Historic Forts at the Crossroads of the Seas
Kythira, one of the most mysterious and romantic islands of Greece, is located at the confluence of the Ionian, Aegean and Cretan seas. It is a geographical sea passage between the Peloponnese and Crete. This strategic point made the island of key importance for trade and defense from antiquity until the Venetian rule. The presence of many castles in Kythira reflects this historical importance and today offers unique experiences to every traveler who wishes to get to know the island through its cultural heritage.
The following is a route through the most important castles of Kythira, ideal for those who love history, architecture and the atmosphere of old times.
The Castle of Chora – The Acropolis of Kythira
The imposing castle of Chora, a trademark of the island, dominates over the capital of Kythira. It was built by the Venetians in the 16th century, in a strategically ideal spot, in order to control all the ship passages between Crete, the Peloponnese and Kythira. It is no coincidence that it was referred to as the “Eye of Crete”.
Inside the castle of Chora Kythera, visitors can wander among the ruins of Venetian houses, chapels with surviving hagiographies, and also visit the small archaeological museum. The panoramic view from the walls, especially at sunset, is enchanting: the eye is lost in the blue of the three seas that embrace the island.
The Castle of Kato Chora – The Hidden Piece of Mylopotamos
A stone’s throw from the picturesque Mylopotamos, in an almost cinematic location, lies the castle of Kato Chora, one of the least prominent but most atmospheric castles of Kythera. It was built by the Venetians in the 16th century to protect the then thriving community.
The castle is essentially a fortified settlement, with houses, narrow alleys and many churches within it – Panagia Myrtidiotissa and Agia Anna stand out for their simplicity and serenity. Touring this castle of Kythera is like traveling back in time, while from its top one can enjoy the lush green valley that stretches to the sea.
Paleochora – The First Center of Power
Paleochora Kythera, also known as the castle of Agios Dimitrios, is the oldest fortress on the island and was the first capital during the Byzantine and Frankish periods. It is located north, near the settlement of Potamos, on a hill with a wide view of the area.
Today, parts of the walls, towers and foundations of churches remain, testifying to the former prosperity of the area. Paleochora is ideal for hiking and offers an authentic contact with the ancient history of Kythera, away from the tourist traffic.
Castle of Avlemona – The Guard of the East Front
In the beautiful seaside settlement of Avlemonas, you will find the Kastello, a small 18th-century fortress built during the Venetian period to protect the harbor from pirate raids. Although it is not a large castle, its location is enchanting: a few steps from the picturesque harbor, with the blue waters and rocks of the cape as a backdrop.
The Kastello of Avlemonas exudes a romantic aura and combines military history with the beauty of Kytherian nature. It is an ideal stop for photos and a short exploration.
Why Discover the Castles of Kythira
The castles of Kythira are not just historical monuments of the past. They are living pieces of the island’s identity, built in positions that reveal the wisdom and strategic perception of ancient civilizations. Through the stones and walls, they tell stories of conquerors, pirates, monks and ordinary people who livedThey lived in the shadow of the fortifications.
Exploring them offers a multidimensional experience: history for the inquisitive traveler, aesthetics for the photographer, landscapes for the nature lover and walking for the hiker.
