EXPLORE KYTHNOS

Your first impression of Kythnos, Merichas is much more than just the port where ferries from Piraeus and Lavrio moor. There are traditional fish taverns serving fresh fish literally on the water’s edge. Come for the flavors, stay for the fun.

Discover the charm of a typical, picturesque Greek island town, Chora, boasting all the quintessential elements you’d expect: pristine whitewashed houses, enchanting churches, and colorful meandering alleys. Wander its quaint streets lined with charming shops offering an array of treasures, from traditional artisanal and handmade products to exquisite jewelry and the latest fashion trends. Seek out the traditional workshops of local craftsmen, who continue the age-old tradition of pottery passed down through generations. It’s a truly remarkable experience!

Satisfy your appetite by indulging in delectable Greek cuisine at excellent tavernas and restaurants, where dishes are crafted from locally sourced ingredients, blending simplicity and creativity. As the sun sets, Chora comes alive with a vibrant bar scene that’s sure to captivate your evenings.

Quaint alleyways, tiled roofs, and landmarks define Dryopida. Nestled in southern Kythnos, perched at an altitude of 190 meters between two hills, its origin remains a mystery, likely due to its concealed location, safeguarding its early inhabitants from Aegean pirates. Its name, Dryopida, was adopted during the reign of King Otto, reflecting Kythnos’ ancient identity, inhabited by the Dryopes, an early Greek tribe. Sometimes locals still call it “To Horió, The Village’ (in contrast to the Chora).

Upon arriving in Dryopida, you’ll be enchanted by its charming streets, graceful arches, vibrant flower-filled pots, and dazzling white two-story houses topped with distinctive red roofs – a rare architectural feature in the Cyclades. Typically, the strong Aegean winds deter the use of these materials, but Dryopida’s location provided natural shelter, allowing the use of tiled roofs. However, the most noteworthy attraction is the Katafyki Cave, located within the village boundaries. Over the years, it has served as an iron mine shortly after Greece’s independence and even a refuge for the persecuted during WW2. Today, it captivates visitors with its chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. A stand-out feature of Dryopida is its small open-air theatre, hosting a variety of performances throughout the summer months. Feel free to ask us for more info about its calendar.

Vryokastro is considered as the ancient capital of the island. It was inhabited from the 12th century BC until the early Middle Ages. It was called Kythnos in the ancient times and the island was named after it. Located on the northwestern side, between Merichas and Apokrousi, this ancient town was surrounded by walls. Part of it is the present-day rocky islet of Vryokastraki, which was at that time linked to the town by land. Underwater surveys and excavations show that before the sea level rise, which resulted in the separation of the rocky islet from the coast, there were buildings which are now in the water along with the now underwater walls.

In Greece, there are many thermal springs but, in the Cyclades, they exist only in Kythnos. The island owes its second name “Thermia”, to them. The hot springs are located in the bay of Loutra, in the homonymous village, which developed thanks to them. Their use must have begun in Roman or Byzantine times, a fact that archaeologists conclude due to the findings in the area. Loutra used to be the main port of Kythnos before the emergence of Merichas and today – apart from the thernal springs – it is also known for the 19th century Spa building and some excellent beachfront restaurants.

Discover the picturesque Flambouriani church just a stone’s throw away from Yfēs. Nestled at the tip of a charming peninsula on Flambouria Cove, this stunning church is a true local landmark.

During the summer, the air is filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming lilies, a delightful scent that lingers until the end of August. Local legends say that the very footsteps of the Virgin Mary herself, as she oversaw the construction of this church, left an everlasting mark. These footsteps have transformed into the beautiful stone steps that begin at the beach and wind their way up to the church, making it a must-visit spot for visitors and a cherished symbol of our heritage.