KYTHIRA

General Information

The natural beauty of Kythira suggests that it is no coincidence that this was the birthplace of Aphrodite, the godess of beauty and love. Its is located just off the southernmost tip of the Peloponnese, mainland Greece, and mainland Europe, the cape Tainaron. It covers an area of 278 sq.km and has a population of about 3500 inhabitants.

History & Culture

The island In ancient times the island was known as Porfyris, as it produced large quantities of the deep red dye (porfyron in Greek), used for luxurious textiles. As expected by its proximity to the mainland, Kythira was inhabited as early as the Neolithic Age, sometime in the 5th millennia BC. Minoans, followed by Mycenaeans, established naval bases on the island. In the 8th century BC, Dorian settlers arrived, mingling with the existing populace. Quite expectedly, it came under Spartan influence by the 6th century BC, but Athenians tried many times to gain control of it. With the arrival of the age of Rome and all through to the age of Byzantium, Kythira faded to insignificance. Venetian rule brought on a renewed prosperity, which ended with the devastating raid of the infamous pirate Barbarossa. In the 17th century the island became a refuge for many persecuted individuals, and in the 18th century it became a center of trade, and flourished. It finally won its freedom in 1864. 

Sights

The Venetian castle, built in 1503 over its Byzantine predecessor, towers over the main town of Chora, and includes many churches and chapels of the same period. Another contemporary castle can be seen in Mylopotamos, and another yet in the picturesque village of Avlemonas. The deserted village of Agios Nikolaos, devastated after the attack of Barbarossa, is also worth seeing, as is the monastery of Panagia Myrtidiotissa, the religious center of the island. There is also the impressive cave of Agia Sophia, adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, and with the old chapel lying near its entrance. Furthermore, the landscape of the island is a series of sights in itself, with imposing grey-black cliffsides diving steeply into deep blue waters, and green hillsides fading gently to comely beaches. There are also beauteous islets surrounding Kythira, all of which are easily accessible by boat.        

Entertainment - Sports - Shopping

As the popularity of Kythira as a tourist destination has been rising rapidly, its infrastructure has developed significantly, reaching a level where it can provide fine services and accommodations. There are quality hotels and rooms for rent, taverns, bars, pubs and coffee shops, while the markets are well supplied. Kythira is a most renowned producer of top-quality honey, so a few jars should be able to squeeze in the visitor?s luggage. If there is more space, olive oil and sweets should fill it up nicely.   

Access

Flights are carried out from Athens to the recently renovated airport of Kythira daily. Flying dolphins depart daily from the ports of Piraeus, Neapolis and Gytheion. Ferries depart from Piraeus once a week.

Connections

Additional routes connect Kythira with Kalamata, Kastelli (in Crete), and the island of Antikythira. 

Museums

The Archaeological Museum in Chora hosts an invaluable collection of items coming from the Minoan, the Mycenaean, and all the way to the Roman period. There is also a Museum of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine art in the village of Livadi.  

Alternative Tourism

Ecotourism, birdwatching, caving, cultural, archaeology, sporting (water sports, trekking, sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving).

Useful Telephone Numbers:

KYTHIRA AREA CODE:  27360-

POLICE STATION: 27360-31206, 33222

PORT POLICE: 27360-31222, 33280

MUNICIPALITY: 27360-31213

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORG. : 27360-33299, 33399

POST OFFICE: 27360-31274

MEDICAL CENTER: 27360-31243, 33203, 31536, 38015, 33213

HOSPITAL: 27360-33203

AIRPORT: 27360-33292, 33297