Hey Greek island lovers! Welcome to my article on Kythnos. My name is Olivia Katsiou and I was born, raised and live in Athens. I’m studying marketing and communications and I’m a true summer lover, especially when it comes to spending time in the Greek islands. I love both traveling around the world and exploring the hidden gems of my own country.
Some of the reasons why I enjoy traveling around the Greek islands so much is because of the simplicity of island life, the architectural beauty and gastronomy on offer. In general, living on a Greek island is a unique experience and it’s definitely worth visiting as many islands as possible.
I have been visiting Kythnos since I was young and most of my summers are linked with this island. Throughout the years, I have seen the island change, grow and become more famous, but the traditional part of it remains unspoiled. My last trip to Kythnos was in August for two weeks.
I can say that it involved the ultimate amount of relaxation. Although I have visited the island many times, there are still undiscovered places which intrigue me! Even though my trip was during the summer season, I still had the chance to enjoy the non-crowded and wild beaches of Kythnos.
Why you Should Visit Kythnos
Kythnos is a typical Cycladic island but the most remarkable thing is that it’s close to Athens – 1 hour and 40 minutes from the Lavrio Port. The island has wild beauty, numerous beaches (both crowded and isolated even when the island is full of tourists), traditional villages and delicious food.
I believe the island satisfies every traveler’s needs because it combines so many things. When someone visits the island of Kythnos, there are many things and experiences to live out from daytime to night. Also, there are many different villages to explore and fall in love with along the way.
I could create many albums full of photos from my trips to Kythnos and all of them would include moments of joy, carelessness and happiness. For me this island is my “happy place” and I always look forward to going back.
My favorite place on the island is my family’s house located at the southern part of Kythnos (near Agios Dimitrios Beach). It’s my retreat and a place full of cherished memories. However, apart from my family’s house, I really enjoy spending dusk time swimming at Kolona Beach while watching the sunset. For me, this time of the day is just magical at this beach.
5 Best Things To Do in Kythnos
- Go Beach Hopping: Kythnos has over 70 beaches which is an insane number for such a small island. Hence, there are many hidden gems to discover. I would suggest visiting as many as possible. Some of the best include: Antonides, Skylou, Gaidouromantra and Aliki. P.S. Many of the beaches have traditional Greek taverns nearby worth visiting.
- Visit Dryopida Village & Katafyki Cave: This village is the most traditional on the island of Kythnos and it’s ideal for lovely morning strolls. If you can’t resist eating delicious sweets, you should visit Kythnon Athnoessan and enjoy the homemade traditional desserts.
- Soak in the Natural Hot Springs of Loutra: The old port of Kythnos is very picturesque with many restaurants and bars along the beach. The exciting part? At Loutra you will find the spa that Queen Amalia used to visit (back in 1857) and its nice thermal waters. Pro tip: take a dip into the hot waters at night under the starry sky. You will love it!
- Watch the Sunset at Kolona Beach: Kolona is the most famous beach on the island and you can swim on both sides of it. Don’t forget to enjoy the sunset and take photos from the amazing Agios Loukas Church.
- Stroll around the Streets of Chora: Undoubtedly, a must-see on the island is Chora! Each hour of the day is perfect for a stroll here. From early in the morning until late at night, you can enjoy the picturesque village, walk around, explore its paths, shop and taste local dishes.
Food & Accommodation on the Island
There are 1,300 people who live permanently in Kythnos, which makes it easy to meet lots of locals on your vacation. In Chora, the main town, you have small groups of people and the most restaurants and bars on offer. Kythnos is known for its amazing local ingredients and that is why the island has a reputation in Greece for delicious gastronomy.
Detzi’s Tavern is a meat restaurant with lots of local specialties in a typical Greek isle environment. Psipsina, located at the end of a walkway, has delicious modern Greek cuisine and a new entry in the Chora village is Margiora which excites you with its amazing wine list and range of food.
Then, when you visit Dryopida, don’t miss out on eating at Hartino Karavi – it’s incredible! Also, I can’t forget to mention the most theatrical and romantic fish tavern on the island called Arias located in Agia Eirini next to the port of Loutra. You can’t go wrong at any of these places!
Lastly, I highly recommend visiting Kanala and taking a walk in the pine forest, visiting one of the most famous monasteries in the Cyclades, Kanala. In this village you will find Archipelagos – a tavern with exceptional food.
When it comes to accommodation, since we have been renting our house called Olive’s Coast, I always suggest staying at our place! I have so many happy memories here and I believe it’s a spot to enjoy the view and light.
There are also many options in Chora, Loutra, Dryopida as well as Merichas. Some nice hotels are Chora Suites and Messaria at Chora, Porto Klaras at Loutra and Cactus at Merichas. Wherever you choose to stay, I believe a car is necessary in order to discover the hidden treasures.
Need to Know Before you Go
Generally, Kythnos is a very easy-going and flexible destination. My only tip for newcomers is to bring good company and a good mood! I have spent countless moments of joy and happiness on the island, and I think you will catch this infectious joy and happiness when you visit too.
I would like to leave you with my favorite ever memory from Kythnos. It was the night I spent dipping in the natural hot springs of Loutra. This night was full of stars, a serene atmosphere, no wind in sight and pure happiness.
