Travel to Kythira: 48 hours on the island

28/04/2022
Holidays in Kythira have everything: Sights, secluded Kythira beaches even in August, activities in nature, Monasteries to visit.
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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

Best things to do in Kythira

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
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
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

Best Kythira Sights

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
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
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.

Kythira, food

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
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.

How to get to Kythira by boat

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
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!