Kythira

Day 1: Chora, Kapsali and the mythic south

Ease into Kythira’s rhythm with history-rich viewpoints and sea-level bliss. Carry water, a hat and good shoes; the island’s beauty often sits at the end of steps or cobbles, and light is best early and late.

• Morning: Wander Chora’s alleys before the heat, then climb to the kastro for crowd‑free, crystal‑clear views over Kapsali, Hytra and, on a good day, Crete. Pause at the quiet belvedere terrace below the gate for a better‑composed twin‑bay photo and a coffee with a breeze.
• Midday: Drop to Kapsali for a swim and lunch by the water; if seas are calm, take a small-boat trip to Hytra’s sea cave (usually 15–25€ pp) for surreal blues. If meltemi winds hammer the south, switch to sheltered Avlemonas for snorkelling and a stroll along the sunken path to the tiny fortlet.
• Afternoon: Aim for Kaladi Beach when the light softens; descend the 120+ stone steps for the three-part cove and the rock “window”. Wear sturdy shoes and pack lightly for the climb back up; colours pop here in late afternoon, especially after windy days.
• Evening: Chase sunset at the monastery of Myrtidiotissa for a vast Ionian horizon (dress modestly; wraps may be provided), or return to the kastro walls for a golden finale. Dine back in Chora and join the relaxed volta; on full-moon nights, the view over Kapsali shimmers.

Day 2: Watermills, venetian echoes and west‑coast glow

Today is about greenery, cool ravines and time‑worn stones. Spring and autumn bring the most water and softer light; in summer, plan shaded walks and save panoramas for golden hour.

• Morning: Coffee under the plane trees in Mylopotamos square, then follow the shaded path to the Neraida/Fonissa waterfall and watermills. Expect slippery stones; the flow is strongest after winter and spring rains.
• Midday: Explore the abandoned fortified settlement of Kato Chora among tiny frescoed chapels and olive terraces. If you fancy a dip, continue to Limnionas cove; the descent is winding and partly unpaved—drive slowly and watch for goats.
• Afternoon: Climb to the old English School above Mylopotamos for a sweeping valley-and-sea panorama, then choose a beach break at Chalkos or Melidoni (easier access, clear water). Keep swims short if you plan to catch the west‑coast light.
• Evening: Set up for sunset at Kato Chora’s western gate or return to Myrtidiotissa for the theatrical drop into the sea. Dine at a local taverna such as the long‑loved spot in Mylopotamos square; stargazing is excellent thanks to minimal light pollution.

Day 3: Paleochora, the north and the lighthouse edge‑of‑the‑world

Venture into Kythira’s wilder side: ruined capitals over gorges, green northern roads and a lone lighthouse facing Cape Maleas. Bring layers—winds can be bracing on ridgelines even in summer.

• Morning: Hike into Paleochora (allow 15–20 minutes on uneven path) and wander its haunting churches poised above Kakiá Lagáda gorge. Keep well back from unfenced edges, especially on windy days; morning light sculpts the cliffs beautifully.
• Midday: Lunch in Potamos (if it’s Sunday, the market livens the square), then meander the road to Karavas with sudden sea views. Detour to the springs for a cool pause before the afternoon push.
• Afternoon: Choose a grand panorama at Agia Moni (modest dress; superb island‑wide views) or a rugged coastal outlook near Agios Nikolaos Krasas by Platia Ammos. Alternatively, take the rough track to Agios Georgios sto Vouno above Avlemonas for an aerial sweep of the east.
• Evening: Time your arrival at Moudari Lighthouse for sunset; the last stretch is remote and often windy, so bring a torch for the return and avoid cliff edges after dark. Celebrate your final night with seafood up north or head back south for a late, languid dinner—driving is slower after nightfall, so plan accordingly.

By Air

• Kythira Island National Airport (KIT) – year‑round flights from Athens (45–55 min; daily in summer, fewer in winter) with Aegean/Olympic Air and Sky Express.
• Nearest alternative airports:
  • Athens (ATH): connect by onward flight to Kythira, or drive/bus to Neapoli for the ferry (drive ~4.5–5.5 hrs).
  • Chania, Crete (CHQ): bus or drive to Kissamos (45–60 min) for the ferry to Kythira (services several times weekly in season).
  • Kalamata (KLX): drive to Neapoli (approx. 3–3.5 hrs) for the ferry.

By Ferry

• Main port on Kythira: Diakofti.
• Neapoli (Voion) ↔ Kythira (Porfyrousa ferry): the primary, most frequent link; crossing ~1 hr 15–30 min; multiple daily in summer, fewer off‑season.
• Piraeus (Athens) ↔ Kythira ↔ Antikythira ↔ Kissamos (Crete): serviced several times weekly in season (limited off‑season); Piraeus–Kythira typically 6–8 hrs; Kissamos–Kythira often ~3 hrs (usually via Antikythira).
• Antikythira ↔ Kythira: usually 1–4 times weekly; ~1.5–2 hrs.
• Vehicle transport available on all routes; reserve in advance for peak dates.

By Bus

• Athens to Neapoli (for the ferry): KTEL Laconia coaches from Athens Kifissos Bus Station; typically 5.5–6.5 hrs; some services timed to the ferry.
• Sparta/Monemvasia to Neapoli: KTEL Laconia regional services (check seasonal timetables).
• Chania to Kissamos (Crete): KTEL Chania–Rethymno buses (about 1–1.5 hrs) for ferry connections to Kythira.
• Athens to Piraeus Port: Metro or suburban rail (30–60 min depending on origin) for long‑haul ferry options.

By Train

• No rail service to Neapoli. Use Athens suburban rail/Metro to Piraeus if taking the long‑haul ferry from Piraeus. Long‑distance trains connect Thessaloniki and other cities to Athens for onward bus/ferry connections.

By Car

• From Athens to Neapoli (for the ferry): A7 (Attiki Odos/Athens–Korinthos) → A7 to Tripoli → A71 to Sparta → provincial road to Neapoli; approx. 325 km, 4.5–5.5 hrs depending on traffic.
• From Monemvasia to Neapoli: about 1–1.5 hrs.
• From Kalamata to Neapoli: approx. 3–3.5 hrs.
• Ferries to Kythira carry vehicles; pre‑book in summer and weekends.