Kythnos, the island with beautiful coasts is located a short distance from Attica. Calm Kythnos is famous for its natural landscape, its picturesque villages, the thermal springs and the peace it offers to the travelers who visit it.
In Chora or Messaria, the Cycladic aesthetics, the island atmosphere and the hospitable inhabitants will win you over from the first moment. In a walk in the cobbled streets and squares of Chora you will find cafes, restaurants, patisseries, shops and bars to sunbathe and enjoy the local cuisine. Visit its churches with the special architecture, such as the church of Ag. Savva standing arrogant since 1613 and the Holy Trinity the oldest church on the island. Do not forget to be photographed in the white houses with the colorful doors and in the windmills to remember Kythnos forever. Although we believe that at some point you will return!
Another beautiful settlement is Dryopida with its traditional houses with tiled roofs, picturesque arches and old churches. Near Dryopida is the Katafiki cave, the most famous attraction of the island.
As for the beaches of Kythnos, it would be a lie to say that we do not know where to start. Kythnos equals Kolona. This beach is a dream come true! Left sea, right sea and a thin strip of golden sand in the middle! Climb the hill, to the church of Agios Nikolaos located on the island of Agios Loukas and admire the panoramic view. No matter how many beaches we mention, there are so many more to discover in Kythnos. We will definitely suggest you the deserted Aliki, the blue-green Repulsion, the Diocese with the crystal clear shallow waters, Megali Ammos and Martinakia with the traditional taverns by the sea.
If you dream of the sea and you are ready to experience the magic of the Greek summer, do not be late, the crystal clear waters of Kythnos are waiting for you to take away all your worries!
Activities
Kythnos is ideal for those who love hiking. On the paths of the island you will pass through traditional settlements, you will find chapels, windmills, thermal springs and enchanting beaches. We suggest you follow the path to Kolona, the most beautiful beach of the island. It’s the only way to visit it anyway if you do not have a boat.
- The windless bays of Kythnos are suitable for an unforgettable diving experience. Dive with the appropriate equipment in one of the 30 diving spots of the island and you will be stunned at the view of the caves, shipwrecks and reefs with the colorful fish and corals.
Kythnos is full of lacy shores and is surrounded by small islands. If you want to discover them you will find the right equipment on the island to do kayak and SUP in its calm blue waters.
- If you like fishing you have a surprise. In Kythnos you can book fishing boats and live an unforgettable experience. The local fishermen will teach you their secrets and will show you the appropriate fishing places.
In recent years, Kythnos has become a cycling destination. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cyclist do not hesitate. Take your bike and follow asphalt roads, dirt roads or even mountain paths for downhill always overlooking the Aegean Sea!
- Finally, it is said that Thermiotes are the best dancers of the Cyclades. If you are on the island on the 15th of August, go through the festival at the monastery of Panagia Kanala to confirm it!
Sights
- Through the picturesque alleys of Dryopida you will easily reach the Katafiki cave. In the center of the island, in Fyres, you will find this natural cave with artificial mining galleries at 190 meters above sea level. Inside the cave you will find the small and the big “square”, as the locals call them. Tradition says that in the past the inhabitants of the island celebrated the Resurrection in the large square of the cave. The stalactite formations on the walls have inspired passers-by who have given them names such as “teddy bear”, “fetus” and “jellyfish”. What do they look like to you? One thing is for sure, even the underground Kythnos is impressive!
- The second name of Kythnos is “Thermia” due to its thermal springs in Loutra bay! There you will find a hydrotherapy center in the saline hot spring of Agioi Anargyroi and the iodine spring of Kakavos, both known for the relief of rheumatic, arthritic and gynecological diseases.
- In Chora and Dryopida you can visit the Folklore Museums where you will find old tools, traditional costumes and other objects from the past of the locals! While if you are in the mood to discover the archeological sites of the island, explore the ancient capital of Vryokastro, the Mesolithic settlement of Maroulas and the castle of Orya with the wonderful view.
A dish that is famous in Kythnos, the “Sphongata”. If you choose Kythnos for your vacation, do not forget to eat this local delicacy! These are spherical pancakes with local grated cheese.
In Kythnos you will also find “Kolopi” the local spinach pie with the spring onion, “Tarachta”, the strapatsada of Kythnos, baked chickpeas and “hood pies”. From your meat we suggest you try syglino and if you want a taste of the Aegean choose the savoro fish, a Cycladic recipe that is passed down from generation to generation. The sweet of Kythnos is found in the macaroons and the pasteli, local dishes with rich nutritional values!
Finally, on the way back, get cheeses from the local producers such as “kopanisti” and thyme honey of exceptional quality!