Kythira (also called Cythera, Kythera or Kithira) is an unspoiled island located in the southern Peloponnese in Greece. Accessible by ferry or by plane, it is a perfect destination for a few days in the green. You are in Cythera for a weekend or a few days on vacation. Wondering what to visit in Kythira? Where to eat? Where to swim? We give you our good addresses and some recommendations to spend an idyllic stay on this bewitching island.
Chora, the capital of the island, and the port of Kapsali
To discover Kythera and to soak up the atmosphere of the island, we advise you to start your stay by a visit to Chora, also called Kythira. The capital of the island does not lack charm: small paved streets, Byzantine churches, white and blue houses, cats running in the streets …. A delightful, serene atmosphere.
The main street leads to an imposing Venetian castle, the kastro, which overlooks the sea. A must see because it is one of the major sites of the island! The view of Chora and the port of Kapsali is spectacular.
Kapsali is a small port, 2km south of Chora, with a long beach with transparent waters, lined with tavernas and cafes. Quiet during the day, the place comes alive in the evening. The beach is nice for swimming. You can also eat at the tavern O Magos if you feel like fresh fish.
Visit the villages of Kythira
Avlemonas
Avlemonas is a picturesque fishing village in the east of the island. A paved path on the seafront allows you to admire the crystal clear waters of the small cove just below. Ladders dive directly into the sea. The Sotiris tavern offers fresh fish. If the weather is nice, you can also eat at Skandeia a good restaurant serving fresh products, located in Paleopoli, the birthplace of Aphrodite, about 3 km before Avlemonas.
Mylopotamos
Mylopotamos is a charming central village, crossed by a river. Take the time to stroll through the small streets lined with white houses and stop for a coffee in the central square, under the shade of the big trees, at the kafenio O Platanos.
We strongly recommend you to visit the Neraïda waterfall, a waterfall surrounded by abundant vegetation in a shady setting. The place is cool and pleasant.
Beware, however, in summer, the village of Mylopotamos is “dry”. There is no more water in the small rivers or in the waterfall.
Then, we suggest you to continue your way to the castle of Kato Chora (2 km from Mylopotamos) and to the cave of Agia Sofia.
Potamos
A few kilometers further north, you will find the pretty village of Potamos, the most lively place on the island. And if you want to have lunch, we recommend you to stop at the traditional tavern Panaretos which is located in the delightful central square, full of flowers and shade. In the evening, there is a lively atmosphere and nice concerts at the Astikon bar (opposite the main square).
Paleochora
Finally, if there is a site not to be missed in Kythera, it is undoubtedly Paleochora, in the northeast of the island. This ancient Byzantine capital is perched in a mountainous site surrounded by gorges and offers an absolutely exceptional setting.
The beaches of Kythira
- We love the beach of Kaladi, south of Paleopoli. It offers indeed a postcard decor. It is reached by descending a staircase of a hundred steps. The setting is heavenly. This beach is not equipped, so it is necessary to bring something to protect yourself from the sun and water.
- The sandy beach of Diakofti is pleasant and its turquoise waters give a Caribbean air to this double bay. Small curiosity: we can see off the coast an old grounded cargo ship.
- The beach of Agia Pelagia, very family oriented, is ideal for relaxing and swimming.
- The beach of Kapsali is known for its shallow and warm waters
- But also the beach of Chalkos: a cove that can be reached by car through a dirt road. This small pebble beach is nice and sheltered from the wind. It keeps a wild aspect. A few umbrellas are provided to shelter from the sun. A very nice place.
- Finally, at the very north of the island, the gray sandy beach of Platia Amnos is the ideal starting point to go for a walk on the rocky path that overlooks the sea and, eventually, to continue to the lighthouse of Moudari (5km).
The good restaurants of Kythera
We can only advise you to make a reservation and go for lunch or dinner in the village of Fratsia, at the restaurant Familia, run by Yannis Voulgarakis, the founder of Six D.o.g.s, a trendy café in Athens. Certainly, there is nothing else to do in the village of Fratsia. But Familia is worth a visit because it is probably the best restaurant in Kythera.
Special mention also for :
- Kaleris tavern in Agia Pelagia: an inventive and quality cuisine, served on the beach, in the shade of tamarisk trees.
- but also Filio in Kalamos, a tavern that offers classic Greek cuisine with a fresh twist
- and finally Pierros, a family tavern in Livadi that serves traditional Greek cuisine. The owner is friendly and will take you to the kitchen to choose the dishes you want to taste.
Some delicacies
Don’t leave Kythera without buying the traditional paximadia (biscotti rolls) in Karavas. You can also find them at the Potamos bakery. A treat! The workshop in Karavas exports these toasted buns all over Greece.
You can also bring back from Kythira thyme honey, Faturada (traditional liqueur) or sea salt.
Where to stay in Kythira?
There are several accommodation options available on the island of Cythera.
- first of all, you will find several accommodations for rent in Kythera on Booking. Hotels, but also apartments and houses, there is something for every taste and budget! Find the ideal accommodation for your visit to Kythira.
- Moreover, an original formula which was very successful with our children: to stay in a mill! A unique experience that proved to be very pleasant.
Rent a car in Kythera
We recommend you to book your car before you leave on vacation, especially if you are traveling during the high tourist season.
Here is the website we regularly use for our car rentals: RentalCars. This car rental comparison tool is very practical. It lists the main international and local rental companies. This allows you to see all the rates and make the best choice.
Enjoy your stay!
Other articles that might interest you to visit Kythira:
Laure M.
