Kythira Greece is located between Peloponnese and Crete in Greece where the Aegean, the Ionian, and the Cretan seas meet. Kythira belongs to the Ionian island group, far from any known islands either in the Cyclades, the Argosaronic islands, or the Ionian ones.

Kythira Island beach with a seaside church.
Kythira Island beach with a pretty chapel

Kythira Greece is an ideal island for people who seek quality and peaceful vacations. It is a mountainous Greek island with canyons, some of them with plenty of water, green, and even waterfalls in the beautiful Mylopotamos area.

The island has 90 km of splendid beaches to choose from, sandy, rocky, pebbled, busy, family-oriented, remote, and nudist, there is one for every taste!

A sandy beach with many people on Kaladi Beach on Kythira Greece.
Kaladi Beach

Kythira Greece is fortunate to have tons of history, chapels, castles, ancient sites, and landmarks to explore if you love cultural sightseeing.

A fantastic view to the sea on Kythira Chora Greece.
Kythira Chora

This guide to Kythira Greece includes information about:

  • Tips for visiting Kythira: when to go, how long to stay, what to wear
  • How to reach Kythira Greece: by air, by boat, or by car
  • Where to stay in Kythira: I recommend a hotel and an apartment for efficient traveling
  • An Interactive Google Kythira Map
  • Best Things to Do on Kythira Island: my favorite villages, the best beaches, hiking trails, and other sites I highly recommend you try for yourself!

*Some of the links below are affiliate links. That means I may make a commission if you click and buy. The commission comes at no additional cost to you.

Athens Quick Reference

  • Where to stay in Athens with stunning Acropolis view: Niche Hotel or The Foundry Suites
  • Book your ferry tickets with no-hidden-fees at FerryScanner or FerryHopper
  • Rent a car with Discover Cars for reliable new cars at affordable prices
  • Where to Stay in Kythira Greece

    A beautiful view to the sea with blue sky from Athena Kythera Apartments balcony in Kythera Greece.
    Athena Kythera apartments

    There are few hotels on the island, and mostly you will find beautifully restored old village houses. Athena Kythera (Self-catering) has very friendly owners, the property has a beautiful sea view of the sandy beach of Diakofti, a place to relax and feel at home.

    Maryianni Apartments (Self-catering), is located on Avlemonas, probably the most romantic beach on Kythira island,  with a private balcony overlooking the Venetian castle and the sea, or the charming garden. 

    Top Things to Do on Kythira Island

    Explore the villages around Kythira

    A view from a drone with blue sky in Diakofti Village Kythira Greece.
    Diakofti Village, Kythira

    Diakofti Port

    Diakofti is a tiny village surrounded by beaches with perfect white sand and crystal blue waters and is also Kythira’s main port. Located 31 km from Chora, it is fully organized to welcome travelers to its traditional houses and taverns with fresh fish. Right across lies the remains of the Russian ship wreckage!

    Kapsali Bay

    A view from a drone to a beautiful with blue sky in Kapsali Bay in Kythira Greece.
    Kapsali bay in Kythira Greece

    Kapsali Bay is a Blue Flag beach on the south part of Kythira, comprised of twin wonderful bays that form the shape of the Greek letter Omega (ω). Kapsali can get busy in the full season as it is a very popular resort.

    Don’t miss visiting Saint John off the Cliff whitewashed church in Kapsali.

    Avlemonas

    Whitewashed houses beside the sea with trees and plants with a beautiful sunset in Avlemonas Bay in Kythira Greece.
    Avlemonas Bay in Kythira

    Avlemonas Bay is probably the most beautiful seaside village in Kythira and a very romantic place to visit. In the most appealing natural environment of Avlemonas, you can have the freshest fish while very close lies the soft sandy beach of Palaiopolis.

    Agia Pelagia

    Village near by the sea with a beautiful view taken from a drone in Agia Pelagia Kythira Greece.
    Agia Pelagia Kythira © Flickr

    Agia Pelagia village is built amphitheatrically on a low hill overlooking Peloponnese. It has a long sandy beach and is probably the most touristically advanced area in Kythira.

    Along its waters, you will find an organized beach with sunbeds and umbrellas, and many cafes, restaurants, and hotels. It is about 26 km far from Kythira Chora.

