Kythnos

The island of Kythnos, known as the island of Apollo, is located in the western part of the Cyclades group, in the center of a triangle formed by the islands of Serifos, Kimolos and Antiparos. It is also called “Thermiá” due to its thermal springs.

It is a mountainous island, full of olive groves that create a splendid scenery together with the sparkling white of the flat roofs of the houses, the deep turquoise blue of the sea and the bright red and fuchsia of the bougainvilleas. The villages of the island are small, very picturesque and become very crowded during the summer due to the presence of many tourists.

King Kythnos is said to have given this beautiful island his name, although this is ultimately a mythological rather than historical belief. There are records of a tribe called the Dryopes, dating back to the 13th century BC. C, which most likely gave its name to one of the main villages: Dryopis (or Dryopida).

Around the 13th century, the island underwent Venetian rule which lasted for 400 years. At that time the island was known as Thermia, its capital was Kastro and it was famous for its mineral springs located on the northeastern coast of the island, near the village of Loutra.

All the villages of the island are connected to each other by local buses, considered the cheapest way to move around the island. You can also use the taxi service or rent motorbikes.

Kythnos

The island does not have its own airport. The closest one is Athens International Airport.

Kythnos is well connected by ferries to the port of Piraeus and Lavrio and the journey takes 2 – 3 hours.

Ferries also connect the island to Serifos (1 hour), Naxos (4 hours), Syros (2.5 hours), Santorini (9 hours), Ios (7 hours), Paros (5 hours), Tinos (5 hours ).

From Kythnos it is also possible to visit the nearby islands of Kea, Kimolos, Sifnos, Milos.

There are beautiful places to visit on the island.

Agia Irini

It is located 6km from Chora and close to the well known resort of Loutra. Every year on May 5, there is a religious festival dedicated to Santa Irini, the patron saint of the village.

Merichas

It is located on the eastern side of the island, 8 km from the main town and is the main port of Kythnos, where ferries from Piraeus and nearby islands dock. From here there are many boats that carry out tours around the island. In summer the town tends to get crowded with tourists coming to the island. It is well connected to Chora by bus and has a pleasant nightlife that attracts young people and many tourists. The closest beaches are Episkopi, Apokrousi and Martinakia.

Driopid

It is located 12km south of Chora, has lovely surroundings and is a mountainous and very picturesque village, with busy streets so narrow that vehicles can hardly get through. In the 19th century it was the capital of the island.

Vryokatsro Archaeological Zone

Vryokastro was the ancient capital of the island, inhabited since the 7th century AD. C. The area has the remains of Roman walls, temples, altars and buildings. The most significant find is a temple shrine containing various objects such as jewellery, gold, bronze and silver artifacts, terracotta figurines and decorated vessels. It is thought that the temple was built in honor of Hera, the queen of the gods, or Aphrodite, the goddess of love.

Ancient Katafiki Cave in Dryopida

It is one of the largest caves in Greece, in the past used by the locals as a shelter. At the beginning of the 20th century the cave was an iron mine and later became a tourist attraction. The interior of the cave is naturally decorated with limestone structures.

Church of Panagia Kanala

It was built in a beautiful area, about 17 km south of Chora, in honor of the patron saint of the island, and is characterized by unique architecture. According to tradition, the icon of the saint was found in a canal and is said to have been painted by the Apostle Luke. The icon was almost certainly created by the Cretan painter Adoni Skordili.

The capital of the island of Kythnos

Chora (or Messaria)

It is a small place with a small square, white houses with flowers, churches, paved streets, paved alleys, beautiful arches and windmills.

Kythnos

To be seen

Churches

An interesting feature is that they were built for both Christian and Orthodox pilgrims, with the left side of the church intended for Catholics while the right side reserved for the Orthodox. The oldest church of all is the Church of the Holy Trinity, while the church of Agios Prodromos is very visited by locals and tourists.

Loutra

Very interesting location just 4.5 km from the capital, it is famous for its hot thermal waters which attract hundreds of visitors.

Medieval Castle of Orias or Katafalos

It is located in Loutra and is clearly Venetian in style. It was in fact built when the Venetians conquered the island.

Museums

Byzantine Museum

The Byzantine Ecclesiastical Museum is located in Driopida. It is based in the traditional St George's Church which is notable for its blue roof. The museum exhibits a large collection of 150 Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons, about 90 ecclesiastical books and other objects such as ecclesiastical clothes, manuscripts, Gospels, golden crosses from the 18th century. Some icons and books are really rare, created in the 18th century by the monks of Mount Athos. Entrance to the museum is free.

Folklore Museum

The museum is located in the locality of Dryopida. The extensive collection includes traditional costumes and significant folk art objects that show the daily life of the island.

Beaches

The beaches of Kythnos island are essentially small in size, with crystal clear waters. They are considered among the best of all the Cyclades.

Kolona beach

About 3km west of Chora, it is a narrow strip of land connecting Kythnos to the islet of St. Luke. It has a particular charm due to its fine golden sand and the sea that surrounds it on both sides. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, has a great romantic atmosphere and is one of the must-visit places when on the island. It can be reached by taxi-boat from Merihas, the main port of Kythnos.

Loutra beach

It is located on the northeastern coast of the island, 5 km from Chora. It is the most touristic place on the island, and attracts many visitors for its facilities, its thermal springs, its many clubs and nightlife. There is also a hydrotherapy center in the area.

Apokrousi beach

It is located about 3 km from the capital. Apokrousi beach has been awarded the blue flag and is one of the largest beaches on the island, with sand and trees. There are several buses that connect the beach to the Merihas port. To reach the beach you can also use the taxi service or rent a motorbike.

Episkopi beach

It is located 5km southwest of Chora and is a fantastic beach, well connected by bus to the capital.

Gaidouromantra beach

It is located 22km south of Chora, it is a long beach which tends to never get too crowded. There is no type of structure on the beach and it is ideal for those who want to spend time immersed in unspoilt nature.

Kalo Livadi beach

18 km southeast of Chora, it is an unstructured beach, with a sandy beach and rocky bottom. From here you can visit the nearby church of Panagia Kalolivadiani.

Kanala Beach

It is located 17 km south of Chora and is a small beach with pebbles. It is famous for the church of Panagia Kanala, the protector of the island who is said to work miracles. Along the coast there are small hotels and taverns. The beach is accessible by public transport or by car.

Fun

Kythnos is a quiet island, with some bars and clubs near the sea and does not have a wild nightlife. In summer the island becomes full of life and movement due to the strong flow of tourists. Merihas resort is where both locals and tourists alike go for its seaside bars and parties. Loutra è invece la località preferita dalla gente un po’ più adulta per le sue terme. A series of cultural events called “Kythneia” are organized on the island. They take place in the summer, during the first ten days of August. Local festivals are also organized and are ideal for those who want to dance to the traditional music of the island.