Kythnos Island: The 7 best highlights and travel tips

Most of the time, the barren Cycladic island between Athens and Milos is left behind by international tourists. Wrongly, we think! Without great expectations, we visited Kythnos mid-May and were pleasantly surprised.

»Kythnos presents itself as an island of simplicity and hospitality and is still a real insider tip with nice villages, countless beaches, as well as some Highlights.«

While Mykonos and Paros are already busy in the low season and the pavements are still folded up on other Cycladic islands, the island of Kythnos welcomes its guests in a pleasantly calm manner.

The proximity to the mainland makes the 100 km² island a popular short holiday destination for Greeks, and so many restaurants are already open in May. On weekends, it is turbulent in the port when the car caravans roll off the ferries. But during the week you can enjoy a tranquillity that has been missing on many other Greek islands for years.

Join us on an underrated Greek island and be inspired by our personal favorite places and the most beautiful Sights on Kythnos:

#1 Chora: Walk through Kythnos’ main town

About 1,400 people live on Kythnos, most of them in the port city of Merichas (see #4) and in the upper village of Chora. Unlike other Cycladic islands such as Serifos, Milos or Mykonos, who present their “big village” to visitors as soon as they arrive by ferry, Chora of Kythnos is hidden in the hilly hinterland.

It is about 7 km of winding drive from the coast to the village of 600 souls. The local people also call it Messaria. Chora is traffic-calmed, you can park your rental vehicle in the free parking lot below the town hall and head into the maze of alleys.

The main town of Kythnos presents itself with gleaming white houses, some of which are covered with tiled roofs, in between several churches rise out of the sea of houses. During the week, Chora is sleepy, on weekends numerous excursionists from the mainland make a pilgrimage through the alleys of the Greek island.

The picturesque main street of Chora stretches from the town hall square to the other end of the village. In between, there are countless cafés and restaurants as well as some souvenir shops, boutiques and jewellers. Recommended are: Cat With Hat(cosmetics), Angeioplasteio Georgouli (pottery) and Kozadinos Wood Art (wood carving).

A green oasis is the Park of Antonios and Stamatina Kanellopoulou behind the church of Agia Triada. The large wealthy family of Kythnos enabled the island’s electricity supply as early as 1932, long before other islands such as the one dominated by the shipping industry Syros. Next to the park is the chapel “Panagia tou Kastro”, which is atmospherically illuminated in the evening.

A must-see is the hidden Alley Flora’s Alleyway, in which an artist gave free rein to his creativity and embellished a small street in an original way. History buffs can visit the Archaeological Museum not far from the town hall. Reopened in 2023, it shows the finds of the island in a very small space, including from Oria Kastro, Vryokastro and Maroula. The latter site is one of the oldest settlements in the Aegean Sea (8,800 BC).

• Opening hours Kythnos Archaeological Museum: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Tue + Thu closed, free admission

It is also worth strolling a little away from the main street, the floors are lovingly decorated with white patterns and there are flower pots on the houses. You can tell that many locals still live here and the tourist sell-out has not yet taken place. In summer, however, there is a lot going on in Chora, when some bars open in the evening and if you want, you can turn night into day.

Panoramic view from Profitis Ilias

You can enjoy a magnificent view of the north of Kythnos as well as the neighboring islands of Kea (Tzia), Syros and Giaros (uninhabited) from the mountain Profitis Ilias above the village. A gravel road leads from the eastern exit of the village up to the 326 m high summit, which, despite its low altitude, is one of the highest mountains of Kythnos.

On the way (3 km) you will come across lonely white chapels and one or the other pack animal along the way, such as donkeys or horses, as well as grazing sheep and goats. Otherwise you will not meet a soul. The Prophet Elijah Summit Church is open like most places of worship on Kythnos. The only downer of the hike: halfway along the route is the island’s landfill.