    Fantastic hotel in Agia Pelagia:

    • Romantica Hotel Apartments. You are going to love the fantastic combination of modern and island characters in all of these exceptionally decorated rooms. I personally love the breakfast room hotel, bright and artistic. Check it out for prices and availability on Booking. com

    Swim in Kythira Greece Best Beaches

    A Sandy Beach with some people. Beautiful Green water and blue sky in Melidoni Beach Kythira Greece.
    Melidoni Beach © Mateusz Franckiewicz

    I have listed below some of the 30 beautiful beaches of Kythira to explore:

    • Agios Nicholas: Pebbled, secluded, not organized
    • Chalkos: Pebbled, secluded
    • Firi Ammos (near Kalamos) – red sand, organized, 1 canteen, difficulty in parking
    A Sandy Beach with a swimmer and a cave in Kaladi Beach Greece.
    Kaladi Beach
    • Kaladi: Probably the most beautiful beach on Kythira. To get to the beach you need to walk down a 124-step steep stone staircase (but it is totally worth it!) Kaladi is omega-shaped with two small bays, turquoise water, pebbles, and sand in some places. Pebbled, nudism friendly, not organized (no Kanteen, no water, nothing). Access is from the village of Fratsia if you are coming from the north, and from Livadi from the south.
    A Sandy Beach with trees, some White Washed houses with blue sky in Limnionas Beach Kythira Greece.
    Limnionas Beach
    • Limnionas: Sandy, secluded, not organized with trees
    • Lykodimou beach: Pebbled, secluded, not organized
    • Melidoni: sandy, organized, secluded
    • Platia Ammos: Pebbled, secluded, nudism friendly, not organized

    Explore Kythira Chora

    A drone view of Venetian Castle on top of Chora and many Whitewashed houses in Kythira Chora, Kythira Island Greece.
    Kythira Chora

    Set on a hill above Kapsali – as a matter of protection from the medieval constant pirate attacks – the picturesque Kythira Greece main town or Chora offers a panoramic view of the whole island. Most of the buildings are quite old, having kept the traditional local architecture with the most picturesque part of it being around the imposing Venetian Castle on top of Chora, built in the 13th c.

    The walls of the Castle in Kythira Chora and a Whitewashed Church and a Blue Sky in Kythira Island Greece.
    The walls of the Castle in Kythira Chora

    Wander through the remnants of the past on the Venetian Castle and see the old prisons, the Venetian fountain, the gunpowder chambers, the Byzantine churches with frescoes, and the many canons all around the castle.

    Do not miss to spot the islet of Chytra from the top of the castle.

    A Whitewashed alee with some plants in pots. Beautiful Blue Sky in Chora Kythira Island Greece.
    Chora Kythira

    At Kythira Chora’s main square, you will also find an interesting Archaeological Museum with findings from the excavations on the island.

    If you love guided tours then I highly recommend this comprehensive private tour on the island of Kythira.

    Hike in Kythira

    A sandy beach taken from the Hill with Blue Sky in Kythira Scenic Seaside, Kythira Island Greece.
    Kythira scenic seaside while hiking

    There are two main low mountains crossing the island, with the east peak reaching 474 m of Digenis Mt. and the western peak – and the highest of the island- at 506 m of Mermigkaris Mt.

    The lack of mass tourism on the island, combined with a wonderful variety of nature and architecture makes it an excellent destination for hiking holidays. In spite of the rocky terrain, most of the island is covered with rich vegetation and many olive trees. The trails pass by small olive and pine groves, picturesque villages, and remote and peaceful beaches that you can dive in.

    Two of the Kythira trails have been certified as Green Flag Trails, becoming the first-ever trails in Europe to receive the certification.

    Some Hikers on The Hill Looking the view to the Sea in Kythira Island Greece.
    © Paths of Greece

    Kythira trails network is about 32 km with new paths cleared out constantly and being added every year. The project is run by the Kytherian Foundation for Culture and Development and Paths of Greece.

    There are 8 signposted trails, most of them easy and short hikes with the Livadi-Kapsali trail being the longest at 8.2 km.

