Kythnos is a small island in the Cyclades that we love for its tranquility and authenticity. Here are our top tips for making the most of your stay : best addresses in Kythnos !
The villages of Kythnos
Dryopida – certainly the prettiest village on the island, small and charming. A few streets to stroll along, pretty houses with tiled roofs, little cafés, a cave with stalagmites to visit… and a favorite restaurant (Xartino Karavi, see below).
Kanala – the only pine-covered spot on the island. With a large church featuring a miraculous icon. Fishermen found an icon of the Virgin Mary in a canal and dreamt of building the church… It’s best to visit Kanala during the day, as there’s no nightlife. If you walk further past the big church, there’s a smaller, very traditional one on the rocks. There are also three beaches in Kanala: a large one, a small one hidden just below the church called Amoudaki, and a superb beach that requires a bit of walking called Antonides (undeveloped, no shade, no beach bar there… but superb).
Chora – the only place on Kythnos where you can go shopping. Ideal for a stroll at the end of the day, a drink and dinner. Not to be missed.
Loutra – the old sailing port. There’s a hot spring that flows into the sea, surrounded by rocks, creating a small “bathtub” with hot water. Numerous cafés and restaurants by the sea. So you can stay all day and all night!
Merichas – the port where the ferries arrive. Nothing exceptional, but pleasant. There are supermarkets and good restaurants. We stop for a coffee at Ammos, a drink at Remezzo and tasty desserts at Maistrali.
Laure M.
Our best addresses in Kythnos: where to eat, where to swim, where to walkWhere to eat and drink
Wherever you eat, try the specialties of Kythnos: sfougata (local cheese balls), thermiotiko cheese (local cheese like feta) and local sausage.
In Merichas, we recommend :
- Byzantio-Gialos for mezzes
- Ostria for fresh fish
- Kantouni for meat lovers
- Arapis and Fermina for pizzas and pastas
- Ammos, Remezo and Akrotiri for a drink
In Dryopida, we love the Xartino Karavi restaurant ( which means paper boat). A great place right behind the big church. Elaborate Greek cuisine, relaxed and refined style, very reasonable prices. Definitely worth a detour. Reservations strongly recommended.
At Chora, we love :
- Tratamento, the bakery on the main street. Savoury puff pastries made with Zea flour (a pre-cooked flour made from corn), Greek pastries, snacks of all kinds… this is an excellent address to discover!
- Steki tou Ntetsi, a restaurant offering excellent cuisine in a pleasant setting in the middle of the village’s main pedestrian street.
- Psipsina on the right near the village entrance, a new hot spot
- the Kraken bar for its cocktails
- but also Panoxwri and Amorousa for a drink
- and finally the ice-cream parlour for a gourmet break
Laure M.
In Loutra, we recommend :
- the large O Koutsikos tavern on the road just outside Loutra,
- the Sofrano restaurant for its fish, ceviches and octopus,
- Xerolithia for fresh fish
- the Aria restaurant, expensive but nice
Where to swim in Kythnos?
KOLONA
It’s undoubtedly the island’s most famous beach, and as such attracts many visitors and pleasure boats. The beach connects the island of Agios Loukas with the rest of Kythnos, forming a strip of golden sand on both sides. There’s an overhanging taverna and a few sun loungers and parasols (quite expensive for Kythnos ~ €10/transat).
Laure M.
APOKROUSI
Apokrousi is one of the island’s largest beaches, with its golden sand, trees and magnificent waters. An area in the middle is set out with sun loungers and parasols. It’s big enough that you don’t feel like you’re on top of each other, even when it’s crowded. You can park right on the beach. There’s a beach bar called Coconut that serves excellent cocktails (try the mastic Mojito) and there’s a fairly traditional tavern.
EPISKOPI
Episkopi is one of the best beaches for children. Lots of trees, shallow water, golden sand. You can park over there. There’s a beach bar on the left called Pountaki and there are umbrellas and sun loungers, but the most beautiful part of the beach is on the right-hand side.
GAIDOUROMANTRA
Beautiful natural surroundings. Large, long sandy beach, generally little frequented. No trees and no organization, but beautiful blue-green waters. There’s nothing to eat or drink, so take precautions before you leave. The road isn’t excellent, but it’s suitable for any type of car.
SKYLOS
Same natural environment as Gaidouromantra. Beautiful beach, few people. No organization, no shade, no drinks but beautiful water.
LEFKES
Beautiful beach, you can leave the car nearby. You can see the remains of the jetty where metal ores were loaded onto ships until the 2nd World War. The beachside tavern serves good local, home-cooked cuisine.
AGIOS SOSTIS
Next to the homonymous church of Agios Sostis, not far from Loutra. Large beach and crystal-clear sea. Make sure you have something to eat, drink and shelter from the sun before you go.
MARTINAKIA
Next to the port of Merichas. You park and go down the stairs. Hamsa Island’s most famous beach bar is well worth a visit, especially at the end of the day. You’ll also find a good Italian restaurant there: Da Massimo.
*****
You can also read all our articles about Kythnos :
- Kythnos, a little-known island in the Cyclades
- The beaches of Kythnos
- Practical information for enjoying Kythnos
Laure M.