#2 Kolona Beach: Dream beach of Kythnos

About 15 minutes west of Chora is the Most beautiful beach of Kythnos. Actually, there are even two beaches, because Kolona Beach consists of a 200-meter-long, sandy headland that leads to an offshore islet. To the left and right of the narrow spit, the sea shimmers in the most beautiful shades of blue.

Sailors in particular feel at home in the wind-protected bays, and every evening the skippers fight for the best places on the Kolona Beach. On weekends, it is not uncommon for large luxury yachts to make a detour to the bay. As observers of this boat spectacle, we briefly had the feeling of being on the well-known Ibiza and not on the unknown Kythnos.

You can also rent a motorboat in the port of Kythnos (recommendation: Delta Boats Rental Kythnos) and head for Kolona and the surrounding beaches on your own. Otherwise, there is also a road leading there, but the last 2 km are a bumpy gravel road. Due to a lack of parking, you leave your car at the Paralia Fikiadas stand and walk the last few meters to Kolona Beach.

By the way, there are no shady tamarisks or parasols by the sea. The resident Kolona Beach Restaurant had already opened in May and we enjoyed our lunch in a chilled atmosphere above the beach. In the summer months, taxi boats also run several times a day from the harbour in Merichas to Kolona Beach from Monday to Friday. Information at: Larentzakis Sea Taxi

By the way, you have the most beautiful view of the bay from the Church of Agios Lukas on the summit of the offshore rocky island of Vriokastro. A dirt road leads up to the chapel of the Evangelist from 1772 in 5 minutes, which is unfortunately closed. Nevertheless, it is an ideal place for a picnic and to watch the hustle and bustle in the bay.

A small highlight awaits you when you follow the goat path behind the restaurant Kolona Experience along the coast to the west. On the last beach there is a natural hot spring that rises from the mountain into a small pool by the sea. It is a little foretaste of the thermal springs of Loutra (see #3).

Vryokastro: The ancient capital of the island

On a hill opposite Kolona was once the ancient capital of the island, Vryokastro. From the main road from Merichas to Chora, a path leads to the complex, which is only recommended to be explored by history buffs, as little remains of the former acropolis (12th century BC to 6th century AD). On the other hand, the view of the bay from above is particularly spectacular.

However, the most interesting part of Vryokastro for archaeologists is located below the Acropolis on the Islet of Vryokastraki. Completely unexpectedly, the excavations from 2016 onwards uncovered the intact interior of a temple with numerous votive offerings made of gold, ivory, glass and precious stones from around 700 BC.

Presumably, an earthquake once caused the roof of the temple to collapse, under the rubble the interior remained protected from grave robbers for over 2,700 years – a sensational find! The numerous clay figures point to a Temple of the goddess Demeter at this place. Some of the important finds are exhibited in the Chora Museum.

#3 Loutra: Kythnos Thermal Springs

In the past, Kythnos was officially called Thermia, and it is still called that by some Greeks today. According to the name, there is actually a thermal spa in the northernmost village of the island. As if by magic, hot thermal water gushes out of the ground below the village church of Agioi Anargyroi. Led through half the village via a canal, it flows into a basin by the sea – the natural spa of Loutra is ready.

Since ancient times, various historians have reported on the Thermal baths of Kythnos. Over the centuries, the two existing thermal springs (38 and 52 degrees) have been used for therapeutic purposes. Today, the warmer water flows into the sea basin, which is framed with stones as breakwaters.

The compact thermal pool can be used free of charge, places are limited accordingly and in summer the warm broth is not exactly pleasant. Loutra itself presented itself to us as an unagitated holiday resort with white houses nestling on the hillside, a narrow waterfront promenade and a modern marina.

Since the 1980s, national tourism has been firmly established and Loutra is now the most popular resort on the island. The former spa buildings behind the large parking lot are striking. Next to the vacant Hotel Xenia (1960) is the neoclassical thermal building (1857), designed by the German architect Ernst Ziller, which was still used as a bathing establishment until a few years ago.

