What is it that makes us return again and again to the Cyclades? What irresistible attraction draws us to these barren, scorched rocks in the middle of the Aegean? Some will tell you about energy fields, some will mention the uniqueness of this unique landscape, and others will tell you about the carefree atmosphere that reminds them of their childhood. Whatever happens, the whitewash of the houses combined with the blue of the Cycladic sky and the deep blue of the sea gives you an incredible feeling of carefreeness and euphoria! And this year it's time to experience it again in Kythnos!
We really didn't know much about the island as it's not one of those that catches the eye when you think of the Cyclades. And that turned out to be the big highlight of Kythnos. Despite being so close to Attica (almost an hour and a half from Lavrio), it still remains untouched by mass tourism and has largely retained its traditional character.
In short, Kythnos won us over from the very first moment and generously gave us unique moments of summer vacation full of color, light and emotions of the photogenic Aegean landscape. Furthermore, it turned out to be a fairly kid-friendly destination, with shallow sandy beaches and settlements where our stroller did not encounter any particular difficulties. So let's take a closer look at all of this together:
The Settlements
Merichas
The island's port puts you right in the holiday mood as soon as you arrive! It's no coincidence that many people choose it for their accommodation or evening entertainment. We recommend it to see an unforgettable sunset! If you stay in Mericha, keep in mind that you will be close to two very good beaches, Martinakia and Episkopi. For all the others, however, you will have to go up to Chora or Dryopida. Nevertheless, the distances are not particularly long.
Country
The Chora of Kythnos is a doll and does not escape the Aegean color in any way! You will walk around it morning and evening, exploring all its narrow streets and looking for beautiful corners for unforgettable photographic moments. The picturesque cobblestone streets and small squares, the traditional whitewashed houses with colorful doors and windows compose an undoubtedly charming setting.
Visit the folklore museum, founded on the initiative of the island's youth and donations from residents. In a traditional house in the main alley of Chora, you will find a beautiful collection of objects and costumes from the last century. It is open daily from 7pm - 12pm.
Don't miss the small church of St. Savvas in Chora. It was built in 1613 according to the inscription at the entrance of the church, as well as the imposing church of St. John the Theologian in the center of the settlement.
Look for the alley with the painted houses located near the Regional Clinic. The scenery is unique!
Dryopida
This is another picturesque settlement in the middle of the island where you will find all-white houses with the difference that here they also have tiled roofs. With a long tradition in ceramic art, Dryopida was built there to be invisible from the sea and to protect its residents from pirate attacks in the past.
A particularly remarkable folklore museum is located in an old listed house. Here the tradition of Kythnos comes to life through traditional, elaborate objects of great value. It operates daily from 7pm - 12pm.
The Katafyki cave is perhaps one of the most important sights of Kythnos. Although a large part of it remains unexplored even today, it is particularly impressive. Labyrinthine galleries carved either by nature or by its inhabitants in the past, a few very old stalactites and stalagmites compose a scene worth seeing. Daily 10:30 – 14:30 and 18:30 – 20:30.
The most important thing, however, is that both the cave and the folklore museum are guided and operated by the young children of the village, who in this way show their love for their place!
Baths
This settlement is home to the unique thermal springs of the Cyclades! Two springs, one located inside the hydrotherapy center (which is currently closed) and the other in front of the beach, are a magnet for those seeking relief from rheumatic, arthritic and gynecological ailments. The temperature of the spring… 52 degrees Celsius!
The historic building next to the old “Xenia” was the first hotel in Greece since the years of Otto and Amalia and was designed by Ernesto Ziller. After all, the oldest name of Kythnos is “Thermia”, while its inhabitants were called “Thermiotes”.
Canal
Panagia Kanala is located in the homonymous settlement and is an important place of pilgrimage in the Cyclades. Tradition says that the icon of the Virgin Mary was found by fishermen and is considered one of the outstanding works of the Cretan School. Here you will also find the only pine forest on the island.
Beaches
Column
It is the most famous and most beautiful beach on the island, to which there are two ways to go. Either by boat from Merichas or by a passable dirt road from Apokrousi beach. The strip of sand that connects Kythnos with the islet of Agios Loukas creates a special landscape that you should not miss. To see the view from above, climb to the chapel and take amazing photos! There is a fairly neat beach bar - restaurant on the beach. However, if you want to do it economically, take an umbrella and supplies with you to spend a few carefree hours on this famous beach. Tip: If it's a northerly wind, choose to go elsewhere as the sandblasting will make your stay there quite difficult.
Other beaches
The best beaches on the island are, in our opinion, Episkopi, Apokrousi, Martinakia and Megali Ammos. They are beautiful and with fine sand! They are organized with a beach bar. However, there is plenty of space for your umbrella and towel, as well as tamarisk trees where you can find natural shade. The ones we just mentioned are easily accessible with your own vehicle via an asphalt network. There are certainly many more that you can explore. However, talking to the locals, we realized that either the access is difficult (dirt roads, curves, etc.), or by looking at photos on Google, we thought that they were no better than the ones we mentioned.
Don't forget
Diving
It would be a mistake to leave the island without admiring the unique seabed. Reefs, caves, shipwrecks, corals and seashells invite you to explore them. The diving center in Loutra is the right place to start your acquaintance with this underwater wealth. If scuba diving seems a bit extreme to you, grab your mask and flippers and ask about the spots where you can go snorkeling while admiring the beauties of the seabed.
Local products
You can't go to Kythnos and not try the traditional local products! You will be sweetened with the famous almond cakes and the local honey that contains a high content of thyme. You will try kolopi (spinach pie with rice and spring onion), sausages, rusks, pasteli, grated white cheese or kopanisti, capers, Thermiotiki cheese pie and the famous "Thermiotiko" wine. We will make a special mention of the "sfoungato". It is a type of cheese croquette and is made with soft local cheese. You will not leave the island without tasting the local pork, marinated sun-dried fish and strapatsada with zucchini.
Food – Entertainment
Despite its small size, the island has quite a few good options for drinks and food! Country two gourmet restaurants are Grandma Cuckoo and the MargioraYou will find meat dishes at Daisy's hangout and excellent souvlaki in Long DonkeyYou will find breakfast, pies, sweets and homemade ice cream at Treatment and for cocktails you will go to Kraken or the Five Keys. In the Meriha For brunch you will go to Mirra and for stews in AJoy's material / Fermina traditional cookingIn the Dryopida We recommend the restaurant. Paper Boat and the grill restaurant Souvlaki or Kalamaki.
Residence
For our stay we chose Chora so that we would be within a good distance from all the beaches but also for the options it offers. So it is a very good choice this.
Closing
Kythnos, without having been swept away by the whirlwind of overtourism, remains simple, unpretentious and hospitable. The outsider of the Cyclades wins you over from the first moment with the very beautiful vibe that will make you feel something from old carefree childhood holidays. The simplicity and hospitality of the Cyclades of earlier decades remains alive through the people, the architecture, the history and the culture of a beautiful island that is still preserved unchanged by time!