    A View Taken from a Drone with some cars on the road near by the sea in Kakia Lagkada Lake and Gorge in Kythira Island Greece.
    Kakia Lagkada lake and gorge

    If you like spectacular landscapes drive to the northeast in Kakia Lagkad beach and lake for a unique hike and swim.

    Visit Antikythira Island

    The Antikythira Mechanism in the Museum in Kythira Island Greece.
    The Antikythira Mechanism

    Kythira island has been overshadowed by the neighboring famous island of Antikythira where the Mechanism was discovered there.

    On May 17, 1901, Greek sponge divers bumped into an ancient shipwreck close to Antikythira island, and inside the ship discovered the world’s first computer. The Antikythira Mechanism is estimated to have been constructed between 100 and 205 BC and its pieces can be visited at the Athens National Archaeological Museum.

    Antikythira is a small island with only 50 permanent inhabitants, a very virgin place totally unspoiled from tourism. It is a great place for hiking too. Kythira is connected to Antikythira by ferry 4 times per week (the trip lasts 1,5 hours). Check here FerryScanner or FerryHopper for timetables and prices.

    Be amazed at the 4-million-old Cave of Agia Sofia

    Entrance to the Cave of Agia Sofia with Icons to the Both Sides in Kythira Island Greece.
    Entrance to the Cave of Agia Sofia

    Explore the 4 million-year-old Cave of Agia Sofia, located 3.5 km far from Mylopotamos. It covers 2.000 sqm of ten chambers with impressive stalactites and stalagmites in beautiful red shades.

    Agia Sofia Cave and a Lake Inside in Kythira Island Greece.
    Agia Sofia Cave – Photo: Kythira

    Right at the entrance you will see a stone temple with Byzantine frescoes dedicated to Agia Sofia. They date back to the 13th century but humidity and lack of light have kept them in excellent condition. The cave is located near the beach Limnionas so you can combine a beach day with a cultural and natural visit!

    Discover Unique Sites all over Kythira

    Medieval Castle Town of Paleochora taken from a Drone with Blue Sky in Kythira Island Greece.
    Medieval Castle-town of Paleochora

    Visit the Medieval Castle-town of Paleochora from the 12th century, the Venetian castle at Kato Chora Mylopotamos. All Castles have free entrance to the public, open from 8.00-20.00.

    A Fantastic View Taken from a Drone of Kythira Castle of the Hytra Islet in Kythira Island Greece.
    Views from Kythira Castle of the Hytra islet

    Take the boat to the impressive islet of Hytra with the golden cave. You can swim to the cave or just admire it from the safety of your boat.

    Waterfalls with a lot of Green in Fonissa Kythira Island Greece.
    Waterfalls in Fonissa

    Visit the beautiful waterfalls in Fonissa, an evergreen place with mesmerizing waterfalls falling from 20 m high in the Mylopotamos area.

    A Whitewashed Traditional Coffee Shop in Mylopotamos Kythira Village Kythira Greece.
    Mylopotamos Kythira village

    Go to Platanos tavern in Mylopotamos which serves delicious local dishes under its three plane trees for 130 years. For dessert, stroll down the steps to the duck pond, and to the Kamari cafe for coffee and ice cream.

    Don’t miss the religious festivals in honor of Panagia Myrtidiotissa Monastery (September 24th).

    Katouni Bridge With Beautiful Blue Sky in Kythira Island Greece.
    Katouni bridge, Kythira

    Stroll on the Stone Bridge of Katouni, an impressive bridge, of 13 arches and 12 domes, 110m long and 15m tall.

    Drive to Cape Spathi, the northernmost point of Kythira to admire a large lighthouse built in 1857.

    Taste the local delicacies at Filio tavern in Kalamos village, with grilled feta cheese and local greens in garlic, or Skandia Restaurant in Paleopolis, the birthplace of Aphrodite (I know Cyprus claims the same, no idea who is right :D), with fresh fish and aubergines with local flour.

    Feed the local stray cats in one of the 25 feeding stations all over Kythira island. More info on Adopt a Cat website here.

