Greek Islands

Kythnos (Island)

Kythnos beach

Welcome to Kythnos!

Situated in the Western Cycladic chain, Kythnos is the start of the route when making your journey from the mainland. In all likelihood, it will be the first island stop as you make your way to Serifos, Sifnos, and Milos. Though attracting fewer visitors than its better-known neighbors, it is ideal for quiet relaxation, simple food, lovely people, marvelous swimming, and an unspoiled atmosphere without resorts and big tour operators.

It is not the prettiest island in the group, but it is the quietest with only about 1,500 year-round inhabitants, and it offers outstanding sea views. The island’s major attraction is a fairly well known healing thermal spa, addressing concerns such as arthritis, rheumatism, and a variety of gynecological ailments, presumed to be lessened and even cured as a result of the heavy iron deposits in the water. In fact, iron was mined here until the early 1940s.

Kythnos is long and narrow, and its overall size is nearly equivalent to the length of its coastline at 97 kilometers. The coastline is heavily indented, forming many coves and several large bays. The main port of Merichas lies at the mid-point of its western coast, which is about 8 kilometers from the main town, Chora, located inland and five kilometers from the second largest town, known as Dryopida. The two towns feature traditional Cycladic architecture, some pretty churches and, near Dryopida, a stalactite cave called Katafyka.

Further north of Chora, about five kilometers, is the spa of Loutra with its two hot thermal springs. Here one can also swim at the beach, where there are both accommodation and eating facilities.

Even though the island does not have paved roads throughout, there are some nice walks through old trails, especially the cobbled one connected Chora to the town of Dryopida. North of the port of Merichas is a small island called Ai. Loukas that is connected to the main island by a strip of sand. Photos of this strip are among some of the photos often used when illustrating the beauty of Greece’s many, many beaches.

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