Kythira

Kythira is an island of unique beauty located right across the southern tip of the Peloponnese peninsula. Part of the Ionian complex, it is famous for its stunning landscape, as well as its archaeological and historical background. 

On this Ferryhopper page, you can find useful information about holidays in Kythira, its best beaches and sights, as well as food and villages. Check out all the available ferry routes from/to Kythira and book your ferry tickets online, with no hidden fees!

Magnificent view of the Castle of Chora in Kythira

Vacation in Kythira

Kythira, or Tsirigo, is located where the Ionian, Aegean and Cretan seas meet. It is a really special island, combining turquoise waters with picturesque villages, abundant flora and jaw-dropping gorges and waterfalls.

The island, which is considered the birthplace of Aphrodite (the goddess of love and beauty), has a rich history. This is evident from its numerous archaeological sites, as well as old mansions and settlements, the architecture of which has both Aegean and Venetian influences.

Apart from its monuments and dreamy beaches, Kythira’s laid-back vibe makes it an ideal destination for relaxing holidays.

How to get to Kythira

The island of Kythira is well connected with the port of Piraeus in Athens as well as with the ports of Neapoli and Gythio in the Peloponnese. In addition, you can travel to Kythira from Crete as there are ferries traveling from the port of Kissamos, near Chania.

You can find more information about Kythira ferry schedules and tickets below.

What to do in Kythira

Kythira is a large island with many things to do. It has idyllic beaches with turquoise waters and unique natural landscapes. This makes it an ideal destination for a range of outdoor activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, canyoning, and hiking.

In addition, thanks to its rich history, there are cultural highlights everywhere. Head to Kythira’s villages to explore ancient ruins and learn more about traditional crafts. Here, you can also indulge in delicious local cuisine.

As you can already tell, Kythira has something for everyone. Whether you’re traveling with your significant other, family or group of friends, you’ll fall in love with all the things this postcard-perfect island has to offer.

Beaches in Kythira

The beaches of Kythira will enchant you with their wild beauty and turquoise crystal clear waters. Lively and bustling or more quiet and secluded, they are all dreamy. Some of the most popular Kythira beaches where you can soak up some vitamin D are:

• Kaladi: one of the most famous beaches on the island. Turquoise waters, small pebbles and a cave leading to a smaller beach compose the dreamy setting.
• Melidoni: it has a beach bar and umbrellas, fine sand, clear blue waters, and a stunning view of the impressive rocky islet of Chytra. You can access it either by dirt road or by boat from Kapsali.
• Chalkos: a very beautiful beach with pebbles and crystal clear waters. It’s organized with a canteen, umbrellas and sunbeds.
• Diakofti: all visitors are charmed by Diakofti’s shallow turquoise waters and incredibly white sand! It is located on the northeastern side of the island and is great for families with young children.
• Kalami: a relatively hard-to-reach beach, with about 15 minutes of hiking and a short descent at the end of the route (there is a rope). The enchanting landscape with its deep blue waters and wild beauty will reward you for your effort.
• Avlemonas: the creek in front of the picturesque fishing village of Avlemonas is ideal for diving from the surrounding rocks. The turquoise waters and palm trees will remind you of tropical places.
• Kapsali: an organized beach in front of the cosmopolitan settlement of Kapsali. There are water sports facilities and a wonderful view of the Castle of Chora.
• Kakia Lagada: an organized beach with umbrellas and a canteen. It has been awarded a Blue Flag for its amazing waters.

The heavenly turquoise waters of Avlemonas beach

Sightseeing and activities in Kythira

Kythira has so many different attractions and natural beauties! Visitors to Kythira can  follow hiking trails with magical caves and cascading waterfalls, explore ancient ruins and medieval settlements, and immerse themselves in the island’s rich history and mythology.

We recommend the following must-see attractions in Kythira:

• The cave of Agia Sophia, used as a church during Byzantine times and decorated with preserved murals from the 13th century
• The rocky islet of Chytra (also known as Avgo), where you’ll find a magnificent cave with clear blue waters, rare birds and flowers, but also seals
• The Venetian Castle (or Kastro), the most characteristic monument of the island found on a cliff above Chora
• The castle city of Paleochora (so-called "Mystras of Kythira"), these are the ruins of the old medieval capital, built in the 12th century from Monemvasians
• The Neraida or Fonissa waterfall and the watermills in Mylopotamos
• The gorge of Tsakonas, with impressive dense vegetation, pedestals, watermills, and small churches in caves
• The Archaeological Museum of Kythira
• The Lighthouse of Moudari, located at the northernmost tip of the island, it is one of the tallest lighthouses in the Aegean
• The Katouni Bridge, measuring 110 m long, it’s the largest stone bridge in Greece

Interesting fact: the stunning island has been a popular film location over the last decades. The latest movie shot on the grounds of Kythira has been film The Aegean, including an Greek, Australian and international cast. 

