Kythnos

General Information on Kythnos

Kythnos or Thermia is an untouched island that attracts mostly Greeks who come here for its many spas, all located in the northeastern part of the island. The water here is supposed to have medicinal properties. The surface area of Kythnos is about 100km² with just 1500 inhabitants. The island belongs to the Western Cycladic chain. Kythnos has more than 70 beaches, many of which are still inaccessible by road. Although Kythnos attracts fewer visitors than the surrounding islands, it is ideal for relaxation, marvelous swimming, and a quiet atmosphere with no resorts or tour operators. It is not the prettiest island in the group, but it is definitely the quietest.

History of Kythnos

Kythnos, according to some sources, was named after king Kythnos of the Dryopes. In the 13th century B.C., the Dryopes immigrated to the island. The Cyclopean Walls and temples are traces of their time. Later, it was successively colonized by the Macedonians, the Ptolemies and the Romans. It also belonged to the Duchy of Naxos and was conquered by the Francs in 1207. After the revolution of 1821, Kythnos was one of the first islands that was annexed to free Greece in 1832. During the rule of Othon, it was used as a place of exile for those trying to overthrow the King.

Towns & Villages in Kythnos

Chora or Mesaria: It is the capital of the island. It was built amphitheatrically, in the banks of a hill, in the 17th century and it has been inhabited since. It is a typical Cycladic village with beautiful churches, white houses and cobblestones pavements.

Driopida: In the south side of the island, lies its former capital, Driopida, which retains its ancient name. In this village, except for the classical Cycladic architecture, there are two-storey houses with tiled roofs. This is unusual for a Cycladic island; it is the result of the inhabitants’ engagement with ceramics.

Loutra: In the northeastern part of the island lies Loutra. This village is known for its thermal springs. With a modern marina and tourist infrastructure, it is the busiest place of the island.

Kanala: It is a small village above the beach of Megali Ammos. The village was named after the church Panagia Kanala, which is also the patroness saint of the island.

Merihas: is the port of the island. This is the most crowded place of the island all day long. It is also the starting point of the islands two main roads.

Beaches in Kythnos

Kolona is the most impressive beach of the island. A stripe of sand splits the sea in two.

Agios Sostis is one of the most beautiful beaches on the north part of the island with small pebbles and sand.

Apokroussi is one of the biggest beaches, with sand and shade under the trees.

Merihas Green waters and thin sand compose the set of this beach.

Flabouria is a large beach with pebbles and sand. Also, the church of Panagia Flabouriani is found in this beach.

Stifo is a beautiful quiet beach, with deep blue waters and sand.

Agios Dimitrios is a big sandy beach, located in front of the village of Ag. Dimitrios.

Megali Ammos Kanalas is a big sandy beach.

Naoussa is a beautiful beach, on the east part of the island, with a view of the church on the rock.

Agios Stefanos is one of the biggest beaches of the island with sand, pebbles and many trees.

Loutra The beach of this village is unique. If you swim at one side, you combine swimming and thermal spa, since this is where thermal spring water flows.

Top Things to Do in Kythnos

1. Castle of Oria: At the north part of the island stands the castle of Oria. This castle was the capital city when Venetians ruled the island. At 1570, when the Turks attacked the island, the Venetians deserted it and the capital moved to Mesaria.

2. Maroulas: Maroulas is an open air settlement of the Mesolithic age (9000- 8000 B.C.) During the excavations, archaeologists brought to light many important finds; among them was a human skeleton, the oldest of Cyclades.

3. Katafiki cave: This cave is located in Driopida village. It is one of the biggest in Greece with stalactites and stalagmites.

4. The Monastery of Panagias Nikous: The Monastery of Panagias Nikous is close to Hora. According to the legend, the icon, now in St. Markos of Venice, was brought to Kythnos during the fall of Constantinople.

How to Reach Kythnos

There are frequent ferry links with Piraeus. The trip lasts about 3 hours. Also there are routes to Lavrio, lasting 2 hours. Usually, the ferries from Piraeus to Kythnos continue to Serifos, Sifnos, Kimolos and Milos. There are also weekly ferries to Kea, Folegandros, Sikinos, Santorini and Syros.

Getting Around in Kythnos

There are regular buses from Merihas to Dryopida, Kanala and Hora. Less regular services run to Loutra.

Weather in Kythnos

The weather of Kythnos is typical Mediterranean, with a lot of sunshine during the hot months of summer and few rainfalls during the mild winter.

Likeother Cycladic islands, summer in Kythnos is inseparable from the seasonal north wind, the Meltemi, which blows from the middle of July until the middle of August.