A walk from the Paralia Loutra along the promenade, where there are a good dozen restaurants (tip: MamaDo) and cafés. In May, there was a quiet atmosphere in Loutra with a few sailors, locals and individualists. At the end of the village, a rusty loading crane still protrudes into the sea. A remnant from the time of iron ore mining on Kythnos, including on the highest mountain Kakovolo (356 m).

Hike to Oria Kastro

If the dark pebble beach of Loutra directly at the local parking lot does not invite you to swim, you will find more bathing opportunities further north of Loutra. We liked very much the Schinari Beach, just a 5-minute walk from the town centre. Also worth mentioning are the beaches of Potamia and Agios Sostis, about 12 minutes away by car.

Hiking enthusiasts can visit the remains of the medieval capital of Kythnos, the Oria Kastro, also called Kastro of Katakefalo. It is located on a rocky outcrop above the sea to the northwest. From Loutra it is about 4 km to the Kastro, you should plan at least 1.5 hours each way and have enough water in your luggage.

The path first leads north along the asphalt road, then over a gravel road to the lonely Katakefalos Plateau. At the chapel of Agios Philippos you keep to the left, past goat stables and shortly afterwards you will see the Kastro. The last part is steep and leads along a mule track.

At the top, next to the whitewashed Church of Agia Eleousa further ruins of medieval houses. The view of the neighboring island of Kea and the Greek mainland behind it with Cape Sounion is breathtaking. Caution: There are no barriers, sometimes it goes 300 m deep.

#4 Kythnos’ West: Merichas and Surroundings

On the central west coast lies the port of Kythnos. In Merichas every visitor enters the island for the first time. The port was built as early as the 1970s, which also allows larger ships to dock safely. Admittedly, the white row of houses may still exude a little Cycladic flair from a distance, but we haven’t really grown fond of the town of 400 souls.

Many concrete houses, built criss-cross next to each other, plus a chaotic traffic flow (especially on weekends) and a bad parking situation. There are only a few shops in Merichas, among others: Azul Boutique. On the waterfront promenade including the old stone bridge, you can stroll a little and quaint taverns, fine restaurants and hip cafés invite you to linger, but the place lacks soul.

The dark pebble beach also attracts some flotsam due to its orientation and is not suitable for swimming. It is better to drive three minutes further and on the Episkopi Beach to jump into the sea. So Merichas was mostly only a transit station for us on the way to Dryopida (see #5) and to the south of the island.

Time out in Flampouria

The west is largely deserted, only a few real villages have been able to establish themselves on the rugged coast. Nevertheless, adventurous roads lead down to numerous beaches, where there are often Greek summer houses. One of the most beautiful corners we have in Flampouria , a small coastal town located 11 km from Merichas.

Already on the way we were greeted by a fantastic view of the village and the deep blue Aegean Sea behind it. Once at the bottom, we had one of those typical Kythnos moments: although everything seemed to be extinct, the local café bar had Soiree actually opened. After a cool drink and a nice chat with the owners, we refreshed ourselves in the turquoise blue sea, not a soul far and wide.

On a small headland at the southern end of the beach stands the village church Panagia Flampouriani (church consecration festival on 23 August), bright white with a red tiled roof. A path decorated with oleander leads to the church. Enjoy the silence here and let your gaze wander over the sea. Opposite the church, the tavern opens in summer Phlampouriotes, where landlady Joanna prepares delicious home cooking.

#5 Visiting Dryopida (Chorio)

In the heart of the island lies the village of Dryopida, also called Chorio or Syllaka by the locals. You can reach Dryopida either from Chora or via the road that leads through the long green valley of Merichas into the hinterland. Nestled between two barren hills and not visible from the sea, the picturesque cluster of houses lies like an oasis in the arid wasteland.

The red-tiled tiled roofs are striking, quite a few dryopers actually work as roofers in the Cyclades and even in Athens. Dryopida is struggling with rural exodus, only 300 inhabitants still live in the village, which, unlike Chora, is less affected by tourism. In May, people were still busy preparing and working everywhere, only a few restaurants had already opened.

