- HOME
- Ionian Islands
- Kythira
Kythira
Travel information about Kythira in the Ionian Islands in Greece, including ferries and flights to Kythira and the best things to do
Kythira is technically one of the Ionian Islands but not geographically close to the others in the group as it sits on its own at the foot of the Peloponnese. It is much closer to Crete than to its nearest main Ionian neighbour, Zakynthos. It’s a large island but with a relatively small population, and fewer visitors than most other islands.
Kythira is known for its steep cliffs, its rugged bays, and the strong winds which created both these features. The seas around here can still be rough, with ferries sometimes cancelled, so take that into account when planning your travels. The sea here is so notorious that it was one of the factors that led to the building of the Corinth Canal, to save boats from risking the waters off the Peloponnese.
Much of Kythira is wooded, and while it isn’t picture-postcard beautiful, it does have a rugged charm. The fact that it attracts fewer visitors can be a bonus, as it gives you more of a sense of a personal discovery of a Greek island that is a little off the tourist trail.
In Greek mythology Kythira was the home of Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty. Several temples to Aphrodite used to exist on the island but there are no longer any remains of these.
Getting to Kythira
Flights to Kythira
Kythira does have an airport from where there are flights to Athens. At the time of writing there is one flight a day, six days a week. In addition there are flights to Crete, Zakynthos and Thessaloniki.
Ferries to Kythira
One reason Kythira is quieter is the lack of easy ferry connections. You can get there by ferry from Athens (Piraeus), and also from Kastelli in north west Crete. There are also connections from several places in the Peloponnese, including Neapoli, Gythio, and Kalamata. There are also ferries to and from Kythira’s small neighbour, AntiKythira.
Note that although Kythira doesn’t get as many visitors as some islands, it can still get busy in the summer and if you are planning to take a car you should definitely book your ferry ticket in advance to be sure of a place.
Ferries in Greece
Ferries in Greece has an excellent and very thorough website where, in addition to checking ferry schedules and times, you can also book tickets and get lots of useful information about travelling by ferry in Greece.
Our Pick of Greek Islands Guides
Best Things to Do on Kythira
Chora
The island’s capital is Chora, which is also spelled Hora and also referred to as Kythira Town. It’s an attractive town of whitewashed houses which overlooks a harbour on the south coast. Its visitor attractions include a 16th-century Venetian fortress and an Archaeological Museum.
Beaches
Kythira has plenty of good beaches all around the island, including some within easy reach of Chora, and others on the north west coast. Those on the west coast are a little harder to get to and therefore attract fewer sunbathers.
Cave of Ayia Sofia
This show cave on the west coast of the island has guided tours, and is named after Saint Sofia whose body is said to have been found inside the cave. A really unusual feature is the chapel inside the cave that was built by local villagers in honour of the saint.
Monastery of Ayia Moni
By Greek standards this is a fairly modern monastery, having been built in 1840 although it is now abandoned. It’s slightly to the west of Diakofti on the east coast and if you can make the climb up you get wonderful views down over the town.
Other Attractions
Kythira does have other attractions, including several more monasteries, lots of pretty little fishing villages dotted around the coast, the Moudari lighthouse in the north of the island from where it is possible to see the Mani coast of the Peloponnese, and the Byzantine ruins of Paleohora, also in the north of the island.
More Information
Kythira has its own very thorough website:
www.kythera.gr
Other Ionians Islands Pages
Photos of Zakynthos
Greece Travel Secrets publishes a page of photos of Zakynthos in the Ionian Islands of Greece to perhaps inspire you to visit.
Walking on Paxos
Walking on Paxos is the best way to discover this tiny island south of Corfu in the Ionian Islands, with its wooded hills and terraces of olive trees.
Zakynthos, Zante, in the Ionian Islands of Greece
Travel advice and information on Zakynthos (Zante) in the Greek Ionian islands, with information on ferries and flights and the best things to do..
Zakynthos Winemaker
Antonis Maroudas is a Zakynthos winemaker who lives on the 'wine road' and is one of the people who make Zakynthos.
Lefkas
Travel information about Lefkas in the Ionian Islands in Greece, including ferries and flights and the best things to do beaches, sailing, windsurfing.
