Xionodromika

Kythira: The island of Aphrodite and Eros

Kythira


Kythira or Tsirigo is a beautiful picturesque island which is found 20 km south of the Cape of Maleas in Peloponnese. Although Kythira and Antikythira belong to Peloponnese geographically and to Attica prefecture administratively, they are located in the islands of Ionian Sea, because they had had common historical course for a long time.

Kythira, Goddess’ Aphrodite and Eros’ island are characterized by landscape multiformity. The countless idyllic landscapes, the traditional settlements, the picturesque watersides, the impressive caves, the narrow streets, the especial churches, the Venetian and Byzantine monuments entrance the visitor.

Kythira Map

Kythira Attractions & Surrounding Area

Except for the natural beauties, in Kythira there are many important sights. In Chora, the traditional small houses of insular architecture and the scenic backstreets relax the visitor. There, we find the imposing Castle and the Archeological Museum of Kythira. In Avlemonas, there are ruins of ancient buildings. Visit the waterfall of Murderess in Mylopotamos as well as the stone bridge in Katouni, which was constructed by English in 1829.

On the island there are a lot of old churches and monasteries. It’s worth visiting, in Palaiopoli, the church of Saint Kosmas, built with materials of Aphrodite’s temple, and the church of Saint Georgios, the floor of which is paved with byzantine mosaics. Murals of 12 th century adorn the church of Saint Andreas in Livadi.
Kythira, mostly in summer, attracts many Greek and foreign visitors thanks to the limpid sea and the sandy beaches that alternate with rough rocky coasts. In most beaches, the coast is a combination of sand and pebble.

You will enjoy the sun and the sea at the beaches of Halkos, Sparagario, Agia Pelagia, Melidoni, Kaladi, Komponada, Palaiopoli, Lorentzos and Plateia Ammos… On the island, there are two beaches with the name Fyri Ammos; Fyri Ammos of Kalamos which has been rewarded in past with the award Gold Starfish” for its natural beauty and the cleanness of its waters, and Fyri Ammos of Agia Pelagia. Both, as their name intimate, have got red sand and pebbles.

In the north side of the island, the famous for its sunset beach of Lykodimos is found. At Kalami beach, the deep blue waters between a range of rocks compose a fascinating landscape. At the picturesque small port of Avlemonas, you will take a cool plunge from the rocks and you will enjoy your coffee or your food at a cafeteria or a restaurant that you will find around.

Antikythira is a small island between Kythira and Kissamos of Crete. The scenic hamlets and the natural beauties of the island will charm you. Here, you will enjoy swimming, as the island has got wonderful beaches, with most distinctive, this of Xyropotamos, as well as the walking routes in pure nature. At the bottom of the sea of Antikythera, a wreck of 1 st century B.C. was found in 1900 that gave many interesting findings, which are exhibited today in the Archeological Museum of Athens, with most known the statue of “The Adolescent of Antikythira”.

Kythira is the ideal destination for those who want to pass calm and relaxing holidays, but also for those who search for a vivid life and entertainment. Aphrodite’s island waits for you and promises to give you unforgettable experiences.

How to get there

By Plane: There are daily flights from Eleftherios Venizelos airport to Kythira. The duration of flight is 30 minutes approximately.

Coastally: Ships depart daily from Piraeus Port, Gythio Port, Neapoli of Laconia and Kasteli of Crete Port to Kythira.

Kythira Photos

Kythira Useful Telephone Numbers (Calling code for Greece 0030)

Kythira Municipality
27360 31213
Piraeus Port Authority
210 4226000
Kythira Hospital
27360 33325
Kythira airport
27360 33292
Kythira Police Station
27360 31206
Eleftherios Venizelos Airport
210 3530000
Agia Pelagia Port Authority
27360 33280
Arheological Museum
27360 31739
Diakofti Port Authority
27360 34222
Collection of Byzantine Frescoes
27360 31731
Kapsali Port Authority
27360 31222
Antikythira Police Station
27360 33767