The island of Kythera, which is also called Tsirigo by the older generation, is situated south of Peloponnesos right under the city of Neapoli. One can reach Kythera in two ways, either you take the boat directly from Pireus to Kythera – a journey that takes around 7 hours – or you take the car/bus down to Neapoli in southern Peloponnesos and take the ferry from there to Kythera. This last option also takes around 7 hours in total so choose what you are most comfortable with. We strongly recommend the second option and go by car and ferry because the trip through Peloponnesos has many beautiful views to offer. You should though plan to book the ferry in advance because the ferries leaving from Neapoli are not so big and especially in the summertime they are always fully booked.
The island has something magical about it. Maybe it has to do with its rugged terrain with deep coves and steep cliffs or with the architecture of Kythera which is a mixture of traditional, classic and Venetian elements. Or perhaps it has to do with the fact that every bay around the island hides a beautiful beach with emerald green waters.
Anyway, Kythera is not like any other Greek island, it is something out of the ordinary. The roads on the island are not as good as on other more visited islands. Sometimes they can be very narrow and have old stone bridges that one has to pass one car at a time. But that’s the charm of it all.
When you get to hear the island’s history, you understand why Kythera is such a special island. In the early 1000’s BC Kythera was a Minoan colony. In 424 BC the island got under the sovereignty of Athens and during the centuries it has come under Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman influence. In addition, Kythera has been plundered by pirates on several occasions. In 1864 the island became part of independent Greece.
The truth is that if you go for a walk in Kythera town, you can see influences from all these cultures in every corner. It’s a blissful blend that has melted together and become something extremely beautiful.
Today, Kythera has a pretty small population of around 3000 inhabitants. About 100,000 have emigrated from Kythera over the years and most went to Australia where their relatives live today. Therefore, it is not uncommon with tourists from Australia on the island.
Kythera town is situated on the east side of the island just above the samller seaside town of Kapsali. The towns’s castle, which is impossible to miss as it is off course built on the top of the hill looking out on the ocean, was built in 1503. The houses were later built around the castle and that is how the town grew to what it is today.
Kythera town has two major squares. The first is the central square where you will find the town hall, banks, government offices, etc. and the second square is “Estavromenou square” where you find the cathedral of Kythera. The best view from the town, is from the so-called Belvedere, which is found to the east, where the town ends, on the way down to Kapsali. It’s a very romantic place!
A walk among Kythera town’s all narrow alleys will surely charm you. The houses are built close to each other and sometimes it is even difficult for mopeds to go through the streets. Walk along the central town road, take a look at all the small shops selling everything from antiques to jewelry and clothes and then have a drink at one of the many cozy bars or cafés. You will fall in love with this little town.
Kapsali: This small town located by the sea under Kythera town has one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. Mostly because of the magical picture you see when you are lying on the beach. The high hill in front of you with the Kythera town’s castle on top and the nearby small island of Chytra make up a very special view. For many years, Kapsali has been the town of the island that has the best nightlife with its many bars, cafes and restaurants. Here you will also find many hotels and rooms to rent. In Kapsali there is also the island’s largest marina where sailboats can park. On the beach here you can also practice water sports or why not rent a water bike and “cykle” over to the beach Sparagario on the other side which can not be reached by foot. Here in Kapsali you can easilly spend a full day!
Avlemonas: a picturesque little town by the sea on the eastern side of the island, characterized by its Cycladic style. This is one of the island’s most beautiful villages, mainly because of all small bays along the shore with their crystal clear emerald green waters. Here you can spend a full day, swim in one of the small bays, visit a local fish taverna and have a coffee near the sea. In the summer there are also frequent concerts in Avlemonas. Avlemonas is also very close to the island’s largest beach – Paleopoli.
Mylopotamos: a very beautiful village consisting of a lower and an upper part. The lower part (kato chora) is preserved just as it was built many years ago. At the entrance to the lower part of the village stands Saint Mark’s lion welcoming the visitors. It used to be a symbol of the Venetian democracy once upon a time. The town’s central square is a classic meeting place and a really charming one! Here you see the church of Agios Sostis and you can sit under the huge trees that cover the square and have a coffee or a piece of food. If you go for a walk through the town’s streets and alleys, you will soon reach Fonissa, a small grove that also conceals a small waterfall. Further down the road there are several larger waterfalls where you can also swim. From the village you can also go to the Agia Sofia Cave, an incredible landmark on the west side of the island. From here the view is amazing and you almost feel like you are on the island of Santorini.
Potamos: the island’s largest and most vibrant town. Potamos is defenitively worth a visit and especially on sundays when a big bazaar is held here showing of all the local products of the island. This is the island’s most historic town and every taverna here has existed for over 50 years. Here you will find tavernas, restaurants, supermarkets, offices of different kinds etc. When visiting Potamos, do not forget to see the historical and very beautiful stone bridge built by the English when they ruled over the island.
Diakofti: this little town is developing and growing for each year. It is well-visited mainly because of its fine sandy beach which is reasonably suited for families with small children, but also for its many tavernas and cafes. Here you can enjoy good fresh fish from the local fishermen.
This island has beaches for all tastes and needs. With shallow waters, deep waters, sandy beaches, rocky beaches … all kinds of sorts! One thing is certain: many of the beaches are not reached easily as you often have to drive down mountain roads that can be quite steep and narrow and sometimes not even paved. So think about it if you are hireing a car on the island and choose a model that is suitable. It’s worth the effort!
Below are some beaches worth visiting that we did not mention earlier in the text.
Chalkos – A beach with pebbles and rocks located on the southeastern side of the island. It is reached via a mountain road which is not paved. It has both a beach bar and sun loungers.
Fyri Ammos – A red sandy beach with deep waters located on the eastern side of the island which is reached through a mountain road that is not paved. On the beach there is a big cave that some people actually lay in to get shelter from the sun. There are also sun loungers, a cafe, etc.
Kaladi – probably the most famous beach on the island with its big rock in the middle of the water. It is located east of Paleopoli and is reached through a good paved road. When you have parked your car you go down a number of steep steps. It has emerald green and deep waters and you can dive freely from the rocks.
Limni Kakias Lagadas – A really cool little beach on the island’s northern part, east of Agia Pelagia. You reach it through a mountain road that is not paved. This beach is very special with its really high mountains just behind and the little lake that starts just a few meters from where the ocean begins. However, there are no sun loungers or kiosks to buy water or coffee close by, so bring what you need.
Lykodimou – It is located on the eastern side of the island near Logothetianika, you reach it easily through a good paved road. It is quite small and shallow and consists of pebbles and rocks. It is worth a visit because of its large cave which is right on the beach and the beautiful sunsets you can see from here.
Melidoni – South of Drymonas we find this beautiful sandy beach. It is reached by a mountain road that is not paved and it has both sun loungers and a small snack bar right next to it.
