Kythira,the island of lovers and litterateurs,dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and was formerly known as Porfyroussa, became globally popular through Watteau’s painting, “Voyage to Cythera”. Cerigo stands at the opposite of the southeast part of Peloponnese and it is the only island of the Eptanisa complex, which officially does not belong to the region of the Ionian islands, but it belongs to the Prefecture of Piraeus.
Since you reach Kythira’s port, you will disembark at Diakofti, and specifically at Makrikythira, or the “intellectuals’ island”, which is located at the opposite of Diakofti and it is connected with it via a small bridge. Hopefully, the strong ocean currents of the area have left our beach unaffected by the port’s operation, and as a result Diakofti owns probably the most beautiful beach in the island.
The potential visitors should be prepared to cover lots of kilometers, if they wish to explore the whole island! The transportation network seems to be quite extensive, thus it is recommended either to visit Kythira with your own car or to rent a vehicle when you arrive at the island. There are several interesting places to visit, so all you need is lot of energy, a map and a few days off from your work!
Diakofti is the first place that you will meet in Kythira and we ensure you that you will be astonished by the marvelous beach, which is suitable for families, children and couples. In Diakofti you will have the chance to taste delicious seafood at the local restaurants and enjoy your drink at the coastal cafes. If you are a fan of scuba diving, then you have one more reason to visit Diakofti, since the shipwreck of Nortland located on Prasonisi, offers a unique experience to wander around this underwater heaven.
The closest village to Diakofti is Avlemonas, one of the most picturesque places in Kythira. It is built in Cycladic style and probably its distinguishing feature that makes Avlemonas so amazing is the small gulf with the blue-green crystal water. Here you may also find small restaurants offering seafood. In close vicinity you can find the beach of Paleopoli.
Moving on to South, you will meet Mylopotamos, the village of “Fonissa”. It is located on a relatively high altitude (200 meters) and it is characterized as a traditional village, with its old cafes on the square under the trees. If you wander around the alleys probably you will end up to “Fonissa”, a hidden valley with a breathtaking waterfall and 23 watermills. At the end of the valley you will meet Kalami, a hard to reach, but stunning beach.
When you reach Chora, you will be obliged to leave your vehicle at the local parking area, since you must wander around the capital of the island only on foot. But even if vehicles were allowed, we would recommend you to meet this place on foot, since this is the only way to enjoy all the beauty that it offers! Moving through the white houses and the narrow alleys, you will reach the entrance of the Venetian Castle, which stands so proudly on the highest top of the village. Before you leave Chora, don’t forget to buy fatourada (local drink with alcohol, cinnamon and carnation) and sempreviva (the flower that never dies).
Your last stop is Kapsali, the most cosmopolitan place in Kythira and for many years the center of the island’s nightlife. In Kapsali you may find numerous restaurants, cafes and bars, while the place may lose some points due to the beach. However, local fishboats can transfer you to Chytra, the rocky island, which is located a few miles from the shore and its caves offer an amazing place for swimming and scuba diving.
Apart from the beaches already mentioned, we recommend Fyrri Ammos (crowded, organized beach), Kaladi (deep water, isolated), Chalkos (large, organized beach) and Komponada (romantic and isolated).
Kythira is wonderful place…grab the chance to meet us!
