Kythnos in Greece

Kythnos, or Kithnos, is Cyclades ninth largest island, slightly larger than Mykonos and approximately four times less than Naxos, which is Cyclades largest island. Here lives around 1,460 inhabitants and the island's surface is 99 km2. The two main villages are Chora with 560 inhabitants, and Merichas which has 370 inhabitants. The highest mountain is Profitis Elias and measures 336 meters above sea level.

The main occupation is farming and fishing. Kythnos is located between Kea and Serifos, as together with Sifnos, Kimolos and Milos are called the Western Cyclades.

The tourism industry has developed very slowly on Kythnos and it is safe to say that it is still is like that. I don't really know why there are so few foreign tourists on Kythnos, but I have my hunches. One reason is, of course, that so few have been to Kythnos and can tell you about the island. It may also be that those who have actually visited Kythnos have nothing to tell. Which in that case is quite understandable because Kythnos really can't be accused of standing out.

Tavern in one of the alleys in cozy Chora.

The flat landscape makes it a rather anonymous island. The beaches are quite mediocre and there are no spectacular sights. However, there is something purely genuine about Kithnos that many islands lack - especially in the picturesque villages Chora and Dryopida. The people on the island are curious and friendly and show what Greek hospitality is all about.

Loutra with its hot springs is located north of Chora.

TRAVEL TO KYTHNOS

Due to the excellent connections by ferry to both the mainland and the neighbouring islands in the western Cycladic, it is easy to go to Kythnos. The simplest route is by flight to Athens and then on by boat from Piraeus or Lavrio, south of the airport. Ordinary ferries as well as fast catamarans leave from Piraeus every day during high season.

Kythnos also has boat connections with Andros, Tinos, Ios, Syros, Folegandros, Naxos and Paros.

Ferry timetable for Kythnos »

Book ferry tickets online here »

The port in Merichas.

GETTING AROUND ON KYTHNOS

Bus departs from Merichas and operates the villages of Dryopida, Chora, Kanala and Loutra up to six times a day. If you plan to stay on the main roads, a scooter will do just as fine as a car. There are very short distances. However, a car is preferable if you plan to see the smaller coastal villages. There are rental outlets for cars and scooters in Merichas.

VILLAGES ON KYTHNOS

The greatest attractions on Kythnos are the two villages Chora and Dryopida. To once again stroll around the alleys of Dryopida is probably the biggest reason why I will return to Kythnos.

The village of Merichas is the best village to live in on Kythnos.

But we start in the port village of Merichas, which shines with a cozy and romantic shimmer when you arrive by boat. It's so nice here, one thinks. For Merichas is almost entirely dominated by hotels and guesthouses, both behind the beach and on the hills that climb up both sides of the mountain. It is in Merichas that almost all tourists who visit the island stay. There are hotels in other villages too, such as in pleasant Loutra, but it is Merichas that applies to most.

The small fishing port in Merichas.

Of course, Merichas also has good sides. The port beach is certainly not spectacular, but the small colorful fishing boats are nice to look at and the tavernas and bars with tables in the sand have a high comfort factor. A plus is that it is walking distance to several beaches. And at the bakery you can buy the Cyclades largest bread.

Merichas just after sunset.

Kythnos old capital Dryopida is, in my opinion, Kythnos greatest attraction. Strolling through the car-free and labyrinthine alleys is a real pleasure. I am childishly fond of Greek villages, especially in small villages like Dryopida where Greek everyday life dominates and where as a tourist I am met by smiling and curious villagers.

The amazing village of Dryopida.

In Dryopida, nothing is just for tourists. Dryopida is a village that constantly surprises, like being in a living dollhouse. A ravine divides the village into two parts, a lower and an upper. In the lower part, the houses are worn and aged, some are in ruins. The upper part of Dryopida is the finest and most alive. This is where you find all the taverns and cafes, some shops and the village's largest church.

One of the stairs in the genuine village of Dryopida.

The beautiful and car-free village of Chora, 5 km from Merichas, is the administrative center and capital of Kythnos. Chora is most often called Kythnos by the islanders.

Chora on Kythnos is not significantly different from other "Choras" in the Cyclades. All are built to the same pleasant template of whitewashed houses with blue doors and windows that crowd along a main street decorated with geraniums in olive tin pots, twining bougainvillea and clematis. From the main street, smaller alleys meander towards new destinations, perhaps to a square with a dazzling white church and perhaps a tavern or a kafenión in a corner.

