Arriving by ferry, you’re immediately introduced to the relaxing atmosphere of Kythnos. To do the charming little port of Merichas justice, find yourself your perfect waterside cafe and order a coffee. You’ll instantly slip into the calmness of the surroundings and the sea. Or if you prefer to end your day in Merichas, you’ll experience a magical sunset in this westward-facing settlement.
Quiet, far from the sea and its winds, this little hamlet on Kythnos lends itself to leisurely strolls. You will be impressed by the originality of the houses, all of which have tiled roofs, probably remnants of the village’s tradition in ceramics. The Piazza, the town’s only square, is where you will enjoy a coffee. And you’ll love walking up to the neighbourhoods of Galatas and Pera Rouga.
Hora, otherwise known as Messaria, is the capital of Kythnos, built on a hilly ridge along which houses unfold. Walk along the maze-like footpaths, under ornate arches and flanked by whitewashed houses, all huddled together. Around every corner, you will see paintings by local residents depicting many aspects of island life. Feel the calm pace of everyday life on Kythnos among churches, windmills, fountains and small squares.
The area on the northeast side of Kythnos is well known for its thermal springs, frequented by King Otto and Queen Amalia back in the 19th century. Today, there is a hydrotherapy centre with organised facilities. The therapeutic waters, rich in salts, sulphur and iron, offer a warm bathing experience.
In the only area on Kythnos with pine trees, perched on a rock, lies the Monastery of Panagia Kanala, named after the patron saint of the island and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Cyclades. The miraculous icon of the Holy Virgin, allegedly a creation of Saint Luke, is kept here. Legend has it that the icon was found by fishermen on a starry night in the straits between Kythnos and Serifos. On August 15 each year, there is a big celebration with a procession and re-enactment of the discovery of the Blessed Virgin’s icon.
As we were saying, Kythnos has more beaches than any other island in the Cyclades. More than 100 to be precise. There are beaches for every taste, sandy or pebbly and with sunbeds & umbrellas or remote, but they all have one thing in common. They don’t get as busy as swimming spots at other Cycladic islands. Don’t miss out on having a dip at Episkopi, Gaidouromantra, Skylou, Naousa, Lefkes and other top beaches in Kythnos. The options really do feel endless. Pro tip: Many beaches have family-run tavernas that you have to try. And when you do, order sfoungato, a croquette made with local cheese and one of the traditional dishes of Kythnos. Herodotus ranked the cheeses of Kythnos among the luxury items of the ancient Greek world.
You’ll be interested to learn that the signature roof tiles in the villages and Hora are a phenomenon of Kythnos, despite ceramic pottery being a craft found on other islands of the Cyclades. The high clay content of the soil has inspired pottery in Kythnos since the earliest times, in everything from the construction of cooking vessels to beehives. You’ll find plenty of beautiful handmade ceramic items in shops as living proof of this craftsmanship. And the workshop of third-generation potter Giorgos Georgoulis, in the centre of Hora, offers visitors the opportunity to create their own souvenir. You can book a pottery class and discover the potter in you!