CYCLADES SIGHTSEEING - KYTHNOS

The island inherited its name from Kithno, king of its first settlers, the Dryopians.Thermia is its second name which has to do with the hot (thermic) springs of Loutra with its curative qualities, used mostly by the locals.

Kythnos is an island situated between Kιa and Sιrifos and directly opposite of Siros. It is 19 km long and covers an area of about 80 square km. Mainly flat, the highest peak is Prophet Elia, at 326 meters altitude.

To those unfamiliar with Kythnos, it is merely a stop on their way to the western Cyclades. Still this little island has gained many friends.

The landscape is typical Cycladic with high and rugged grounds and barren rocks, clean beaches and nice, hospitable inhabitants.

The harbor of Meriha welcomes us with several little stores and coffee-shops, fine sandy beaches and the rocking caiques in the water.

Starting from here you can visit the large picturesque village of Driopida which can be reached by car or by boat.

The cave of Katafiki which lies near the village is one of the largest, unexplored caves in Greece, used as a shelter by the locals during the Second World War. It is here that the locals meet to celebrate the resurrection.

The Medieval capital was situated in the area of Kefalokastro until the 18th C., and from it, two churches, ruins from houses and parts of the city-wall have been saved.

The locals who are friendly and hospitable and always in a good mood, celebrate the island's public festivals in a very traditional manner by singing and dancing to violins.

Beautiful beaches can be found at Meriha, Loutra (you can reach Loutra by bus from Meriha or Hora), Agios Stefanos (40' min. walk from Hora), Skylou, Kolona and Panagia Kanala. Other good beaches for swimming can be found at Episkopi and Flambouria bay.