The Kythera are located south of Peloponnese, between the Cape Malea and the Western Crete. They are a special administrative, geographical and historical unit and over the centuries they have developed a very special character.
Kythera is according to mythology the place of birth of Aphrodite, where the goddess of love was worshipped as «Aphrodite Urania». The island of Kythera has been a source of inspiration for artists, painters, poets and scholars throughout the ages. It is a magical place, with strong traces of history and myth, and has formed a special culture because of the many and varied conquerors it has had from time to time.
An island with strong contrasts, even in its architecture, invites the visitor to discover it. Castropolises of excellent art, Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches, large stone bridges, schools of the English rule, traditional tower houses with limestone doors and windows, mansions with coats of arms of old illustrious families are just some of the special elements of the island's culture.
The variety of shapes of the coastline of Kythera highlights the wonderful crystal clear sea which is ideal for diving and water sports. Specific organised beaches coexist harmoniously with authentic paradise beaches. Every part of the island has access to a nearby beach and wherever you find yourself, you will enjoy the cool sea of Kythera. The island's beaches are numerous and satisfy every requirement.
Starting from the northern part of the island, we find the beach of Ai-Nikolas, next to the imposing lighthouse of Moudari, and continues with the beaches of Platia Ammos and Fourni. Near Agia Pelagia, two wonderful beaches, Lorentzos and Lagada, as well as the small lake by the sea created by the end of the impressive gorge of Paleochora. A little further east we find Diakofti with white sand and to the west, Limionas and Lykodimou with their unique sunsets.
East of the island, we find a series of beautiful beaches such as Paleopolis and Piatsa, while moving south we find the exotic Kaladi, Komponada and Phyri Ammos, a beach that has been awarded by the European Union. Chalkos is the natural continuation of the valley that starts from Kalamos, creating at its end one of the most picturesque beaches of the island. Finally, in the southern part, Kapsali, Sparagario and Melidoni.
Due to the peculiarity of its location, the island can support windsurfing, sailing, skiing, scuba diving and of course fishing.
An important peculiarity of the island is its caves. The most famous of all is that of Aghios Sophia in Mylopotamos, with excellent Byzantine frescoes, which can be visited throughout the summer. Impressive is the sea cave of the small island of Chytra opposite Kapsali, from which there is a daily ferry to and from.
In recent years there has been a systematic effort to highlight the old paths of the island, which is increasing every year. The visitor can follow the marked and mapped hiking trails and see old watermills, lush green valleys, waterfalls and places of particular natural beauty. Walking in Kythera one discovers its hidden treasure. These dirt roads are also ideal for cycling.
The religious feeling of the Kytherians is very strong. It is said that the island has almost 350 temples! The pride of Kytheria and the religious centre of the island is Panagia Myrtidiotissa, a Holy Pilgrimage of Panhellenic importance in the west of Kythera and the place where the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary is found, which is celebrated solemnly on 24 September and attracts thousands of pilgrims.
One of the most important advantages of the island is the richness of its hinterland. Small picturesque villages and settlements exist all over the island and are a folklore treasure for the visitor.
The local products are of excellent quality. Primary is the well-known thyme honey, which is considered one of the world's top honeys. Kythera produces high quality olive oil and wine. Pure fruit and vegetable products of Kythera land are available in the traditional bazaars of Livadi and Potamos.
The local traditional cooking stands out in the production of sweets. One can taste from a wide range that includes almond cakes, rosettes, dry cakes, mill paste, pasteceta and many more.
Close to these, the experience of the Tsirigotiko idypotou, the «Fatourada», a kind of tsipouro enriched with sugar and cinnamon cloves, is essential.
Particularly tasty are the products of the traditional bakeries that operate on the island. The now famous Tsirigotiko Ladopaximado stands out, which is made with the traditional recipe of centuries.
