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Sightseeing in Kythira

The Castles. The Venetian era lives on in the castles of Kythira. The main one is the Fortezza, the castle of Chora, also known as the “Eye of Crete”, which looks over three seas: the Aegean, Cretan and Ionian. It was built in the 13th century, when Kythira was under Venetian rule. The tunnel at the entrance, the jails, the large cistern with domes and arches, the gunpowder store, the church of the Pantokrator – filled with old wall paintings – the old government house, and “Our Lady of the Latins” in the large square, which was renamed “the Myrtidiotissa” by the Greek Orthodox Church and was the place where the holy icon of the Virgin was housed during pirate raids, all bear the traces of the era of the Knights. Inside the castle is the Kythira Historical Archive, which is the second most important in the whole of Greece, as it houses material from the 16th century.

In Kato Chora of Mylopotamos you are welcomed by yet another castle with the winged lion of St Mark, the symbol of the Venetian Empire. Built at a strategic position between hills and slopes, in the direction of the Ionian Sea, it offers a beautiful view at sunset.

In Palaiochora, the Byzantine capital of the island, the remains of the fortress built by the people of Monemvasia in the 12th century can be seen, set within a natural fortress, inside a deep gorge. The city was completely destroyed in 1537 by Hayreddin Barbarossa, the admiral of the Ottoman fleet. The third, in chronological order, Venetian fortress is located in Avlemonas.

The museums. The fully renovated Archaeological Museum of Chora contains exhibits dating from the 9th century BC to the 3rd century AD. Among them we can see stone tools from the first settlement on the island, finds from the Minoan colony at Palaiopoli, bronze figurines from the Minoan peak sanctuary at Agios Giorgiοs, figurines and jewellery from the sanctuary of Athena at Palaiokastro, the 6th-century BC marble lion of Kythira, coins from the sanctuary of Poseidon at Antidragonera, and much more. There is also a special unit dedicated to finds from the excavations at Antikythira.

The Byzantine Museum is housed in the square of Kato Livadi, with Early Christian, Byzantine and post-Byzantine works of art. Particularly impressive are the fragments of the Early Christian mosaic floor from the church of Agios Ioannis at Potamos.

The villages. In addition to a visit to the Castle, a stroll through the lanes of Chora is essential. Narrow lanes with little white houses and, closer to the castle where old mansions also still stand, are the Venetian buildings and many more from the British period. The fishing villages steal the show. Kapsali, the port of Chora, is built between two large gulfs and is the island’s liveliest village. Avlemonas in the east is considered by many to be Kythira’s most beautiful village, with picturesque bays and a sun clock. In the south is Kalamos, close to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches.

Ascending further to the north, a trip to Mylopotamos, the village of legends and traditions, is a must. It has picturesque lanes and charming houses, while nature lovers should take the road that leads to the Fonissa waterfall. Pass the large village of Potamos and take a stop at the lush green village of Karavas, with its valleys, running waters and delightful architecture.

The caves. A few kilometres outside of Mylopotamos, in the direction of Limnionas beach, you will find the cave of Agia Sofia, where, tradition holds, the body of Saint Sofia was found. As you enter the cave, with its rare wall paintings, your gaze falls on the spectacle of the stalactites and stalagmites and their changing colours, thanks to the morphology of the rock in this area. The small cave of Houstis is located in the area of Diakofti, where ancient stone tools were recently found. The cave of Kalamos can be visited near the village of Spilies, within a verdant landscape.

The monuments. Twenty-five years ago, a Minoan peak sanctuary was found on Mt Agios Georgios, at a short distance from the archaeological site of Palaiopoli at Kastri. Many cult objects were also uncovered. This is a very ancient place of worship and, since the 7th century, the little church of Agios Georgios has stood here, with a view over Crete and Santorini.

On Palaiokastro mountain, yet another point with a panoramic view, and where, according to Thucydides, Upper Kythira was built –you can see the foundations of the temple of the goddess Aphrodite. According to the myth, the goddess rose from the foam of the sea and passed by Kythira, before coming ashore on Cyprus.

The British period bequeathed to the island the bridge of Katouni, the largest stone bridge to have been built anywhere in Greece, with a length of 110 metres, a height of 15 metres and a width of 6 metres.

Even if you are not especially interested in monasteries, the Monastery of the Myrtidiotissa is indelibly linked to the landscape of Kythira. Located on an isolated rock in the west of the island, between the hills and the sea, this historic monastery conceals a valuable religious relic, the icon of the Panagia, Our Lady. According to tradition, it was discovered by a shepherd underneath a myrtle bush after he saw a dream in which she showed him the spot. This grand church stands imposingly within a wild landscape, while its marble icon screen and 26-metre-tall belfry are of great architectural interest.

