Located between Crete and the southern Peloponnese, Kythera is situated at the junction of the Aegean Sea, the Ionian Sea and the Cretan Sea. It is there that the West meets the East and civilizations cross. Kythera is also known as Aphrodite's island since according to Isiodos, the most beautiful goddess of Olympus was born here. It belongs to the complex of the Ionian Islands but its architecture is Cycladic.

Kythera is an ideal island for people who love lush greenery, beautiful beaches, and settlements and seek tranquil and peaceful vacations.
Nature has endowed Kythera with unique beauty. Landscapes alter and fill the sight with unique pictures. Rocky places full of bushes, hills with pine trees, lacy shores, golden beaches and blue waters, and abrupt canyons, all elements of nature, in harmonious coexistence, create an idyllic picture of Kythera.

Chora is the capital of Kythera. Nestled on top of a hill overlooking the picturesque port of Kapsali, it offers a fascinating panorama of the whole island. The narrow streets and the inner courtyards of the houses overflowing with bougainvilleas and basils create a wonderful atmosphere that is completed with the imposing presence of the large Venetian castle.
The landmark of the Chora of Kythera, the Fortezza, was founded on a naturally fortified site in the 13th century, the period of Venetian domination. Overlooking three seas (Ionian, Cretan and Aegean) from the prominent peak of a rocky cliff, the castle of Kythera was the sleepless guard of the passing ships, thus having the role of the "eye of Crete", which was the seat of the Venetian rulers. At Choras Archaeological Museum you will find findings from the excavations on the island.

Kapsali is a seaside village built along two beautiful sheltered bays with sandy beaches that form the Greek letter Omega (ω). It is the cosmopolitan point of Kythera and is a pole of attraction for the youth for nightlife. Its location offers a wonderful view of the Chora with its Castle, the monastery of John the Evangelist and to the south the islet of Hytra on the Cretan sea. From Kapsali there are guided tours to the islet of Khytra, inside which there is a large cave with blue phosphorescent waters and seals.

The picturesque village Diakofti is next to the main port of the island. It has a calm beach with fine sand, and traditional houses built along it. A few years ago, just outside the port, a Russian ship was wrecked and there it remained half-submerged on dry land, where today it is an attraction.

Agia Pelagia is located in the northeast part of the island and is one of the biggest villages of Kythera. The village is built amphitheatrically on a hill, by the sea, overlooking the Peloponnese. It has a long sandy beach and is probably the most tourist-developed area in Kythera.

Avlemonas is one of the island’s most picturesque villages of Kythera: a fishing port with Cycladic looks, a Venetian fortress and small coves to swim in. The small Fortress (Kastelo) at the entrance of the port was built in the 16th century. A historic building is also the Cavallini house, with the sundial on its lintel which housed the Austro-Hungarian consular agency in Kythera. The village has narrow streets lined with traditional taverns and cafes and tiny bays, perfect for enjoying romantic sunsets.

Kythera’s inland showcases many villages of architectural and cultural interest, such as Potamos (famous for its lively Sunday flea market), Mylopotamos (traditional, with interesting sights), Aroniadika and Karavas, among others.

Lives forever

Another landmark of Kythera is the "sempreviva" flower. The small deep yellow flower that grows in steep parts of Kythera and on the rocky islet “Chytra” got its name from the Italian word “sempre” which means always and the participle of the verb, “vivere” which means I live (It lives forever). The Venetians gave this name to the small amaranth flower that retains its color and symbolizes eternal love. Wonderful "sempreviva" compositions will be found in many shops on the island.

Beaches

With over 90 kilometers of coastline, the island boasts a diverse range of beaches, from tranquil coves and secluded beaches to bustling, family-friendly shores. The route to each beach is a pleasant experience, seeing that nature has created unique environments of natural beauty with rich vegetation, bordering the wonderful seas of the island, overlooking three seas, the Myrtoos, the Cretan and the Ionian. Some of the most interesting beaches are below:
Kaladi beach
One of the most photographed beaches in Kythera. The area is carpeted in green, which juxtaposes dramatically with the crystalline waters.
Kamponada beach
It’s one of the largest and wildest on the island. Conveniently located close to Chora, it’s another of Kythera’s most popular beaches.
Firri Ammos beach
It has red-colored pebbles and is surrounded by a sloping wall of rocks that juts into the sea.
Paleopolis beach
Paleopolis is also one of the most family-friendly on the island, as its clear and shallow waters are safe for the little ones.
Chalkos beach
Chalkos’ combination of emerald-green waters and smooth pebbles means it’s a perfect beach for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is easily accessible by car, as it is located just off the main road.
Melidoni beach
It is located in a small U-shaped cove and boasts some incredibly clear waters and fine sand and also has views of the islet of Hytra.
Fourni beach
Fourni is perhaps Kythera’s most boho beach, with a smattering of read umbrellas and a mix of very shingle and sand.
Kakia Lagada beach
Kakia Lagada is also close to the village of Agia Pelagia and its lovely beach, as well as the nearby beaches of Firri Ammos and Lorentzo.
Limnionas beach
It has shallow waters and sand and is surrounded by pine groves that offer some natural shade.
Agios Nicholas
It is located on the northernmost tip of Kythera with a quiet and pebble beach and not organized. The small whitewashed chapel dedicated to Agios Nikolaos stands between the surrounding rocks. In the background, you can see (or hike) the lighthouse.

The Lighthouse in Moudari
The lighthouse is located on the northernmost point of Kythera and with its 25 meters height is one of the tallest lighthouses in the Aegean. It was built in 1901 by the English to facilitate navigation in the strait that was created in the sea area between Kythira and Elafonisos. It is located near the area of Karavas and next to the beach of Agios Nikolaos. Just the walk to it is magical. The view of the sea from the lighthouse is just amazing.
Local festivals and events give the opportunity to visitors to know the folkloric tradition of Kythera. This is shown through Wine festival, the celebration of Panagia Myrtidiotissa, of Saint Elesa, etc.

Monastery of Panagia Myrtidiotissa
It is the largest monastery in Kythera! Located in the area of Myrtidia in the west of the island, it is built on a natural rocky opening among many myrtles! The icon of Panagia Myrtidiotissa is the island’s most precious relic and the patron of all Kytherians. Up to this day the chapel, called the Old Catholic, houses the icon along with the offerings of visitors, the huge candles made by the priests of the era, and some other small icons. Myrtidiotissa celebrates on the 24th of September, the date of the icon’s finding.

To understand the island of Kythira you must step through it bit by bit, discovering many of the beaches with their crystal clear waters, exploring the island on paths that lead to places of unique beauty, and trying out its excellent gastronomy in tavernas scattered all over the island.

Antikythera

Tiny Antikythera, south of Kythera is a haven for visitors seeking tranquility and relaxation in a place with unspoiled natural beauty and fascinating hiking routes.
The landscape is typical of a small Mediterranean island, consisting primarily of open countryside and low shrubs.
Antikythera’s port town of Potamos is located on the island’s north side. This place gained world fame thanks to an ancient shipwreck holding treasures of great value. In 1900, Greek sponge divers bumped into an ancient shipwreck offshore in the Aegean Sea and discovered a 2,000-year-old shipwreck.
Artifacts included the famed Antikythera mechanism—a geared device sometimes referred to as the world’s first computer.