About Kythnos
Kythnos, the island of simplicity and hospitality, where you will discover and marvel at such charming and delightful villages like Hora and Dryopida in the North and and Panayia Canala in the south. There are also scenic, inhabited bays like that of Ayios Dimitrios which has a famous monastery situated within a pine forest. Home to 99 beaches, it will make you wonder why you have never visited this paradise until now?! Kythnos lies between Kea and Serifos and just 1 hour and 40 minutes from the port of Lavrio.
The picturesque houses that follow the traditional Cycladic architecture will excite you as you walk along cobbled streets. You will be impressed by the traditional arches and fountains. Admire the courtyards and alleys painted with lime on which scenes of island life are drawn. Enjoy your coffee or your meal at the loveliest of cafes and restaurants. And as for the nightlife don’t be misled into thinking that for a small island the choices are limited. It offers a great variety of stylish cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs.
The most impressive of beaches on the island is that of Kolóna, where a lane of sand connects the islet of Ayios Loukas to Kythnos. Along the hills, low stone wall fences run along endlessly with 350 white country chapels dotted about here and there. The typical Cycladic style equally appears in the villages on Kythnos too with cobbled narrow streets, white houses, squares, chapels and windmills. But here’s a clincher! On the way to Katafiki cave, one of the biggest caves in Greece with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, there is no doubt that you will stop to taste apricots and wild mulberries.
The festivals on Kythnos are simply wonderful. Steeped in character they have maintained their traditions to the core and whatever the event, all the locals come together to take part, as they sing and dance to the rhythms of violins and lutes.
“The Island’s History”
“The Island’s History”
Famous for its hot springs in the bay of Loutra, the baths of Kythnos were once enjoyed by King Othon and Queen Amalia between 1837-1862. It is a small island with a population of less than 1500 but oh what a spell binding little beauty she is. A modern spa centre is in operation today with 2 hot springs infamous for their therapeutic effectiveness: namely the spring of Ayioi Anargyroi, and the spring of Caucasus. The one from the other is at a 50 m distance with temperatures reaching 52 degrees Celsius!!
Beaches
Kythnos has beautiful beaches that form scenic coves, crystal clear waters and natural shade that make up the salt mines. Leaving the port of Mericha towards the direction of Chora, we first come across the small sandy beach of Martinakia and then Episkopi and Apokrousis beaches. They are the only organised beaches on the island, the most crowded and both have fine sand.
Past Chora, you come to the bay of Loutra. If you dive at the edge of the beach, you will enjoy the beneficial properties of the thermal springs that end up in the sea. Near Loutra, you will find the beach of Agia Irini, with the picturesque residential areas of Arkoudi and Schinari, while on the northeast coast, you will find the beaches of Kavourocheri, Potamia and Aghios Sostis, which make up a landscape of unique beauty.
Crossing the road from Chora to Dryopida you will have the opportunity to visit the beaches of the eastern side of the island. Zogaki, Naoussa, Kouri, Agios Stefanos, Agios Ioannis and Vassilika, the bays of Lefko, Liotrivi and Kalo Livadi. Dotted with picturesque taverns and homemade foods these areas are a must see. However, if it ultimate seclusion you seek, visit the beaches of Skylos, Gaidouromanra, Simoussi in the southeast and Mavrianos and Stifos in the southwest of the island.
“Traditional Foods”
“Traditional Foods”
The rich land of Kythnos, apart from its beautiful landscapes, offers you unique culinary experiences. During your visit on this unexpected yet magnificent island, make sure you enjoy the traditional local products, which stand out for their fine taste and excellent quality.
By all means, try the local cheese products and wash them down with the local wine of Thermia. As is local to all the Cycladic islands the almond sweets and honey are of supreme quality. Especially the Thyme honey! Caper berries and caper leaves have a very distinctive flavour. And the sesame bar called Pasteli which is a nougat with sesame seeds and honey.
Try the famous cheese pie of Thermia too and also a traditional dish called sfouggato which is a simple one-pot summer dish using eggs and vegetable from the garden. And if you happen to be invited to a locals wedding, try the traditional broiled meat with potatoes which is usually served at the wedding table.
Know that no one leaves Kythnos without having tried Strapetsada! You will have never had scrambled eggs like this before!
Bon Appetit!