The maze of alleys with a few shops (agora) around the Church of Agion Apostolon invites you to take a walk. A folklore museum behind the church, which is well worth seeing, gives insights into life in earlier times. In the southern part of the village there is a park with the village pub To Kamini, a small theatre and an old, unfortunately neglected aqueduct.

Katafyki Cave

The highlight of the place, however, is undoubtedly Katafyki (also Katafygi), an underground cave system in Dryopida. Since ancient times, it has been used by people in many ways, as an ore mine, as a refuge in case of danger and also as a place of worship for ceremonies. Even today, some Easter events are held here by the locals.

Hard to imagine from the outside, the cave itself is about 1,200 m long and has several natural and artificial passages. In the Katafyki Cave there is a temperature of 17 degrees all year round. On a 10-minute circular route, you can visit some of the corridors with interesting rock formations.

Unfortunately, the access times of the cave are not quite clear and the actually impressive place seemed a bit neglected to us. Two attempts were necessary, even a walk to the town hall to illuminate the cave, which can theoretically be entered at any time. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the inside right away during your visit.

• Opening hours Katafyki Cave Kythnos: May, June & September Sat+Sun 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., July & August daily 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., free admission (donations required)

Dryopida washhouses

A short hike from Dryopida to the “Plystaria tou Mathia” leads into the past. The Washhouses of Mathia are located about 1.5 km south of the village and can be reached in a few minutes via a donkey path (GPS 37.375072, 24.437402) from the main road.

Hardly imaginable on the barren island, below the Chapel of Panagia Mathia a mountain spring whose crystal-clear water is channelled into a washhouse. It is surrounded by a green oasis with fruit and olive trees. The washhouse with 12 basins was built in 1852 in honour of the then mayor Andreas Mazis and was slightly renovated a few years ago.

Until the 1960s, the women of Dryopida had to come here to wash the family’s dirty laundry. But it was not only a place of work, it was also a place of conviviality where the women met to exchange the latest gossip from the village and talk about their joys and sorrows.

#6 Kythnos’ East: Agios Stefanos to Kalo Livadi

When you cross the hill above Dryopida, you will already be greeted by the infinite blue of the sea. On clear days, the view extends over the Aegean Sea to the east over the immediate neighboring islands of Syros and Serifos to Andros, Tinos, Naxos, Paros and Antiparos as well as Sifnos. On the coast of Kythnos, natural beaches invite you to enjoy unadulterated bathing pleasure. Here we introduce you to the most beautiful places:

Agios Stefanos

A 10-minute drive from Dryopida is Agios Stefanos, a pretty little town with a green valley in the hinterland and a beach lined with tamarisk trees. The water is crystal clear and ducks and geese also feel at home on the beach.

Benches invite you to linger on Agios Stefanos Beach and two taverns serve tasty home cooking, which Tavern Aroudou (Hint!) even right by the sea. The wind-protected bay is very popular with sailors and is the eponymous Church of Agios Stefanos on the east bank is a nice photo motif.

Aosa (Naoussa)

Aosa, also called Naoussa, is the nearest bay south of Agios Stefanos and only 5 minutes away by car. Away from the hustle and bustle, there are only a few summer houses of the Greeks and a few holiday apartments. There is no taverna, so the wide grey pebble beach remains completely natural.

A short walk (400 m) from Aosa Beach along the coast to the Church of Agios Ioannis Eleimonas, which stands on an offshore rocky island at the entrance to the bay. It looks like a simple version of Chrysopigi on Sifnos and is a wonderful place of silence.

Lefkes

Lefkes looks like a larger settlement from a distance, but has only two permanent residents, the rest are summer houses and holiday villas. In the low season, paradisiacal peace reigned here. In July and August the tavern Lefkes Estiatorio opens and the beach is quit busy.

The highlight of Lefkes, however, are undoubtedly the old mines of Kythnos. Copper and iron were mined in the region in the 19th and 20th centuries. The ruins of the administrative building of the mining company are located above the village. A system of tunnels and shafts can be visited at your own risk, some climbing skills are required, as it goes over hill and dale.

