Kythnos
mineral springs and slow-paced life
Kythnos
Kythnos is an island of the Cyclades group, not much of interest for tourists and visited mainly by Greeks. It is a tranquil and slow-paced island in the shape of a lightning. Greeks know it for the healing mineral springs in the village of Loutra, while tourists connect it with Kolona beach, a long strip of sand which joins the island with the islet of Agios Loukas.
Ferry connections are regular from the port of Piraeus, there is also a ferry from Lavrio port and the neighbor island of Kea. The port of Kythnos is called Merichas (Merihas), on the west coast, and it is not quite taking as seen from the ferry, although it is the liveliest seaside resort. The island capital, Kythnos town or Messaria (or just Hora), is in the inner part and it is much more enchanting, a strange mixture of cubical white buildings and tile-roof houses so you would be puzzled if you are on a Cyclades or a North Aegean island. Dryopida is another old village of the same architectural style.
Some settlements have developed around beaches, like Loutra, Kanala and Flampouria but they are really small and have few permanent residents. Some beaches provide limited accommodation and food options, especially on the east coast around Kanala - numerous small coves are "carved" into the whole seashore. The most famous beach of the island, Kolona, lies on the west coast next to the beach of Fikiada. Both of them are beautiful and sandy, with different shades of light and dark blue in the sea. Walking on Kolona, you can climb up the islet of Agios Loukas - on the top of it there is a small church and the archaeological site of Vriocastro, plus a gorgeous view from above. Kolona can be reached via dirt road from the nearby beach of Apokrisi, which is also sandy, with a pleasant beach bar operating in the summer.
Sights and interesting places on Kythnos:
- Kythnos Hora and Dryopida, for a walk and meal at some of the traditional tavernas
- Kolona beach and the islet of Agios Loukas
- Oria Castle in the north near cape Kefalos - ruins of ancient fortress town built on the top of a high hill
- The church of Ai Gianni Eleimonas next to Lefkes beach, on a rocky islet which is connected to mainland via small causeway
- The monastery of Panagia Kanala
Photos
highlights: mineral springs and slow-paced life, island in Cyclades Islands, Greece