KYTHIRA

Kythira, also known as Cerigo, is geographically part of the Ionian Islands but administratively falls under Piraeus. The island sits at the confluence of the Ionian, Aegean and the Cretan Seas. The island’s name is linked to a fascinating myth about Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. According to the myth, Aphrodite was born from the sea foam near Kythira. The island’s main settlement, Chora, is a picturesque town with authentic architecture. Overlooking the town is a Venetian castle perched on a nearby hill, a testament to the island’s rich history, offering striking views of the Ionian Sea. Kapsali, the island’s second most well-known town, features a port with a view of the Castle and a vibrant nightlife thanks to its excellent restaurants and bars. Other picturesque traditional settlements include Karavas, the fishing village of Avlemonas, the famous Mylopotamos with its watermills, running waters and waterfalls, and Potamos, the largest village on the island. In addition, the island boasts a number of impressive caves, such as those of Mylopotamos, Choustis and Kalamos. Kythira is known for the variety of its beaches, all of which feature turquoise waters and rugged landscapes. Two of the most famous are Kaladi and Melidoni, but just about every single beach and cove on Kythira is worth exploring.

Cuisine

Kythira produces small volumes of high-quality local goods. Chief among these are the popular Kythira oil rusks. The island also produces thyme honey of exceptional nutritional value, which is often used as the basis for local sweets, and trahanas, served as a side dish in many traditional recipes. Naturally, visitors to the island will have the opportunity to sample fresh fish and seafood, caught daily by the experienced fishermen of Kapsali.

The island’s cuisine is heavily influenced by the Venetian-tinged cuisine of the Ionian Islands. As a result, garlic features prominently in local dishes such as bourdeto and the classic pastitsada: local meat cooked in red sauce, with spices such as cinnamon, and served over thick-cut pasta. Some of the island’s most well-known traditional sweets include xerotigana, rozedes, melounia and koumara. Finally, Kythira also produces a liqueur based on tsipouro with infusions of cinnamon and cloves known as fatourada, while wine is also a local speciality.

How to get there

Kythira belongs geographically to the Ionian Islands and administratively to Piraeus. The island is serviced by ferry from the port of Piraeus, by car to Neapoli and ferry from there, and by air.