The hike to Tourkala is recommended from the hamlet of Zogaki, 2 km north of Lefkes. From the parking lot (GPS 37.380811, 24.453201) a path leads to the mines, which resemble a lunar landscape. Through an extensive tunnel system, you can even reach an underground lake, which was probably used for water supply in ancient times.

Kalo Livadi

A 15-minute drive south of Lefkes is Kalo Livadi, another beautiful bay with a wonderful swimming beach. This place also consists mainly of summer residences of the Greeks and some holiday homes. The beach is not organized, tamarisk trees provide shade, and the places below are very popular in summer.

A plus point at Kalo Livadi Beach is the Omisu Beach Bar, which offers small snacks and even homemade pizza and cool drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. From the Church of Panagia Kalolivadiani above the beach you can enjoy a fantastic view over the bay.

#7 Kanala: Holiday village in Maria’s hands

Always along the panoramic ridge, the main road leads south. To the left and right of it, numerous terraced fields stretch across the hilly country, which are characterized by “Kelia”, the dry stone walls of Kythnos, are separated from each other. In the past, intensive agriculture was practiced here, especially the cultivation of barley has a long tradition on Kythnos.

After leaving Dryopida behind, after a few minutes you will see Kanala with its pine forest on a striking headland by the sea. The charming village is both a holiday resort and a pilgrimage centre, the main church is considered the most important pilgrimage site on Kythnos, and a real summer village has developed around it in recent decades.

The miraculous icon of the Mother of God, which is in the village church Panagia Kanala was once found by fishermen on the sea between Kythnos and Serifos. In honour of Mary, a new church was built in 1869 on the foundations of an older church. The interior is richly decorated with wall paintings.

You can park your rental car in the parking lot in front of the church grounds and take a walk through the fragrant pine forest of Kanala to the church. Forest bathing on the barren Cycladic island – a highlight! At the southern tip of the headland is also the chapel of Agia Kalliopi, a popular wedding venue for the Greeks and a great photo opportunity.

From Panagia Kanala, a staircase leads down to the sea, where you can relax in the Molo all day café relax and enjoy the view over the Kanala bay and the village beach of Megali Ammos let it wander. For us personally, one of the most beautiful spots on the island! In addition to the main beach, there are other bathing opportunities, e.g. Ammoudaki and Paralia Antonides.

More Kythnos travel tips

Accommodation in Kythnos

International tourism has not yet found its way to the island, so there is no need for big hotels on Kythnos or luxury resorts. You will find beautiful apartments and studios, small family hotels and also luxurious holiday villas for a relaxing holiday far away from the crowds.

Compared to the other Western Cyclades we found the price level on Kythnos still moderate. During the summer months and weekends, the few available accommodations on the island fill up quickly, as the Greeks from the mainland value the island very much as a holiday destination.

→ Via Booking.com* you can compare all available accommodations on a map and check prices:

➲ To the accommodations on Booking.com*

Here we spent the night on Kythnos

Eternal Blue Kythnos, Merichas

Just 5 minutes from the port of Merichas, you will find the beautiful apartment complex Eternal Blue Kythnos. Due to the elevated location, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the endless blue sea that corresponds to the name. The sunsets from the complex are particularly picturesque!

Host Giannis and his wife Margarita rent out several tastefully furnished apartments with well-equipped kitchens and cozy balconies or terraces of various sizes. A stay is therefore suitable for couples as well as for families with children.

The large pool overlooking the Aegean Sea invites young and old to refresh themselves on hot summer days. In a chilled seating area with a hammock you can relax wonderfully. The nearest beach is only a three-minute drive away and the location is ideal for exploring Kythnos by rental car.

On Booking.com* you can check out our accommodation in Kythnos and check prices and availability for your holiday:

➲ Book Eternal Blue Kythnos*

Restaurants in Kythnos: Our recommendations

So far, gastronomy has not been dedicated to international tourism as it is on the other Cycladic islands. So you will find on the menus the typical Greek cuisine and the prices for tzatziki, Greek salad & Co. are still below the level of the neighboring islands.

