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Kythnos gets a lot less credit as a holiday resort than it should.
Mostly ignored by foreign holidaymakers it has stayed as a peaceful haven popular only with some Athenian families or with
those who know the healing aspect of the island’s thermal spas. Kythnos is also far more attractive than its reputation
tells. Although very barren and rocky Kythnos has some very nice small villages and good beaches. It has good connections,
both ferry and hydrofoils, to and from Pireus and also to most of the neighbouring islands of Syros, Serifos, Sifnos and Milos.
Being situated close to Pireus gives you a chance to spend just weekends in Kythnos.
Kythnos main port and village is Merichas. All boats dock here. Also
majority of hotels and restaurants are situated here, as well as other services such as ticket offices for the holidaymakers.
Merichas is a small place but very cosy. Not too much going on but all the necessary activities. Good pastry shops and a few
super markets as well as gas station, school, nightclub and church. Accommodation
facilities are few but sufficient. Seaside of Merichas is very nice and everything is situated by the sea. Everything in walking
distance. There is not a proper (clean) beach in the village of Merichas but you can find many within just a few kilometres.
Of the neighbouring villages one worth mentioning is definitely the
capital, Chora. It’s situated about 4 km from the port and Merichas. It is a small village but has some nice alleys,
workshops, and farmhouses. Taking the road north leads to Loutra, a resort with many thermal spas. Village is however very
sleepy and quiet, some nice restaurants and busy fishing harbour. Another picturesque village is Driopis, or Dryopida, ancient
capital of the island. Only 6 km from Merichas it's also reachable by foot. Today Driopis is livelier than Chora and far more
attractive. Continuing further south you will find the village of Kanala, also known as Panagia Kanala. Beautiful place with
a very unique church and its surroundings. It's some sort of pilgrimage place for older Greeks...
Beaches on the island are many and they are mostly small and sandy.
The best beach without a doubt is Kolona. A narrow strip of sand leads you to a small island. It’s about a kilometre
from another beach at Agios Nikolaos which is accessable by car. You need to
leave your car at Ag. Nikolaos and walk a narrow road to Kolona. View is beautiful and walking quite easy. Road is more for
a 4-wheel-drive... or goats. Another nice walk in the area is through the pasture to the Castle, Kastro Orias. Fences are
a bit difficult to climb but with sturdy shoes there shouldn’t be a problem. Walking with the goats, and like the goats,
can be very enjoyable. View from the castle is very rewarding, you can see the island Kea opposite in good weather. Other
good beaches can be found in Kanala and Flambouria.
I found Kythnos perfect for a quiet and relaxing holiday during Easter.
The atmosphere was a bit spiritual because of the holidays, but also very serene and slow-motion. Spending the biggest Greek
religious holiday on Kythnos gave it a very special feature. And spending it with my Greek friends gave it even more special
meaning to myself. Being on the island so early in the spring didn’t give me the full picture of the island but now
I have a reason to return there in summer time.
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