In front of us, on the horizon; this
vermilion coast,
these purple hills looking like clouds! Τhis is the very
island of Venus,
ancient Cythera with its porphyry rocks: Κυθείρη
πορφυρου̃σα
…
Gérard de Nerval,, Voyage to Orient |
 Though
one of the nicest island in the Mediterranean sea, Kythira
is among the most authentic Greek islands. The Island has remained
spared mass tourism and has not become a sprawl of concrete so far.
It is a remarkably restful place, being not very well known from
European tourists. That is why it attracts all those looking for
an unspoiled Greece: walkers, painters, writers, families seeking
peaceful and original vacations, and all artists looking for inspiration.
Kythira
is situated 12,5 nautical miles (20 km) off Cape Malea, the southern
tip of Peloponnesus. It is about 28 km long and 14 km wide, covering
an area of 280 sq. km. About 3,500 people live permanently on the
island nowadays, according to the census of 2001.
The island enjoys a very temperate
climate, with a lot of sun, and an average temperature among the
highest in Greece (19ºC, i.e. 66ºF).
 Among
the numerous beaches, the wildest ones will seduce all nature-lovers.
In several places, one can discover impressive sea caves sheltering
a very rich marine fauna: a real paradise for divers.
Its mountainous surface, the fair number
of fertile valleys, the wooded ravines will be a delight for walkers,
all year round. Kythira counts numerous natural
springs so that many places look verdant during all the year. The
most famous one is Mylopotamos’ spring, and its waterfall, unusual
in a Greek island. The main village of Kythira
is Chora, also called Kythira, which is located
South of the island. It is built around the ancient Venetian fortress,
overhanging the sea.
Kythira
is sprinkled with many Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches, decorated
with old icons. According to the local tradition, St John the Evangelist
had started to write the Book of the Apocalypse at the exact place
of the little church of Agios Ioannis ston Krimno, above Kapsali.
The Venetian Rule has also left many imprints, such as the Fortress
of Kato Chora or the magnificent Kastro in Chora.
A service of ferryboats and jet-foils (Flying Dolphins) allows
Kythira to be connected to Athens, as well as to
other cities of Peloponnesus such as Githio, Neapoli, Kalamata,
and Monemvassia. Furthermore, Olympic Airways flights (except Thursdays)
link Kythira and Athens in 45 minutes. At last,
Kythira is a port of call for ships sailing to
and from Crete, located about 60 nautical miles (100 km) from Kythira.
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