    Tips for Visiting Kythira Greece

    A Small Island With a Ship Rec Beside in Blue Water Taken from a Drone in Kythira Island Greece.
    The Kythira Sank Russian Ship in Diakofti
    • When is best to go to Kythira? The island is at its liveliest between May and September. You can visit in winter, it has 3973 permanent residents, meaning there will be hotels, cafes, and taverns for you, but it will be quiet
    • How long should you stay on Kythira Island? You can spend at least 5 days or more and be happily surprised each and every day if you are looking for quietness, relaxation, and Greek authenticity
    • If you are visiting in July and August, meltemia, the northern winds, can be strong and it gets chillier in the evening, so you better get a light jacket with you
    • If you are staying longer in Kythira, I recommend you rent a car to get to the beaches around the island. There will be some dirt roads to get to some beaches, so make sure you rent a suitable vehicle
    • Many beaches in Kythira are unorganized, and there might be no trees or other shade available, water, or food supply. You should carry your own supplies if you are visiting a remote beach

    How to Get to Kythira Greece

    A Sandy Beach with Umbrellas on it and Steps to the beach in Kapsali Village Kythira Island Greece.
    Kapsali Village

    There are three ways to get to Kythira: the fast, the most scenic, or the more adventurous one!

    The fastest way to get to Kythira is by flying from Athens International Airport, using a local flight from Sky Express, or Olympic Air.

    The most scenic way is by taking the ferries (check out trips on FerryScanner or FerryHopper) from Piraeus, Athens’ main port, there are 2-3 ferries going to Kythira every week.

    A Table with Food and Wine Beside the Sea and Whitewashed Houses in Gytheio Port Kythira Island Greece.
    Gytheio port

    The most adventurous and my favorite one to reach Kythira island is by car: You can rent a car and drive from Athens to the south of the Peloponnese, reach Gytheio or Neapoli towns, and take the ferry from Gytheio or Neapoli to Kythira. That way you get to see all the in-between sites such as Ancient Corinth or the Sanctuary in Epidaurus.

    Suggested Itineraries in the Peloponnese:

    How to get around Kythira

    Local Buses: Between May and September the municipality operates frequent routes with buses that run from the airport and port to the island’s main villages.

    Taxis: There are a few taxis that you will find useful for your transportation on the island of Kythira.

    Rent a Car: probably the best option to go around Kythira and discover all the hidden gems of the island at your own pace.

    Interactive Kythira Greece Map

    Things to Do in Kythira Greece Google Map
    Kythira Map

    Get your interactive map of Kythira here, to drive to any of the places listed on our things to do in Kythira.

    How to get to Athens Port (Piraeus) from Athens Airport

    • Bus: If you are arriving at Athens International Airport you can travel straight to the port by taking the X96 express bus (€5.5, children <6 yo, free entrance), which departs every 40 minutes and the average trip lasts 1 hour – runs 24/7.
    • Metro: (€9 ) is easily found across airport arrivals (blue line – M3) going directly to Piraeus port. The average trip to Piraeus lasts 1 hour.
    • Taxis are available in front of the airport (around €40 to Athens, €55-60 to Piraeus (depending on the traffic in Kifisos), and take up to 3 or 4 people with small luggage)
    • Rent a car with Discover Cars to rent reliable new cars at affordable prices
    • You don’t like driving but love hassle-free solutions? Book a Private transfer with an English-speaking driver from Athens International Airport to Piraeus Ferries, or anywhere else in Greece
    • Check out a full post on Lavrio Port in Athens

    Did you Go to Kythira Island?

    Did you manage to go to Kythira? What were the best things you did in the area? Let me know in the comments below, I’d love to hear whether I managed to get it onto your bucket list! Until next time, Evgenia 🙂

    Read here about the other Ionian Islands

    Corfu Island: Best Things to Do

    Zakynthos Island Travel Guide

    10 Best Things to Do in Ithaca Greece

    Paxos and Antipaxos

    Greece Packing List

    Some of my Favorite Travel Resources for Greece

    Follow Evgenia Mataragka:

    Hi! I am an Athens-based Greek obsessed with exploring Greece and bringing you the best travel experience ever!

    2 Responses

    1. Fred

      Very useful article! Someday when I am no longer able to walk as much (hopefully not until many many years from now!) there will still be some Greek islands that are possible to visit without too much difficulty.

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