A hiking trail connects Potamos with Paleochora, the island’s former capital; another leads to the watermills of Mylopotamos. These varied destinations make Kythira an island where hiking trails, history and nature each have their own focus. The island also offers cycling and mountain biking routes.
Hiking Trails and Landscape
The official Kythera Trails network includes hiking and cycling routes across Kythira. Route M31 connects Potamos and Paleochora. Paleochora is a ruined Byzantine fortified town and was once the island’s capital. Hiking trail M41 leads to the watermills of Mylopotamos. The two routes therefore have different named destinations: a former capital and historic watermills.
Kythira also has cycling and mountain biking routes of varying difficulty that lead to traditional villages and secluded beaches. This range is useful when planning: you can consider hiking and cycling as separate travel interests, rather than treating both activities as similar routes.
Culture and Architecture
The Archaeological Museum of Kythira is at the entrance to the settlement of Chora, the island’s capital. It presents the island’s history from the 9th millennium BC to the 3rd century AD. Another historical collection is in Kato Livadi: the Collection of Byzantine Antiquities is housed in the former post-Byzantine Church of the Ascension.
Churches and fortifications also reveal different periods. The castle of Mylopotamos includes nine churches from the 16th and 17th centuries with frescoes. The Church of Saint Peter in Araioi dates from the 13th century and has Byzantine and post-Byzantine frescoes. In Avlemonas stands the small Venetian Castello, dating from the 16th century; the old Panagia Orfani Monastery is built into a rock. The English Katouni Bridge has twelve arches. The Moudari Lighthouse is one of the largest and most important lighthouses in Greece.
Paleochora adds another historical perspective to these buildings: it was once the island’s capital and is now a ruined Byzantine fortified town. Together with the time span covered by the Archaeological Museum, it offers a broad view of Kythira’s history, from early periods to Byzantine and Venetian buildings.
Nature, Caves and the Sea
The Neraida waterfall is in Mylopotamos. Myloi in Mylopotamos offers flowing water, stone bridges and traditional watermills. Gerakari Forest has trails through the woods; bear seasonal access restrictions for fire prevention in mind when planning your visit.
The Cave of Agia Sophia has a 550-metre tourist route. Check the current operating conditions before visiting. During the summer season, boat tours around the island and trips to the rocky island of Hytra are offered; check availability for your travel dates.
Seasons, Local Flavours and Getting There
During the summer months, the Municipality of Kythira holds a series of events across the island under the title “Journey to Kythira.” The programme is confirmed annually, so it is advisable to check the dates for your year of travel. The traditional Potamos flea market, held on Sunday mornings, is a year-round regular fixture; check locally for the date before you travel.
Xerotigana are part of the local culinary tradition: thin strips of dough that are fried and drizzled with honey and cinnamon. They are mainly served at festivals and weddings. This is a distinctive cultural point of interest, different from the buildings and nature destinations.
Kythira can be reached by ferry from Piraeus, Gytheio, Kissamos and Neapoli Vion. Routes and operators may change seasonally; check them before booking. The island can be reached by air from Athens, and there are seasonal Aegean flights from Thessaloniki. It is also advisable to check these connections before booking.
Discover more destinations: Potamós, Selínia, Diakofti, Vagia, Avlemonas, Methana, Aegina, Kipseli.
For the broader travel overview: Islands.
