythira, Panagia Myrtidiotissa, this monastery is the spiritual heart of the island. Its setting on a hill overlooking Kalokairina is breathtaking, and the church itself is adorned with stunning frescoes. The monastery is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. It’s also worth visiting the Stavros, a large cross offered by a sailor as a tribute.
Years of Venetian domination on Kythira left a legacy of castles throughout the island. One of the most famous is the ancient citadel of Chora, perched on top of a hill offering unique views of the port and bay. Another popular castle to visit is the castle of Agios Dimitrios in Milopotamos, built in a beautiful location overlooking the water. Other castles to check out include the Venetian castle in Kapsali, Sparangarlo castle and a beautiful monastery at Agia Sofia.
For those looking to explore the island’s nature, there are many hiking trails on Kythira. The best time to go hiking on the island is late fall, when temperatures are cool but the flowers are already in full bloom. There are also numerous archaeological sites to discover, such as the Temple of Apollo in Kaladi or the stone-built Katounis Bridge, which is an impressive legacy from the days of British rule.
The village of Potamos is one of the most alluring on the island, due to its location and its main square. It’s also home to some of the most jaw dropping beaches, such as Paralia Diakofti beach, with crystal clear waters and a wondrous Nordland shipwreck. Other stunning beaches in the area are Melidoni, a great organized beach with sunbeds and umbrellas, and Kaladi, which is a pebbly beach divided into three sections that feature incredible blue-green water.
3. Visit the Church of Analipsi
Kythira is a place for nature lovers, with its luscious landscapes and stunning beaches. It is also home to a number of unique religious buildings, such as the Monastery of Myrtidiotissa in Livadi. This monastery is dedicated to a miraculous icon, and it attracts hundreds of pilgrims each year. The church is also home to one of the island’s most important museums, which houses a collection of delicate frescoes and paintings from different churches on the island.
Another must-see on the island is the Monastery of Agia Elesa, located in Ano Livadi. This monastery was built in honor of a local saint, and it features a stunning location on the top of a mountain. Its impressive location and unique architecture make it a must-visit on any Kythira tour.
The island has a few castles that you should visit during your stay, as well. The imposing castle in the Chora is one of the most popular, while the fortress in Kapsali is also worth visiting. The island also has a few museums, including the Archeological Museum and the Folk Art Museum.
There are many beautiful beaches on Kythira, but the best is probably Kaladi beach, which is located in the village of the same name. The beach is a pebbly one that is divided into three sections and has some of the most amazing blue-green water you’ll ever see. The beach is not very crowded, and it’s easy to access, although there are some steep stone steps before you reach the water.
The island is also famous for its traditional festivals (aka panigiria), which are held throughout the summer and are a great way to experience the culture of the island. Other things you should do during your trip include exploring the island’s villages and checking out the traditional flea market in Potamos, which takes place every Sunday morning all year round.
4. Visit Komponada Beach
Kythira is one of the most underrated Greek islands, but don’t let its size fool you! It’s bursting with picturesque villages, jaw-dropping gorges and waterfalls, and of course, stunning beaches. You can fly directly from Athens or catch the ferry to Kythira from Piraeus and Neapoli in the Peloponnese to experience this beautiful island for yourself.
One of the most popular beach attractions on the island is Kaladi Beach, a showstopper with spectacular blue-green water and gorgeous pebbles. The beach is actually made up of three different sections and is separated by a large rock that gives it its distinct appearance. The first section is a lovely pebble beach, while the third is a small open cave that leads to another smaller beach. The route to the beach is scenic but a little challenging, with a dirt road and around 150 steps to negotiate.
Another great beach is Melidoni, a lovely U-shaped cove with a pretty sandy and shallow beach that offers fantastic views of the island of Antikythira. There’s a good range of facilities here and the water is clear and refreshing, making it ideal for swimming. The beach is also backed by a few cozy taverns and cafes, so you can easily spend the day here.
If you’re looking for a more secluded beach, head to Komponada Beach in the eastern part of the island. This wild, pebbled beach is a little tricky to get to and is not very organized, but it’s worth it for the incredible waters and the stunning scenery. The beach is a favourite spot for snorkelers as well, thanks to its abundant sea life.
5. Visit Livadi
Kythira’s picturesque natural landscapes and its rich history provide a range of things to do. You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including swimming, snorkeling, canyoning and hiking. Alternatively, you can explore the island’s many villages and take in the local culture.
There are also a number of cultural highlights to discover on the island, including Venetian castles and Byzantine buildings. You can even learn about traditional crafts and sample some of the island’s delicious cuisine.
The most popular of the beach spots on the island is Kaladi, which is arguably the most beautiful beach in the Mediterranean. The beach is divided into three sections and has stunning blue-green water. It is also pebbled and nudism-friendly. It can be accessed by car or by taking the 124 steps down from the mountain.
Other great beaches on the island include Loulos Beach and Agia Anna. Both of these beaches are less crowded than Kaladi and offer a great place to relax. In addition to beaches, Kythira is also home to some of the best restaurants and tavernas in Greece. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as grilled octopus and fried calamari.
The island is also famous for its thyme honey, which can be purchased at the local markets. Other locally produced products include wine and faturada, which is a drink made from tsipouro, cloves, and cinnamon. You can find these products at the local markets in Potamos, which are held every Sunday morning all year round.