Ithaca, or Ithaki or Ithaka, in the Ionian Islands of Greece
Travel advice on Ithaca (Ithaka or Ithaki) in the Greek Ionian islands, with information on ferries and flights and the best things to do.
The Ionian Islands of Greece
The Greek Ionian Islands are Corfu, Paxos, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Lefkas, Ithaca and Kythira, and some smaller islands too.
Paxos
Travel advice and information on Paxos near Corfu in the Ionian islands, information on ferries and flights, what to do in Gaios, Lakka and Longos or Loggos.
Best Time to Visit Zakynthos
Greece Travel Secrets picks the best time to visit Zakynthos, with a monthly summary of the weather, plus hotel prices and special events to help plan a visit.
Life as a Waiter on Zakynthos
Life as a waiter on Zakynthos tells what it was like for travel writer Mike Gerrard to work in a Greek restaurant, the Mantalena in Alykanas.
Latest Posts
-
Greek Air Traffic Controllers to Hold 24-hour Strike, Disrupting Flights on April 9
The Hellenic Air Traffic Controllers Union have announced a 24-hour strike for Wednesday, April 9, in response to the protest called by the Civil Servants’ Confederation (ADEDY). The strike is being h… -
Ten Best Budget Hotels on Santorini
Greece Travel Secrets picks the ten best budget hotels on Santorini, some with caldera views, some near beaches and some close to the heart of Fira. -
No Ferries in Greece on April 9 as Seamen Join Nationwide Strike
The Pan-Hellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) has announced its participation in the 24-hour strike called by the General Confederation of Greek Labor (GSEE) on Wednesday, April 9. The strike, which will… -
Karpathos: One of Europe’s Best-Kept Travel Secrets
The Greek island of Karpathos, a true hidden gem, has earned a spot on GEO magazine’s list of Europe’s nine best-kept travel secrets. -
Andros: Greece’s Top Hiking Island for 2025
Andros, named Greece’s top hiking island for 2025 by Conde Nast Traveler, boasts diverse landscapes, scenic trails, cultural charm and stunning beaches. -
Matt Damon and Christopher Nolan Arrive in Messinia to Start Filming “Odyssey” – First Images Released
A total of about 180 people arrived on two direct flights from Morocco, including actors as well as the core production team. -
Mavros Gatos: A Genuine Neighborhood Taverna Operating in Pangrati Since 1963
Among the many city eateries offering modern and classic Greek cuisine, Mavros Gatos in Pangrati stands out as a prime example of what a true traditional taverna should be today. -
Ten Best Dishes in Greece
Greece Travel Secrets lists the ten best dishes to try in Greece, especially if it’s your first visit, and also discover the best places to find them. -
Athens’ Most Coveted Culinary Hotspots
Athens sizzles with culinary creativity, blending timeless classics and innovative flavors at unforgettable dining spots. -
Culture Ministry Announces Free Admission to Greek Museums and Sites
Greece’s public museums and archaeological sites will offer free entry on Sunday, March 2, and Thursday, March 6, following a decision by the Greek Culture Ministry. According to the ministry, on the…
Why not sign up for our Greece Travel Secrets newsletter? Each week you'll get emailed our regular Greece Travel Secrets Magazine for news, information, and inspiration for planning your travels in Greece.
As a welcome gift you'll also get a free e-book, Heaven on Earth. This contains 19 of Mike's favourite stories that he's written about travelling in Greece for newspapers and magazines over the years.
You'll find it over at Substack. Check out one of the Archive issues to find the Subscribe button.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, but at no cost to you.
BUY A JOURNAL TO RECORD YOUR OWN GREECE TRAVEL SECRETS!
LEARN A LITTLE GREEK BEFORE YOU GO!
FOLLOW OUR GREECE VIDEOS
ON YOUTUBE
No words or images to be used without prior permission.
We do not sell personal information: see our Privacy Policy.
California Consumer Privacy Act - CCPA: Sale Of Personal Information
Greece Travel Secrets does not sell any information it gathers for any reason. It has not collected or sold any personal information in the last twelve months or ever in the past.
This website was built using Site Build It!
