The Island of Kythira
The island of Kythera is located between Peloponnesus and Crete, it has an area of 280 km² and a population of 4.000 residents. The local citizens are occupied with tourism professions and agricultural business. The most famous agricultural products are olive oil and honey. Kythira has a Mediterranean climate with an average temperature at +20°C.Accordind to ancient Greek mythology Aphrodite was born in the sea of Kythira. Minoans, Spartans and Athenians occupied Kythira from 19th century B.C. until the 3rd century B.C. By that time Kythira was subjected to the Roman Empire. During 14th century A.D. Kythira was occupied by the Venetians until the 18th century. A short period of occupation followed by the French and then U.K. annex the island of Kythira until 1864 when Kythira finally joined the newly found Greek state.
Sightseeing
Chora
Visit the capital of the island and its castle. Wonderful view, Venetian and byzantine temples. Visit the historical file of Kythira, that is located inside the castle.
Wander around the narrow streets of Hora and then take the road to Kapsali, a very popular village that is located on two adjacent bays where fishing boats and tourist boats moor. In the middle of the two bays is a narrow peninsula on which the chapel of Agios Georgios is located next to the lighthouse. In Kapsali, there are many shops, restaurants and cafes.
Mylopotamos
Visit the waterfalls and the watermills at Mylopotamos, take a walk at the cavern of Agia Sofia or at the medieval settlement Kato Hora. Enjoy your coffee at the village square and wander around the narrow streets (kandunia), while you enjoy the traditional scenery.
Panagia Myrtidiotissa
Visit the monastery of Panagia Myrtidiotisa and experience reverence. The icon of Panagia Myrtidiotisa is the most sacred relic of the island. You can also take the road to the west coast where you can enjoy the breathtaking sunset.
Paleochora
The medieval byzantine settlement of Agios Dimitrios is built upon the gorge of Kakia Lagatha. It served as the capital of the island during the medieval ages. It was plundered and destroyed by the ottoman pirate Hairedin Barbarossa in 1537. The view there is breathtaking. (Please be careful)
Agios Georgios on the mountain
Above Diakofti and Avlemonas, is located the small chapel of Agios Giorgis (Saint George) and the monastery of Agia Moni. The view from there is breathtaking.
Potamos Traditional Bazaar
Every Sunday, at the central square of Potamos village takes place the traditional bazaar with traditional products from Kythera. You will find there olive oil, rusks, cheese, honey, homemade jams and a lot of other local products. Do not forget to purchase the famous Sempreviva, the yellow Kytherian flower that lives forever.
Tastes of Kythira
Taste
Kythira is an island full of fragrances due to the Mediterranean flora. It is also a place full of delicious Mediterranean dishes. The main products of the island are olive oil, honey, rusks of olive oil and the traditional liqueur Fatourada. You should also try our traditional sweets like rozedes, kserotigano, almond paste and pear.
Food
At the seaside taverns, taste our local specialty astakomakaronada (pasta with lobster) or fresh fish and seafood. In the restaurants of Kythira you will taste traditional pies (kaltsounakia), spicy cheese such as ladotyri, traditional vrehtoladea, salad with tomato and rusk and of course, vrahosalata with tasty greens from the coasts of Kythera.
Supplies
Do not forget to take with you thyme honey, wild thyme, oregano and wild sage. And those of you who know more about herbs, try not to lose yourself…
And many more villages, monuments and wonderful beaches that you will explore in Kythira
Maistrali Apartments, Diakofti, 80200, Kythira, Greece
