Travel to Kythira: 48 hours on the island
Tsirigo, as the island is also called, is the meeting point for three major
seas: the Ionian, the Aegean and the Libyan. The
Kythiraweather is good, while the beauty of the island
combines the green of the Ionian Islands with the Aegean architecture with its
whitewashed houses. Holidays in Kythira have everything: Sights, secluded
Kythira beaches even in August, activities in nature, Monasteries to visit. If
you are organizing a two-day holiday on the island,
a Kythiramap is the first thing you will need to start a plan
and see as much as you can.
Kythira is a fully developed island
with several kinds of accommodation, covering every budget, from villas to the
municipal campsite in Kapsali, while Aibnb in Kythira is easy to find. Many
return to the island to live permanently, in search of quality of life, with
the current population in Kythira being almost 3500 inhabitants.
Itineraries and prices for
ferry tickets to Kythira
can be found at Let’s Ferry.
1st day
If you choose to stay in Diakofti in Kythira, then as
soon as the boat arrives, you will arrive at your accommodation. Take your
first dive on the beach of the same name, which is probably one of the most
beautiful ones you will find next to a port. It is exotic, with turquoise
colors, white sand and shallow waters. At Diakofti beach you will also see the
wreck of the Nordland ship.
The wreck of the Nordland ship
Continue your tour further north, and make a stop at the Castle of
Paleochora. If you want a little adventure and have both the experience and
the equipment, cross the Gorge of Paleochora or Kakia Lagada, which ends at
Lake Kakia Lagada. Next to it is the beach of the same name that has been
awarded the Blue Flag. Continue to Agia Pelagia, a little further north, one
of the «touristic» seaside villages. Many choose
Agia Pelagia for accommodation in Kythira.
The medieval Castle of Kythira
There you will find everything: Fish taverns, cafes,
the Cave of Agia Sofia in Agia Pelagia, hiking trails and
small boats to go across to the beach of Simos in Elafonisos. As soon as the
sun starts to set, descend to Chora and Kapsali, which are about 30 km away
from Agia Pelagia. Experience the unique vibes of the island
in the alleys and sophisticated bars of Chora Kythira or in
Kapsali.
2nd day
If you have chosen to stay the night in Kapsali or Chora, start your next day
with a tour of the sights of the area: the Venetian Castle, the Archaeological
Museum of Kythira and Panagia Myrtidiotissa,
the largest Monastery on the island. To cool off, take a boat from the port of Kapsali to Chytra, the amazing
rocky islet. The place is a spot where seabirds nest but also where the plant
sempreviva grows. If you want, you can dive in the waters of the cave which,
depending on the sunlight, take on a different blue color. Again from Kapsali
you can rent a boat to the Green Lake, the natural pool near the beach of
Limnion, which has the shape of a heart.
Panagia Myrtidiotissa, the largest Monastery on the island
You can also find it by foot, but you will have to cross a path to find
it. Shortly before sunset, arrive in Mylopotamos for a refreshing ouzo break
in the square. Many of the sights of the island are around you, so if you have
time choose between: Agia Sofia Cave,
Fonissa Waterfalls, Filippi Watermill and the Three Waterfalls of Mylopotamos.
There is also the Castle of Mylopotamos or the Castle of Kato Chora. It was
built in 1565 by the Venetians and stands out for the winged lion of St. Mark,
a symbol of Venetian rule. Before heading back visit Avlemonas, about 20
kilometers from Mylopotamos.
Avlemonas, the most beautiful village
On the dandellion-like shores of the village you will find a small
natural pool with crystal clear waters, which is of course packed in August.
Relax and have the perfect closure to your 48-hour visit. Every Sunday the
boat for Piraeus departs from the port at Diakofti at 22:30.
Among the specialties of the island is the vrehtoladea, the local version of
the cretan dakos, with Kythiran rusk, tomato, grated feta, capers and olive
oil. Tsirigotiki fava is an appetizer that is a must on any table, next to the
aubergines with sour wheat which is a variation of oatmeal. For dessert, try
the xerotigana that are made with crispy pastry, thyme honey and cinnamon. Ask
at a patisserie in Potamos Square to serve you some boutino with ice cream and
experience a completely local delicacie. Filios Tavern in Kythira is located
in the village of Kalamos, 10 minutes from Kapsali and is a must destination
for visitors looking for authentic Kythira flavors.
The Kaladi beach with the crystal clear waters
When do traditional fairs take place in Kythira?
On the Saturday before the 15th of August, a Wine Festival is organized in
Mitata, a mountain village 17 km from the port.
On the 15th of August
there is a big fair in the village of Potamos, the main village of Kythira.
On
September 23rd, the end of the music festivals of the year is celebrated on
the beach of Agia Pelagia.
Kythira is connected by ferry to the port of
Piraeus,
Antikythera,
Gythio
and
Kissamos. The trip Athens to Kythira by ferry lasts 7 hours. The trip Antikythera -
Kythira by ferry takes 1.5 hours. The journey Gythio - Kythira by ferry lasts
2.5 hours. The trip Kissamos - Kythira by boat lasts 4 hours. Tickets for
ferries to Kythira can be found at Let’s Ferry.
The popular seaside village Kapsali
How to get to Kythira by car
Drive to Gythio and from there take the boat to Kythira. The distance Athens - Gythio is 300 km and the journey takes about 3 hours. A popular route is Neapoli - Kythira, where you can rent a boat and find yourself from the town of Laconia on the island in about 80 minutes.
Kythira without a car
You can go by bus from Athens, with a stopover in Sparta and your final
station is Gythio. Then, you can rent a car in Kythira once you are there.
Enjoy
your 48-hour break and we are sure you will click Let’s Ferry again to book
your ferry tickets and return to Kythira!