The beaches of Kythira

The list of the Kythira beaches is perhaps one of the longest and most impressive in Greece, especially for those who love wild, rocky landscapes and translucent waters. Starting with those that are the most accessible, Kapsali has organised amenities and is ideal for families. To its right you will come to the stunning Sparagario bay, with blue waters and white pebbles. Feloti is a beautiful beach that is best reached in a small boat, as the dirt road that leads to it is not recommended.

If you continue in an easterly direction, you will encounter a series of amazing beaches. Fyri Ammos (with some excellent organised amenities) is set in a stunningly beautiful landscape with red rocks and pebbles spread over a large and broad beach. Kaladi is considered by many to be the top choice for a swim on the island. It is divided into three bays, with a rock separating them even though they all share the same blue-green waters and pebbles. If you are a strong swimmer and are not put off by long distances then you could try to swim to neighbouring Vlychada.
Nearby is the vast beach of Palaiopoli, ideal for water sports. Immediately after is the fishing village of Avlemonas, inviting us to its crystal-clear bay. Further up, no one would have expected Diakofti, the port of Kythira, to have such a fine beach, with exotic colours and few people.
Changing direction for the southwest, Melidoni is smaller in scale but has refreshing blue waters, which reward the adventurous traveller who drives along a dirt road for several kilometres. Alternatively, take a little boat from Kapsali to Melidoni. Further up is the protected beach of Limnionas, with a view of the little island of Panagia.

Entertainment in Kythira

The little bars by the sea in Kapsali and Avlemonas are the most popular, while quieter options for going out can be found in the streets of Chora. Entertainment in Kythira is generally low key.

Excursions on Kythira

To make your vacation on Kythira even more memorable, combine a dip in the sea in one the magical beaches of Kythira with a visit to the natural and architectural sights of the island or to neighbouring villages.

Starting at the north edge of the island, you will come to Cape Spathi, near the village of Karavas, where you can see the largest lighthouse built by the British, with a height of 25 metres. The view from here over the sea is unimpeded.

Nature lovers will be delighted with the gorge of Tsakonas (in the centre of the island, near Mitata) and Kakia Langada (the ravine that begins at Trifyllianika and passes by the ruined citadel of Palaiochora).

At the head of the springs of Kythira, the Neraida waterfall or Fonissa waterfall is set in an idyllic landscape. It begins in the village of Mylopotamos and is lost in the greenery, the streams, and the giant plane trees, to end at the waterfall. The water is ice cold so only dip into it if you are very brave! A little further down begins the route of the 22 watermills. Although the mills no longer operate, they are still filled with clean water.

Even though you will have to leave the land of Kythira, Chytra is worth the sacrifice! Opposite the port of Kapsali, at just a short distance, Chytra is a rocky islet guarding the entrance to the port and concealing its own sea cave. A dive into its waters, where seals often seek refuge, is a wonderful experience, while on its rocks you may see Eleonora's falcon nests, a rare and protected falcon species.

The beauty of Kythira is matched by that of Antikythira. Even a one-day escape, packed with activities, is worth the effort. Start by wandering around Potamos, then take a dip into the natural monument of Kamarela, a series of rocks in the sea. Visit the archaeological site of Aigila, admire the wild nature around the lighthouse on Cape Apolytara, and then visit Agios Myronas. If you decide to spend the night on Antikythira, then you will have much fun with the singing and dancing in Potamos square.

Food in Kythira

Influenced by Ionian, Cretan and Maniot cuisine, the Kythirians have a very generous attitude towards eating. In addition to the fresh fish that are associated with almost all the islands of Greece, in Kythira you must try wherever you find them stuffed courgette flowers, sweet marrow pie with either xinohontro (wheat trahanas with goats’ milk) or with aubergines, octopus baked in the oven, fried black-eyed beans or broad beans, and kaltsouni (pita with greens and fresh cheese).

There is a large variety of desserts, with pastries such as amygdalota (almonds), melounia (honey-based), skarselakia and pastitseta (with a jam filling) all much in demand. You must also try apple pasta and almond rozedes. In the warm midday or in the evening, a fatourada (fruit liqueur with cinnamon) is just perfect.

In the little shops of Chora, Kapsali and the large villages of the hinterland, you will find a wide variety of rusks cooked in olive oil and bread rings, and spoon sweets made by the housewives of Kythira. If you prefer non-edible souvenirs, the island has a tradition in ceramics production.

Getting from the airport to Kythira town

Kythira Airport is located 23 km northeast of Chora. Since there is no bus, travel to and from the airport is by car or taxi only.