Hidden gems of Cyclades: Kythnos
A few words
Kythnos island is located on the northwest part of Cyclades next to Kea and Serifos, just a few hours from Attica. It was widely known since the ancient times for its hot springs and archaeological sites, where numerous historical eras have left their footprint, from the classical era to the Roman one. Besides that, the island combines the wild beauty of Cyclades and the calmness of the Greek sea, while offering a great variety of activities for all tastes
What to do in Kythnos
Kayak
Kayak adventures and SUP is most preferred by vacationers. Kythnos is properly supplied with all the necessary equipment for you to tour around all hidden beaches, caves and sites of the island. The famous beach of Kolona, the ancient castle of Vryokastro and the otherwise unapproachable beaches of Ai-Giannis and Vasiliko are only some of the suggestions for your tours. Kayak yoga is also on this list!
Fishing
Kythnos is known for its great variety of fresh fish. Whether you like to fish alone or with an organized tour, Kythnos is the place to enjoy it most. Don’t forget to grill your haul and enjoy fresh deliciousness!
Scuba diving
If you are the more adventurous type, visit Loutra for scuba diving. The sea floor of the island reveals unique reefs and underwater monuments of spectacular view that cannot be found anywhere else. The island’s location places it between sea currents that have shaped through the ages something rare in the Aegean waters. Loutra is equipped with everything that you will need, but there are also other locations that you can discover as well, like the stunning Katafyki Cave.
Hiking
If you are fond of sports, you will definitely love hiking under the afternoon summer sun. Kythnos possesses a wide network of hiking trails where you can discover hidden village sites, hot springs, Byzantine monuments, small churches, windmills and all the natural beauty of the island. There are 3 trails that are especially worth following: trail 1, towards the castle of Oria and the church of Panagia Kyraleousa with a magnificent view. Trail 2 towards the beach Lefkes, passes through a picturesque site of architectural significance and trail 6 towards the capital of Kythnos, Vryokastro, where you can admire remnants of the ancient temples of Apollo, Demeter, Artemis and Aphrodite as well. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
Beaches you should visit
The most famous beach of the island is Kolona, a narrow zone of sand that splits the sea in two, presenting a jaw-dropping view. Beaches Episkopi and Apokrousi are also great for fuss-free swim as they are the only ones that are organized, and finally, for those seeking heaven on earth, don’t forget to check out the beach Skylou, Agios Sostis, Potamia, Fykiada and Agios Dimitrios. The island literally has 28 beaches, so feel free to discover them all with our yachts.
Vryokastro
In Kythnos capital, you can get lost in the “kalderimia” of the town, the small roads of stone between houses and admire the traditional architecture and painted walls. Restaurants, bars and clubs are all available to offer you the best vacation experience!
Traditional “panigiria”
The famous Greek outdoor celebrations are a must here. Through the year, you can spectate local customs around big celebrations, whereas through all summer there are numerous gatherings organized, usually near Christian celebrations that offer dancing, drinking and local music. Brace yourselves, as these celebrations often last till morning!
Spilaio Katafyki
One of the most spectacular views of Kythnos is Katafyki Cave. Located in the centre of the island, at 190 meters below sea level, and can be accessed through the local paths of Dryopida.
Museums
Both the Byzantine museum and the folklore museum offer a glimpse of the past, where you can see all the in-house setup along with all the past domestic habits of Kythnian society.
Ancient sites
In Kythnos, there are many sites a visitor can satisfy his curiosity with: Vryokastro, where you can discover the ancient capital of the 6th-7th century and its pottery findings, the Ancient port, in Ormos, which is an underwater roman port that sank allegedly due to earthquake, the Temple of Demeter, located on the edge of the acropolis, dates back to the classic era, and the archaeological site of Maroulas in Loutra, where a site of 8 centuries BC was discovered, bringing many stone tools to light.
Food
Kythnos is known for its mouthwatering delicacies. Sfouggato is a kind of cheese croquette made with the traditional sour “thermiotiko” cheese, and the local cheese pie is also a must try. Kythnos’ sweets, “amigdalota” are a staple, along with the traditional local wine. Besides these, Kythnos offers a great variety of local products to taste and purchase, like the cheese, wine, local honey of superior quality, sausages, fresh caper and croutons.
Kythnos has also a long history of pottery, and many ceramics are available for purchase as well.
Enjoy Kythnos!
