Kythnos Island

Discover the beauties of Kythnos

DISCOVER KYTHNOS

The island of hospitality and simplicity

Kythnos, the island of simplicity and hospitality, will lead you to Cycladic paths, to whitewashed settlements, to beautiful villages and to wonderful beaches with deep blue waters, which will make you realize from the very first contact that you are in an earthly paradise .

HISTORY

BEACHES

ACTIVITIES

ENTERTAINMENT

The first inhabitants

Historical references indicate that the first inhabitants of Kythnos were the ancient Dryopians whose king was Kythnos, so the island was named after him. Kythnos was also called Dryopis or Ophioussa, while in the Middle Ages it was known as Theramna.

The ancient state

The ancient state of Kythnos was well known for its rule of law and for that reason Aristotle devoted a special study on the island to his work called “On State of Kythnos“, a project that was not rescued. In addition, the ancient Kythnians excelled in the letters and the arts, with the painters, Timanthis and Kydis, being the most prominent ones.

Due to its geographical location, Kythnos played an important role in the ancient times.

Traces of ancient cities are located in the southwestern part of the island at the site of Rigokastro or Evreokastro and in the northwest at the site Kefalokastro. Kephalocastro was probably the capital of the island that was destroyed by the Turks in the 16th century.

The development of Kythnos and the prosperity of its inhabitants in ancient Greek times are reflected in the archaeological finds of the walls and temples dedicated to Aphrodite, Apollo and Demetra, as well as to the historical recognition of this small island that participated in the Naval Battle of Salamis. Furthermore, in the references of Aristotle, the island is honored for its democratic rule while its governance is characterized as excellent.

The Peloponnesian War and the conflicts of Alexander the Great’s successors led to the decline of Kythnos which in the years of the Roman Empire was mainly known as a place of exile.

Beaches of the island

Kythnos has beautiful beaches that form scenic coves, coves with crystal clear waters and natural shade that make up the salt mines. The most famous beach on the island is Kolona. Visit it and you will be impressed by how a sand strip separates the sea in the middle forming two sandy beaches on the same shore so spectacularly.

Organized beaches

Leaving the port of Mericha towards the direction of Chora, we first encounter the small sandy beach of Martinakia and then Episkopi and Apokrousis beaches. They are the only organized beaches on the island, the most crowded ones and both have thin sand.

Beaches with amazing turquoise waters

Passing through the residential area of Chora, we reach 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 Aghia Irini, with the picturesque residential areas of Arkoudi and Schinari, while on the northeast, 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 are waiting for you to enjoy them and in some of them you can find rooms to let and picturesque taverns with homemade food.

Seven km from Driopida, at the southeastern end of the island, is the only pine-tree settlement of Panagia Kanala. Around the church, the bays of Megali Ammos, Ammoudaki and the Adonides spread out.

If you want an absolutely peaceful environment to enjoy your swim, you can visit the beaches of Skylos, Gaidouromanra, Simoussi in the southeast and Mavrianos and Stifos in the southwest of the island.

Marine and Diving Tourism

Kythnos is a close and accessible destination, unknown to many, but it contains infinite secrets for the lovers of nature. It is suitable for diving excursions, while the local diving center that operates in the area of Loutra organizes diving excursions and escapes. In addition, fishing enthusiasts will enjoy their hobby rich in fish

Hiking in Kythnos

ythnos has all those characteristics that make it unique for hiking. Hiking the paths of Kythnos, you will have the opportunity to get in touch with its roots, history, natural beauty and culture. Kythnos has a rich network of hiking routes.

Αλιευτικός Τουρισμός στην Κύθνο

Live the experience of fishing in Kythnos!

Visit unique beaches, swim in crystal blue waters and at the end of the trip taste the fish of the day.

Kayak Adventure

Kythnos has a rich network of hiking routes. Some of them are marked, while the rest can be found in the newly updated maps and the walker’s guide already in circulation. Routes vary in terms of their degree of difficulty due to the terrain. Some routes follow old rural paths, crossing ravines and end on beaches. Other routes end up in archaeological sites or impressive observatories.

Have fun in Kythnos

Arriving in Kythnos you will find that it is a beautiful mountainous Cycladic island between Tzia and Serifos which preserves its natural beauties. During your stay on the island and as you get to know better and better, you will enjoy not only its wonderful beaches but also the choices it offers you to have fun.

Genuine Hospitality

Its inhabitants are very hospitable and surely one of them will invite you to have your coffee or ouzo drink with him and he will treat you to some of the local delicacies such as frygadelia (lamb or goat liver and pieces of meat fried or barbequed), tyrovoli (soft cheese and eggs) and kopanisti (mashed cheese).

Traditional alleys

Enjoy your walks in the stone cobblestone streets of Kythnos and be impressed by the traditional arches and fountains. Admire the courtyards and alleys painted with lime on which scenes of the island life are drawn.

Enjoy your coffee or your meal at the beautiful and well-maintained cafes and restaurants. In case you want to get to know the nightlife, the places to enjoy your drink are more than enough. Its bars and clubs are waiting for you to have fun drinking and dancing until the early morning hours.

Port of Mericha

The port of Merichas is the first sight of Kythnos to the visitor. Merichas is the main port of Kythnos, a natural and leeward port that accommodates the pier that docks ships arriving from the ports of Piraeus and Lavrio.

KYTHNOS ISLAND