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Kythnos Travel Guide
Also known as Thermia in ancient times because of the thermal springs found in the village of Loutra, the island of Kythnos owes its name to its first settler, leader of the Dryopes (people that migrated from Evia) and later king of the island, Kythnos. It is also said that the name derives from the ancient Greek word Kefthemon, meaning a dim place to hide, since Kythnos was chosen by many as a hiding place from intruders and pirates of nearby settlements.
Also known as Messaria, amphitheatrically build on a hill, Chora is the capital of Kythnos. Alike all islands of the Cyclades the capital of Kythnos is a very picturesque village with white washed houses, scenic churches and narrow paved alleys. The beautiful little squares offer some nice restaurants and cafes blending tradition with modernity.
The picturesque village of Driopida, also known as Syllaka, used to be the ancient capital and administrative center of the island. The unique tiled roofs, the winding narrow streets and the numerous fig trees dotted on the mountains create a scenic setting and a sense of serenity.
Renowned for the thermal springs with the therapeutic properties the small village of Loutra has become a popular resort on the island of Kythnos. Besides Merihas, Loutra is the only other part of the island that counts for a relatively lively nightlife with numerous cafes, restaurants and bars attracting mostly the eldest crowds.
Situated in the village of Driopida and housed in the old church of Agios Georgios the Byzantine museum hosts a collection of a large number of Byzantine and post Byzantine icons, manuscripts and other ecclesiastical relics and rare books from Mount Athos.
Located in the picturesque village of Driopida the Folklore museum celebrates the lives of locals through history with exhibits of traditional uniforms, tools used in everyday life and exquisite folklore objects and artifacts.
A popular tourist attraction, Katafiki Cave near the village of Driopida is known for its unique rock formations and spectacular stalagmites. This cave used to be an old mine as well as a shelter for the locals during the Second World War. Nowadays locals gather into the cave to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ.
Overlooking the emerald waters of the sea, Panagia Kanala, the protector of the island is distinguished for its unique architecture. Surrounded by a gorgeous garden, this church is known for the icon of Virgin Mary known to work miracles. Panagia Kanala is the patron saint of the island celebrated on August 15th.
Situated on the northwest of Merihas, the island of Saint Loucas is connected to the rest of the island with a long stretch of sand: the beach of Kolona. The island of Saint Loucas is worth visiting since it still retains some ancient remnants, caves and ruins from antiquity.
Situated on the South of Merichas this is a beautiful church that one must see while on the island. According to tradition there are tracks from the beach to the church that were left from Panagia Flampouriani and, thus, every August white fragrant lilies grow in the area.
Near Kefalos cape, on the north side of the island, in Oria Castle one can see the remains of two churches as well as of some ancient murals. Other than its remains, Oria Castle is a site worth visiting for its breathtaking views.
During the excavations at the village of Maroula, architectural remains and human skeletons that were brought to light show that the island was inhabited since the Neolithic period proving that it was the oldest settlement in all of Greece.
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This stunningly beautiful beach connects the island of Agios Loukas with the rest of Kythnos while forming a golden stretch of sand with crystalline sapphire waters on both sides. This unique characteristic creates a romantic & tranquil vibe attracting travelers seeking for a paradisiacal heaven of serenity. The tavern nearby offers eclectic dishes of mouthwatering specialties inviting swimmers for a scrumptious break. Kolona beach is one of the most impressive beaches of the island that can be reached either by sea or with a 4x4.
Encircled by pristine tufts this enchanting golden beach offers a haven of serenity and peacefulness. Embrace the sun as you lie amidst the gorgeous scenery and dive into crystalline cyan waters ideal for swimming adventures. Fykiada beach is situated right by the beach of Kolona and nearby the church of Virgin Mary and offers a relaxing escape for travelers and locals alike.
Nuzzled in a secluded bay Apokrousi is one of the largest beaches on the island with fine golden sand and tamarisk trees offering abundant shade to the swimmers. Embraced by a rough setting of barren hills this stunningly beautiful beach offers a tranquil beach oasis of relaxation and peacefulness with cerulean clean waters as well as a wonderful view to the neighboring beach of Kolona.
Right by the port of Merihas this sandy golden beach is a popular destination for swimmers due to its convenient location and easy access. Travelers can swim into the crystal clear indigo waters and catch some shade under one of the many tamarisk trees. The pristine waters and fine golden sand make this beach ideal for sunbathing and swimming adventures.
Embraced by the pristine nature Kanala beach is a picturesque beach retreat right in front of the charming village of Kanala. This small pebbled beach offers a serene escape inviting swimmers to dive in the indigo clear waters and bask in the sun or enjoy some shade under the tamarisk trees. There are a few taverns close by offering mouthwatering specialties for visitors to enjoy.
