The 10 things to do in Kythnos

Are you dreaming of turquoise water, warm sand and calm? Come and visit Kythnos, the secret island of the Cyclades. To prepare your trip, discover our selection of must-see places.

I'm sure you're in the mood for change. On Kythnos Island, you will find what to do. This Greek island, with an area of 99 km2, is also named Thermia. Less known than its neighbour Kea, and its cousins Santorini or Mykonos, the Greek island of Kythnos is preserved by mass tourism.

The island is wild and close to the continent. Discover its coves and intimate beaches to make it your little corner of paradise. The few white houses, typical of the Cyclades, contrast with the arid landscape of Kythnos. Goats and hives show the presence of traditional agriculture. The island is quiet and uncommon, even in the summer, making all its charm... It is possible to visit Kythnos all year round. If you're planning your trip and you're wondering what to do in Kythnos, follow this guide of the 10 things to visit Kythnos.

1. The village of Chora or Messaria

Chora or Messaria is the “capital” of the island with its 550 inhabitants. This charming village is located in the mountains, inside the land of Kythnos Island. It is built in amphitheatre on a hill. The height once allowed it to protect it from enemies. The village is characteristic of the Cyclades, with its white houses and small blue shutters.

On the day and night, the streets are moving. The place is perfect to sit in front of a cocktail or share a hearty dinner. In this very family atmosphere, events and festivities are not missing. To fully enjoy your holidays, Messaria has many shops. You will find bakery, supermarket, pharmacy, gas station, shops...

2. Dryopida

Dryopida is a small hidden village, located also on the heights of the island. Placed between two hills in the center of Kythnos, it is invisible by the sea. With its red roofs, the houses of Dryopida change classic Greek villages, even if white and blue are always present. Red refers to ceramics. Indeed, it is the traditional art of the village of Dryopida. The people kept their traditions. And it is not uncommon to cross the euls on the stairs of their houses.

At the turn of a walk, enjoy losing yourself in these alleys of charm to really visit Kythnos.

3. Loutra: its port and baths

Small village by the sea, Loutra has its fishing and pleasure port. Known above all for its thermal baths, Loutra has its own sources, whose benefits are recognized since ancient times. As a tourist, you can enjoy the warm waters of the baths!

In Loutra you will find few shops, apart from a supermarket, a bakery and taverns near the port. For purchases or services, you should go to Messaria, just 5 kilometres away. But if you are looking for tranquility and tranquility near the sea, the place is, on the other hand, perfect... So what do Kythnos do? See also its peaceful places.

4. Merihas or Mericha and its large port

Merihas is not the most charming site on Kythnos Island, but this is where the big ferries arrive. Near the port, car rentals, scooters, waterside taverns or supermarkets have developed well. You will also find the tourist office or taxiboat services to navigate to inaccessible beaches...

Are you wondering what to do in Kythnos? During your stay, think about making a passage to Merihas. There is indeed a great chance that you arrive on the island in this place... Enjoy it to discover the proposed activities and what to do in Kythnos.

5. A boat ride

After strolling on the docks of the island’s ports, why not take advantage of it to rent a boat ?

Indeed, having your own small boat will allow you to explore the Aegean Sea and the coves and beaches of the island. Thus, you will have the opportunity to discover the landscape in another way, seen from the waters. A great experience to live with your loved ones to perfect your stay in Kythnos!

6. The beaches of Kythnos

Kythnos beaches are multiple and very beautiful. Nestled mostly in small coves, they display turquoise water, contrasting with arid soil.

Kolona

The beach of Kolona is often cited as one of the most beautiful in Greece. This large stretch of sand between two bays is simply magical. The place attracts world and remains quite touristic. In particular, you will cross beautiful yachts. If you can avoid peak hours and weekends, you will enjoy more the beach of Kolona... Do not forget the parasol, because there is very little shade.

Loutra

Located in the village of Loutra, the beach of the same name has some areas of shade and sun loungers. Its major strength is the hot water basin, powered by sources, just at the end of the beach! So if you ask that to do in Kythnos, don't miss enjoying this little hidden treasure.

