Ionian islands

Kythira Sightseeing

Nature has endowed Kythira with unique beauty. The scenery is very rich: rocky area full of bushes, hills covered with Mediterranean pine trees, sandy beaches, golden sands and turquoise waters, rugged beaches, gorges, caves and ravines leading to the blue waters of the sea, all the elements in a harmonious coexistence create the paradise image of Kythira.

Characteristic of Kythira is that it preserves the authentic character of the island. The traditional architecture that dominates in most of the island villages, Byzantine churches and the Venetian castle which dominates the hill over Hora, the island’s capital, contribute to the romantic and idyllic atmosphere that prevails on the island.

Kythira Archaeological Sights and Castles

Kythira, an island known by the old Venetian name Tsirigo (Cerigo), is, according to mythology, the island of Heavenly goddess Aphrodite (Venus) and Eros. The birth of Aphrodite (Venus) in Kythira, according to mythology, was the fact that defined the future of the island. According to the Theogony of Hesiod, Aphrodite was born in the sea foam of Kythera. The waves swept away, according to this version of the myth, the goddess, which arrived in Paphos in Cyprus, where she also was worshiped as a goddess protector of the island. Based on archaeological surveys, the island is inhabited since 3000 BC.

Kythira Churches and Monasteries

Approximately 350 churches, chapels and historic monasteries stand for centuries on the island, guardians of faith and tradition. In the yard of the ruined castle and the streets of the country, there are Byzantine churches like the church of Panaghia Mirtidiotissa, the patron of the island, of Aghios Ioannis Theologos and of Pantokrator. At Antikythera, visit the churches of Aghios Myron, the patron saint and protector of Antikythira (one of the few surviving in Greece), Aghios Haralambos, Aghios Nikolaos and the twin churches of the Panaghia ‘s Presentation (Virgin Mary) and Aghios Dionysios.

Kythira Museums and Historical Monuments

On the island of Kythira, you can visit the Archaeological Museum with an important collection of findings on the island, the Historical Archive of Kythira in the Castle of Hora, the capital, which is the second major after that of Corfu (Kerkyra), since it has records dated from the 16th century, as well as the Byzantine museum, which hosts the collection of Byzantine and post-Byzantine art and is housed in the post-Byzantine church of Analipsi (Ascension) at Kato Livadi.

Kythira Settlements and Destinations

Kythira is located in Southern Greece between the southern Peloponnese and Crete. It is a mountainous island with several valleys leading to the sea to form beautiful beaches. They cover an area of approximately 280 square kilometres. The vegetation is rich, especially in northern and western parts of the island. The climate is Mediterranean, with enough humidity and strong winds especially in winter. In several parts of the island there are sources that flow throughout the year.