Chora.

This is roughly what it looks like in Chora on Kythnos. Chora is a must when you are on Kythnos, just as Dryopida is a must. What differentiates the villages is that Chora is more upscale, a little more prosperous simply. The pleasant main street is lined with cozy taverns, cafes and small shops.

One of the restaurants in cozy Chora.

Another village you should not miss is the coastal village of Loutra about 4 km north of Chora. There are two hot springs here, Kakavos and Agii Anargiri, whose water is said to cure all kinds of diseases, including heart disease and rheumatism. The springs were already known in antiquity, even the Turks liked Loutra, during the Turkish occupation there was a real Turkish bath here, Hamam Andassi. Even today, the springs attract people.

The spa village of Loutra where there are hot springs.

In recent years, Loutra has developed as a tourist resort, here there is a large selection of hotels and pensions. The attraction is of course the hot springs, but also the fine port where the taverns are lined up. Some of the tavernas serve on the sandy beach that runs alongside the village. The beach is otherwise perfectly fine if you want to take a swim.

The beach and the hot springs of Loutra. (Check the "seal" at the bottom of the image.)

BEACHES ON KYTHNOS

If you are looking for long sand beaches with powder white sand, Kythnos is not for you. The beaches are OK, but no reason to run your legs off. The advantage of Kythnos beaches is that there is always plenty of space.

Martinakia beach near Merichas.

Martinakia beach is located at a comfortable walking distance (5-10 min) from Merichas, just around the corner on the way to Chora. The beach lies in a luxuriant green valley. There is a nice little bay with two tavernas, a couple of pensions and some shade from the tamarisks.

Episkopi beach is about a 20-minute walk from Martinakia. Apart from the fact that it is a much longer beach than the one in Martinakia, they are very similar, the same greyish sandbox sand and shady tamarisks. In one corner is the beach's only taverna.

Apokrousi beach is a very long sandy beach surrounded by tall shady trees in a wide bay with clear and inviting water. A better beach than those described above. Behind the beach, a fertile agricultural landscape spreads out.

On a hike to Apokrousi beach.

In the far corner of Apokrousi beach is one of two taverns. This particular taverna makes you think of how Greece was before the tourists came, the menu is as if taken from old days - you take what you have. And if you don't have that, you go out among the crops and pick from the plantations. Rural and cozy.

It is easy to find your own little bathing coves on Kythnos.

Also not to be missed is the village of Kanala with its famous monastery of the same name as the village. Below the village there is a nice beach which some consider to be the second best beach in Kythnos.

Kanala beach under the monastery of Panagia Kanala.

Kolona beach is considered by many to be best beach on Kythnos. The beach is located on both sides of an isthmus that connects the mainland with the island of Agios Loukas. There is no taverna here and no shade either. Kolona is served by beach boat from Merichas during high season, to get there on your own follow the road that starts after the tavern on Apokrousi beach.

SIGHTS ON KYTHNOS

Katafiki Cave in Dryopida is the biggest attraction after the monastery in Kanala. The cave is said to be one of the longest in the country and contains stalagmites and underground lakes. It was discovered in 1841; In 1908, they began to extract iron ore from the cave, mining continued until 1939. During the Second World War, the cave was used as a hiding place.

The entrance to Katafiki Cave in Dryopida.

The cave mouth is open and you just have to step down, but you shouldn't do that without a guide, it's dark and terribly scary after just a few meters. I've gone down without a guide and without a flashlight, I won't do that again, I realized after a while how stupid it was and ran like an antelope towards the exit. Are there cave ghosts? Guided tours are available in high season.

The monastery of Panagia Kanala the village of Kanala is safer to visit than the cave of Dryopida.

The cute outdoor museum in Chora.

ACCOMMODATION ON KYTHNOS

Almost all tourists stay in Merichas. The hotels are spread out on three sides, would you like the morning sun, choose the right side at the far end of the port beach, and if you want evening sun, choose to the hotels above the port.

Here are three suggestions for accommodation in Merichas.

Book Kontseta here »

Book Foinikas Studios here »

Book Tzamaros Studios here »

Book other hotel in Kythnos here »