Kythira, Greece

The island of Kythira (also frequently spelled Kithira) is part of the Ionian chain of islands lying at the foot of the southernmost part of the Peloponnese, pointing the way to Crete.

There's plenty to see on the island, some very good beaches, beautiful landscapes, and traditional villages. The seaside village and port of Kapsali has two beaches and a monastery dating to 1592, where St. John stayed before leaving for Patmos. Working your way north on the main road from Chora, you can visit Livadi village, the old Monastery of Panagia Mirtidion, Milopotamos village and the cave of Ag. Sophia, with stalagmites and stalactites, a small lake, and a chapel.

You can continue north and visit Potamos, the largest village on the island. Next is the very pretty village of Karavas, not far from a lovely sand beach called Plateia Ammos. On the east coast of the island is the once main port and resort of Ag. Pelagia. Here, you will find restaurants, beaches, and lovely seaside views.

Things to See & Do

* Kythira Castle
* Archeological Museum
* Monastery of Panagia Mirtidion
* Milopotamos Village
* Karavas Village

General information

Cruise Season – Feb to Dec
Currency - Euro (€)
Language – Greek
Land Area – 278 km²
Population – 3,500
Electricity – 2 round pins European style
Time - GMT/UTC plus two hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 30

Port Location – The island has two old ports, Pelagia on its northeast coast, not far from the Peloponnese; and in the south, at Kapsali, two kilometers from the tiny capital of the island, Kythira or Chora. A new port is also available now at Diakoftis.

Travel Links – Connections from Kythira include Piraeus (3 times a week), Neapoli in Lakonia (2-3 times a day), Gytheio, also in Lakonia (3-4 times a week), Crete (3 times a week) and Kalamata in Messinia (once a week). These are summer schedules, the winter ones are less tight. The island's position between the Peloponnese and Crete makes it an ideal island to combine with a holiday at either of these larger destinations, or even to use as a bridge to connect the two larger destinations, with just a few overnights on Kythira. The island has a small airport with a once a day connection with Athens.