Dotted with tamarisk trees this blue flag beach offers a calm haven of relaxation. The 500 meters of fine sand and crystalline cerulean waters make this beach ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Utterly protected from the winds throughout the summer months Episkopi beach is the perfect choice for families with young children that wish to swim, play around the beach and enjoy some fresh local dishes at the nearby tavern.
Surrounded by the pristine arid hills Flambouria offers a peaceful beach hideaway for serene escapes. This large beach is laid with sand and pebbles and it forms two smaller beaches, the Little Flambouria and the Large Flambouria, both with tamarisk trees offering natural shade to swimmers. Travelers are welcome to dive into the emerald waters and enjoy the serenity of their surroundings.
Named after the seaside chapel of Agios Dimitrios, near the homonymous village, this quiet beach invites travelers to succumb into the crystalline sapphire waters and sunbathe while laying on the thick sand under the sun kissed sky or enjoy the natural shade under a tamarisk tree. Even though the beach offers easy access it is not considered a popular beach destination and is usually uncrowded.
Embraced by the unspoiled natural environment Gaidouromandra is a large long sandy beach, usually uncrowded. Ideal for families with young children this charming beach offers a pristine heaven for relaxing breaks and family fun in the sun. Peace and tranquility go hand in hand exuding an air of blissful serenity. Swimmers can dive in the crystalline cerulean waters and enjoy a swim in a truly peaceful environment.
Enclosed within a natural bay Megali Ammos is a large beach with crystalline emerald waters. Featuring both sand and pebbles it provides an enchanting beach retreat for travelers seeking a picturesque setting to enjoy a refreshing swim. Ideally situated in the village of Kanala Megali Ammos offers easy access to the church of Panagia Kanala which is the island’s protector and it is renowned for working miracles.
Nearby the village of Panagia Kanala, Kalo Livadi is a quiet beach encircled by pristine hills. The rocky seashore and sandy floor make it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Swimmers are welcome to enjoy the serenity of the environment and dive into the crystalline sapphire waters while the sound of the waves will most likely be the only sound that disturbs the divine peacefulness.
Secluded in a natural bay protected from the summer winds Naousa is a picturesque beach inviting swimmers for refreshing breaks in its emerald clear waters. This charming beach with the little church standing on a rock is a quiet retreat for swimming adventures and family fun. Idyllically situated amidst the beaches of Agios Stefanos and Kouri it offers a heavenly summer escape for true moments of relaxation.
Loutra is a newly established summer resort attracting visitors and locals alike due to the thermal springs that give the water a distinct therapeutic value.
Well sheltered from the winds this enchanting sandy and pebbled beach offers a popular beach retreat where swimmers can dive in the warm emerald waters, relish local specialties at the nearby taverns or drink an iced called coffee while enjoying the serenity of their surroundings at a local café. Loutra also offers a lively nightlife and it is considered a hot night spot.
Next to the homonymous church of Agios Sostis this enchanting beach is completely secluded as it is nestled within the natural bay of Loutra and offers a serene summer escape for relaxing swims and peaceful moments of relaxation. The emerald waters and the golden sandy coast invite swimmers for tranquil breaks in the cerulean Aegean where they can enjoy the divine serenity under the shimmering everlasting sun.
- Savoro: a dish of fried fish marinated in a sour sauce
- Sfougata: a type of cheese croquettes made with local soft trimma cheese
- Pitaro or Thermiotiki cheese pie: the traditional local cheese pie
- Syglino: smoked pork meat with its fat
- Kolonia: a traditional pie stuffed with rice and spinach
- Kolopi: covered spinach pie
- Strapatzada: scrambled eggs with zucchini and local pork meat
- Marzipan cakes
- Homemade Local Sausages
- Soft Trimma cheese with a sour taste
- Kopanisti (local spicy and salty cheese dip)
- Thyme Honey
- Barley Bread
- Local Pasteli (sesame and honey bar)
- Traditional Almond Marzipans
- Thermiotiko wine
- Ceramics
- The festival of Panagia Kanala, celebrated in Kanala village every August 15th and September 8th with songs, music, fireworks and traditional dances.
- The festival of Agios Ilias, celebrated every July 20th with a feast and local music in the central square of Chora.
- The Feast of Agioi Apostoloi, celebrated every year on June 30th with a feast, local music and dancing in the village of Driopida.
- Kythneia: From the 1st to the 10th of August Kythneia is a cultural event that takes place in Chora and includes shows, beach parties, exhibitions of art works, dance and music events.