Kythera - Yoga and Explorations on a Beautiful Island
After two days of visiting main cultural sites in Athens, we spend 7 days on the remarkable island of Kythera. We will explore the culture, history, monasteries, Byzantine ruins, food and many beaches of this beautiful and tranquil gem.
One of the many beautiful beaches we will visit in Kythera!
Kythera - Geography and History
There are over 200 populated islands in Greece. Kythera is one of the magnificent islands off of the beaten track - very peaceful. Many have said "It doesn't get better than this!" Kythera is one of the Mediterranean's best kept secrets, unspoiled yet accessible from Athens by air and ferry. Mountains, waterfalls, beaches, of all shapes and colors, Minoan sanctuaries, Byzantine churches and many other attractions await you.
The charming and peaceful village of Avlemonas.
To the east of Kythera is the Aegean Sea and to the west is the Ionian Sea. South of Kythera is the Cretan Sea and Crete. This geographical position, at a vital point on the sea route linking east and west has given Kythera a rich historical and cultural past, including settlements by the Minoan, and later, the Byzantine empire, raids by the Slavs and Arabs, then passing into the hands of the Venetians, Turks and Russians occupation, and finally the French and English before becoming part of Greece in 1864. The are a large number architectural and archaeological sites from Prehistoric, Classical, Christian and modern times including monasteries, castles, settlements, mosaics and other treasures. Each little village we will pass through is unique and picturesque. Mylopotamos is one of the beautiful villages we will spend time visiting!
Here are some of the highlights of modern day Kythera:
1. Kythera is a hiker's paradise and offers some spectacular trails!
2. The land is unspoiled with an abundance of wild thyme, jasmine and sage and other fragrant herbs. We will sample wild thyme and heather honey.
3. There are many lovely beaches (over 45) including Avlemonas and Kapsali Bay.
4. The food is excellent, with much of it local, including greens, fruits, fish and baked goods.
5. If you like coffee, the freddo esspresso is fantastic everywhere! We will sample “fatourada”, a tasty local liqueur.
Map of Kithira
Kythera is one of the Ionian islands. It is south of the Peloponnese and the ferry runs from Neapolis, Githion and Kasteli in Crete with a couple ferries a week leaving from Pireaus. Nice beaches, beautiful towns.
“If you are looking for a beautiful off the beaten path island this may be it.” (from Matt's Greek travel website - see below).
Resources:
Welcome to Kythera website: http://www.visitkythera.com
Matt's travel website (we've used Matt's website for years!): https://www.greektravel.com/greekislands/ionian.htm#Kythira
Kythera is well-known for its excellent hiking trails: http://www.kytherahiking.com