Kythnos island

General info
Kythnos (Kithnos), belongs to the Western Cyclades cluster, situated between Kea and Serifos (Seriphos).  The island, which covers 30 square km and has 700 residents approximately, is also known as “Thermia” due to its mineral waters springs.

Its relief is semi-mountains and rather arid, yet the smooth hills and the dentelated coastline with its lovely beaches create on the whole a fascinating landscape. Traditional settlements of white charming houses and remarkable churches, medieval castles and idyllic chapels, arches and dry stone walls are the basic elements of this islands’ enchantment.

There is a notable increase of visitors each year, due to its proximity to Attica (just  3 hours trip from Piraeus port and 2 hours from Lavrio), and also because it is an ideal place to start your exploration to the Cycladic islands.    
The island offers many accommodations facilities and there are restaurants, taverns and coffee-bars as well as few, yet lively, night clubs.

Neighbouring islands to Kythnos are Kea (Tzia), Syros and Serifos (Seriphos).

Historical profile
The ancient name of Kythnos was Dryopes (elsewhere Dryopis), derived by the Dryopes, the tribe who first settled the island. It took its present name by Kytnhos, the leader of that tribe. The island has been inhabited since the Early Cycladic period (3rd Millennium BC) and was flourished during the Historical Times both in social and financial level.

In late history, Kythnos was dominated by the Romans, was integrated to the Byzantine Empire and was occupied by the Venetians.  In 1537 the Ottomans subjugated the island, but allowed some privileges that led Kythnos to be flourished anew.

Its residents participated to the Greek War of Independence in 1821 and after its end the island united to the Greek State.  In 1941 Kythnos was occupied by the Italians, followed by the Germans until 1944, when it was finally liberated.

Villages
Chora (Hora) is the capital of Kythnos.  As access to vehicles is forbidden, seize the chance to explore Chora undisturbed.   The   white cubic shaped houses of this picturesque settlement have red -tile roofs and blooming flowers at their courtyards. Narrow cobblestone alleys lead to hospitable neighbourhoods, to remarkable churches and to wonderful tiny squares where several cosy coffee-shops, taverns and restaurants are found. 

At a distance of 12 km south to Chora is situated Dryopida village. The visitor is captivated by the traditional houses, fine example of Cycladic and neoclassical architecture, the arches, the idyllic squares and the narrow streets.

The remarkable churches of Agios Ioannis o Prodromos (St. John the Forerunner) perched on a low hill offering a astounding view, the Church of Agios Minas with a wooden temple of great value, and the Cave of Katafiki with extraordinary stalactites and stalagmites formations are worth-visiting.

North to Chora and at a distance of about 6 km, is located Loutra.  The settlement is built on a small bay and it is one of the most popular poles of attraction in Kythnos, due to its thermal springs and also for being the second centre of the night life is Kythnos.   The medieval Castle of Katakefalou, where the medieval capital of Kythnos was located and remains of the walls and houses can be seen and Karavospilia (ship cave), a beautiful sea cave are worth-visiting.

Merichas (Merihas), the port of Kythnos and also a coastal settlement, is located 7 km southwest to Chora. Built amphitheatrically in the homonymous bay, it offers a panoramic view to the sea. There are many accommodation facilities and also choices for entrainment, since it is the heart of the nightlife in Kythnos.

Beaches
Pebbled or sandy, popular or more remote, the beaches of Kythnos are known for their amazing sparkling clear waters and their serene surroundings.

The most popular ones are the beach of Kolona, a fine sandy beach surrounded by smooth hills with crystalline waters, the beach of Loutra, and a long sandy beach with clean and warm waters due to the thermal springs which are found there. The beaches of Apokrousi, a long one of golden sand with tree shadow and crystal clear waters and of Episkopi, an equally charming sandy beach, have been rewarded with a blue-flag.

Access
Kythnos is connected directly by scheduled trips with Piraeus Port and the Port of Lavrio, especially during summer season.

There is also regular connection with the islands of Sifnos, Serifos, Kimolos, Milos, Naxos, Paros, Tinos, Andros, Folegandros, Sikinos, Ios, Santorini (Thera) and Anafi.