Nightlife in Kythira

Nightlife in Kythira is considered low-key, yet vibrant. The village of Kapsali is the center of nightlife and most of the island’s visitors gather here for their night out. If you want to escape the crowds, you can find some more lounge bars with a romantic atmosphere in Chora and Agia Pegalia.

Tip: don’t miss the island’s famous folk festivals (aka panigiria) organized throughout the summer. Here, you can listen to traditional music, eat, drink, and dance the night away like local Greeks have done for many decades.

The dreamy rocky islet of Chytra

Food in Kythira

With its focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, the delicious traditional dishes of Kythira are sure to delight foodies and casual diners alike. Ferryhopper recommends that you try:

• the traditional olive oil rusks
• Kytherian thyme honey
• rosedes (biscuits with almond, honey and sugar)
• pasticheto (sweets with fresh butter, vanilla and quince jam)
• fatourada (liqueur made with tsipouro, cinnamon and citrus fruit)
• local spicy cheese
• local sausage “tsirigotiko”
• eggplants with sour trachana
• fried broad beans

Tip: if you’d like to bring the taste of your travels in Kythira back home with you, make sure to visit the traditional flea market of Potamos, which takes place every Sunday morning all year round. Some of the local products you can buy are thyme honey, local wine, traditional sweets, and salt flower.

Villages in Kythira

Kythira has a total of 62 settlements. Each has its own unique character and charm, with narrow streets, whitewashed houses and traditional architecture. Exploring the island you will find coastal villages reminiscent of the Cyclades, medieval settlements, but also villages surrounded by green-clad forests that are rarely found in the Greek islands. 

Here are some of the major villages of Kythira:

• Avlemonas
• Mylopotamos
• Karavas
• Aroniadika
• Mitata
• Kythira Town

Useful info: it is worth going to the "Wine Festival" taking place in the village of Mitata in the first weekend of August.

The amazing Kaladi beach in Kythira

Useful information about Kythira

In Chora, the island’s main town, you will find all the essential visitor amenities for your holidays, such as ATMs, supermarkets, pharmacies, and gas stations. In addition, there is a General Hospital in the settlement of Aroniadika, and the island’s airport is located near the main port of Diakofti. 

Regarding accommodation, there are numerous hotels and rooms not only in Chora, but also in other villages such as Kapsali, Logothetianika and Avlemonas. There is also a municipal campsite in the picturesque seaside village of Kapsali.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Kythira

Here are some useful contacts for your trip to Kythira: 

• Municipality of Kythira and Antikythera: +302736031213
• Diakofti Port Authority: +302736033280
• Kythira Police: +302736031206
• General Hospital - Health Center of Kythira: +302736033203
• Kythira Airport: +302736033297
• Municipal Camping of Kythira: +302736031580
• Local Buses: +302736031160

Transportation in Kythira

Kythira is a fairly large island with a mountainous terrain. Thus, walking between villages is best reserved for avid hikers. Although there are local buses, they run on limited routes. The number of taxis available is also limited, so we would recommend booking in advance for a guaranteed ride.

For this reason, driving your own vehicle or renting one from the island is the most convenient way to get around Kythira. In this way, you can explore the island at your own pace and gain access to the most remote areas.

Ports in Kythira

The primary port of Kythira is located in Diakofti, on the east coast of the island and about 30 km from Chora.

Near the port there is a café, a tavern and many hotels. Parking spaces and car rental companies are also available in the nearby area. Keep in mind that the port can get crowded in the summer, so we recommend that you get there in time.

Island hopping from Kythira

Ferries departing from mainland Greece to Kythira, continue their journey and arrive in Antikythera and the port of Kissamos in Crete (near Chania). The Kythira - Antikythera ferry route is normally available with 3-4 weekly crossings and the journey takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. The Kythira - Kissamos ferry route is also available around 3 times a week and the duration is around 4 hours.

On Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries, you can easily organize your island-hopping adventure in Greece. Find all ferry routes from Kythira, see ferry schedules, and book cheap ferry tickets!

Get lost into the lush vegetation and visit the island's waterfalls

Kythira ferry: schedules and tickets

The island of Kythira is connected to the port of Piraeus with 2 weekly sailings. The Piraeus - Kythira ferry journey takes about 6.5 hours and is operated by Seajets. 

Ferries to Kythira also depart from the ports of Neapoli and Gythio in the Peloponnese. The Neapoli - Kythira ferry route is available with up to 3 crossings a day and lasts less than 1.5 hours. As for ferries from Gythio to Kythira, there are normally 2 weekly crossings and the ferry trip takes close to 2.5 hours.

Book your ferry tickets to Kythira online

Can’t wait to explore this heavenly Greek island? On Ferryhopper, you can find all ferry schedules and book cheap ferry tickets to Kythira in just a few steps. Check available routes to the Ionian Islands, compare prices and companies, and find the ferry that suits you best!