Apokrissi

The beach of Apokrissi is large and well-appointed. You will find bars, taverns and even inflatable games. For more comfort, decks are rented. The other asset is its accessibility, the road to get there is very good, which makes you want to multiply magical places to visit Kythnos.

Kanala

This large sandy beach departs from a seaside promenade. Different from the other beaches of the island, Kanala has large pine trees. It then leads to restoration points and a church.

If you come to visit Kythnos, many other beaches are also to be discovered for sunlight:

• Naoussa, accessible by a dirt road, is very quiet
• Agios Stefanos, well protected from the wind
• The wild beach of Potamia near Loutra, with its flat pebbles
• Martinakia, walking distance from the port of Marihas

7. Sports activities

Dive

The dive is magical in Kythnos. Amateurs discover the seabed with a simple mask and a tuba. The toughest guys are in a bottle. In total, more than 30 dive sites are listed on Kythnos Island.

Hiking

The island of Kythnos displays different hiking trails, in the land or with sea view.

The Apokrisi ride leads to the beach of Kolona for a 2.5 km ride. The small hike, from Chora to Loutra, shows 4 km in the heart of countryside and farms.

8. Katafykl Cave

Are you wondering what else to do in Kythnos? You can visit the cave of Katafykl. Located in the middle of the village of Dryopida, it is an old iron farm. It presents rock formations, stalactites, stalagmites...

The place is very fresh in summer, with guided tours several times in the hour.

9. The Castle of Oria

The pirates left traces on Kythnos Island... The ruins of Oria Castle, located north of Kythnos Island, prove it. They date from 7 e century and testify to the location of the ancient capital. The pirates destroyed the site in 1537 and the capital was rebuilt after land in Messaria.

You can climb up to Oria Castle to enjoy a superb panorama.

10. The Baths of Loutra

The hot waters of Kythnos share freely from the beach as they arrive directly from the sea.

You can also test the thermal baths in a more intimate way by plunging you into a small pool of stone or in a local spa with a slightly obsolete look. If you ask that to do in Kythnos, the baths are essential.

How to get to Kythnos Island?

From France to Athens

To reach Kythnos, you will first have to take a flight to Athens. Many airlines offer this trip from France. Of course, with growing demand in the summer, prices increase at this time. To anticipate your departure and choose the best option, consider evaluating rates on Ulysses .

From Athens

Once at Athens Airport, you can reach the port of Pirée or Lavrion by taxi, bus or, for more autonomy, car rental.

To go to Kythnos, you will then have to take the ferry. Here, two possibilities are available to you:

• There are regular connections from the port of Piraeus. Count a three-hour crossing.
• The crossing is even faster from the port of Lavrion, with only 1 h 40 by ferry. Only 45 minutes away from the airport, it is easier to reach the port of Lavrion for Kythnos.

From the island of Kythnos, you can then easily go to the other islands of the Cyclades like Kéa, Kimolos or Koufonissia .

How to move to Kythnos?

Know that visiting Kythnos is easy enough because a bus service serves the villages in summer. It is easy to get to Chora, Mericha, Loutra, Kanala or Driopida.

The rest of Kythnos Island is on foot but it’s hot enough and it’s climbing! You can also rent a car on site from the port of Mericha, take a taxi or a taxiboat. Multiply the modes of transport and do not hesitate to visit the tourist office to customize your stay.

Where to stay in Kythnos?

Visiting Kythnos also requires the choice of accommodation. If the offer is much less, it is of very good quality. And for reasons, hotel with sea view or villa with pool are legions for a rather exceptional stay. You can also opt for a room in Messaria and the ease of its shops. You will then have to take the car or bus to reach the sea.

To know the hotel offering on Kythnos Island, think about hotel comparisons which facilitate the search according to your predilections dates and options.

Want to taste local charm and immerse yourself in the daily life of the inhabitants of Kythnos Island? Opt for atypical housing on Airbnb . Try the house on the beach or the terrace with views of typical houses to live a magical stay!