The Kythira is an island in the Ionian Sea, southeast of the Peloponnese and north of Crete. It is the fifth largest island of the Ionian Islands and the eighth largest in Greece. The capital of the island is Chora, located in the southern part of the island. Kythera or Tsirigo has a rich history and culture since ancient times. They are known for their beautiful beaches, green landscapes and historical monuments.
Program for a 7-day trip to Kythira.
Day 1: Arrival at the airport or the port of Kythira, and transfer to your accommodation. View or get a Map of Kythira.Day 2: Morning walk to the capital Chora in the south of the island, with its picturesque alleys and magnificent mansions, visit to the large Venetian Castle of Chora with its panoramic view of three seas, and the Archaeological Museum. Then you go down for a swim in the picturesque cosmopolitan Kapsali with its double omega-shaped bays.
Day 3: Visit to the Byzantine castle-state of Paleochora in the center of the island, with the important buildings and churches of the 13th century. Then for swimming at the organized beach of Agia Pelagia, north-east of Kythira. On the way back for coffee and shopping, or for food in the picturesque village of Potamos.
Day 4: Visit to the traditional village of Mylopotamos in the center-west of the island with its centuries-old plane trees, and walk in the Myloi natural area with running water, small waterfalls and ponds among wild local vegetation, picturesque watermills and stone bridges. Then we choose for swimming the beach of Limniona, ideal for families, or the beach of Kalami, which requires a descent from a path to a cliff. On the way back it is ideal to visit the Venetian castle of Kato Chora Mylopotamos, where houses and churches have been preserved since the 13th century, and of course to enjoy the most beautiful sunset in Kythira.
Day 5: Our day starts with a swim at the picturesque double Kaladi beach south-west of the island, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Kythira where in the center there is a large rock with a cave inside. Then for a walk to the picturesque seaside village of Avlemonas, ideal for your afternoon coffee, but also your evening dinner.
Day 6: Our day starts with a coffee in Livadi, located in the center of Kythira, then a visit to the wonderful monastery of Panagia Myrtidiotissa, the patroness of the island, and then a swim at the small but very picturesque Melidoni beach, with view of the rock island of Chytra.
Day 7: Departure from the airport or the Port of Kythira, we wish you the best memories!
If you are planning to visit Kythira, here is some quick information to help you organize your trip:
When to go: The best time to visit Kythera is from May to October. Summer is the most popular time to visit the island, but it is also the most expensive. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can visit the island from May to June or from September to October.
How to get there: Kythira is connected to Athens by boat and plane. The ferry is the most economical option, but it is also the slowest. The plane is the most expensive option, but it is also the fastest. See updated itineraries for Kythera.
Where to stay: There are many tourist accommodations for stay in Kythira, from luxury hotels to affordable rental homes. You can find accommodation for all tastes and preferences.
Some of the most popular areas for your stay in Kythira are:
Chora: The capital of Kythira, it is a beautiful village with cobbled streets, historic buildings, and quaint shops.
Livadi: Located in the center of Kythira, there are restaurants and several shops.
Avlemonas: It is a small picturesque fishing village in Cycladic style, with a beautiful very small beach, and the Venetian castle.
Mylopotamos: A verdant village that is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful on the island with centuries-old plane trees and running water.
Agia Pelagia: A small village built amphitheatrically on hills, with a beautiful organized beach in the north of the island, many shops, restaurants and hotels.
Some of the most popular beaches in Kythira are:
Agia Pelagia: The beach is a large well organized sandy beach with shallow water, ideal for families.
Kapsali: located at the southernmost tip of the island, it is very well organized, has sand and very fine pebbles and has a wonderful view of the Venetian castle of the country and the Cretan sea.
Diakofti: The beach of Diakofti is located in the center-west of the island in the central port, it is considered one of the most exotic beaches of Kythira, since it has fine golden sand with shallow waters ideal for families with small children.
Palaiopoli: this is the largest beach in Kythira, it has sand and very fine pebbles, it is located in the southwest of the island and is the ideal choice for families and large groups.