It is interesting that even in small coastal towns there was usually always a café or tavern open in the low season, which we appreciated very much on Kythnos and which is not a matter of course on less touristy islands. The largest selection of restaurants can be found in Merichas and Loutra, from the souvlaki bar to the noble restaurant.

We had a particularly good dinner at Restaurant Mirra in Merichas. The stylishly furnished restaurant is located at the end of the beach promenade and offers tables directly on the beach as well as on the terrace behind it. The friendly landlord Nikos and his wife Konstantina serve creative Greek cuisine as well as Mediterranean dishes with a twist.

Vegetarians and meat lovers alike get their money’s worth. We particularly liked the homemade pinsa, the lamb burger and the octopus carpaccio. The delicious food is accompanied by a wide selection of wines from all over Greece.

The prices are fair for the high quality of the food, Milos we would have paid twice as much for many a dish. Mirra is a great place for a romantic dinner by the sea, but also worth a visit for a cocktail (from 10 €). For us personally it is the best restaurant on Kythnos.

→ Other recommended cafés and restaurants on the island of Kythnos:

• A Picco Kythnos, Loutra
• MamaDo Food Bar, Loutra
• Kolona Experience, Kolona
• Veggera Café, Merichas
• Byzantio Yalos, Merichas
• Margiora, Chora
• Cibo Pizza, Dryopida
• Arodou Seafood Taverna, Ag. Stefanos
• Molo All Day Café, Kanala
• To Akrogiali, Ag. Dimitrio

Car rental for Kythnos

With a length of about 21 km and a maximum width of 9 km, Kythnos is a compact Cycladic island, which you can explore on your own. Due to the hilly profile, many roads lead in serpentines from the sea to the mountains. From the village of Agios Dimitrios in the south to the hamlet of Agios Sostis in the north, the driving time on the main road, which is paved throughout, is 45 minutes.

In the port town of Merichas as well as in Loutra and Chora there are some car rental companies that rent vehicles of different categories, e.g. Delta Premium Drive Kythnos. A small car is enough to explore the island of Kythnos. It is advisable to check the Google ratings of the respective provider before renting.

Getting around by bus and taxi

The public buses on Kythnos operate all year round on two routes (#1: Merichas – Chora – Loutra, #2: Merichas – Dryopida – Kanala). This means that you can regularly reach the two popular holiday resorts of Loutra in the north and Kanala in the south by bus. It is best to ask for current timetables on site at your accommodation.

For a comprehensive exploration, a rental car for Kythnos is recommended, with which you can also reach the numerous beaches of the island. Taxis are also available at the port, and your host will be happy to assist you with the transfer to your accommodation.

How to get to the island of Kythnos

The island of Kythnos can only be reached by ferry from the mainland ports in Athens, there is no airport. You can find cheap direct flights to Athens via the flight search portal Skyscanner*:

➲ To the flight search on Skyscanner*

Ferries operate year-round from the port of Lavrio, south of Athens. The port of Lavrio is located just 30 minutes from Athens Airport, making it ideal for getting to the island. On weekends, additional excursion ferries operate, including those of the ferry companies Triton, Saos and Goutos. During the season, Kythnos is also served from the port of Piraeus.

The island of Kythnos is served by the following ferry companies from the port of Lavrio (approx. 1 hour 45 minutes) or Piraeus (approx. 3 hours):

• Karystia Lines (from Lavrio)
• Triton Ferries (from Lavrio)
• Saos Ferries (from Lavrio)
• Hellenic Seaways (from Lavrio)
• Goutos Lines (from Lavrio)
• Aegean Sea Lines (from Piraeus)
• Zante Ferries (from Piraeus)

→ About our partner Ferryhopper* you can search for ferry times and book your Ferry ticket to Kythnos conveniently online:

➲ To the ferry search on Ferryhopper*

→ More travel reports and Tips for the Cyclades can be found on our overview page: Cyclades Islands

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