We suggest 8 hikes that will let you take in as much as you can from this sensuous island. Walk through the small ravines and gorges, visit the caves and springs. If you’d rather be in salty water tour the island in a yacht. And if you prefer fishing let it be known that you are in the best spot of the Mediterranean Sea! But enough with the superlatives. Would you rather cycle round the island? That can be arranged too! Anything is possible in Kythera!
Climbing
You are coming to a miniature of Greece. Beaches, waterfalls, canyons, trails, rocks. Rocks that you see around the castle of Chora, rocks protecting the most beautiful beaches that once protected Greek ancestors. Modern climbing in Greece began with a climbing trip to Plaka of Vardousia Mountain, in 1936, by a Greek climbing team in which Kythiran Yiannis Petrochilos the speleology expert participated. One of the first Greek climbers, he spread his love for this sport, which is today part of a set of mountain sports that promote values such as human dignity, solidarity, freedom, nature protection, etc.
Kythera now offers the possibility of climbing in organized areas, covering the two main climbing styles: “Traditional” and “Sports Climbing”. Safe climbing rules must be observed in every case.
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Cycling
Cycling in Kythera requires the muscles and the lungs of an athlete. As you get to know the island you will understand that this is far from being the ideal place for cycling! That is, unless you have a craving for rugged trails, since Kythera is an island of hills. Nevertheless, there are places where cycling is easier, such as Agia Pelagia, Diakofti, Palaiopoli and Avlemonas, as will as some trails in Kalamos, Livadi, Logothetianika and Gerakari. You can also go on asphalted or stony paths. You need to be extremely careful on asphalted paths as automobiles drive at high speeds and visual range is limited because of bends in the roads and plants that sometimes grow in very thick patches along the road.
Bike or moped?
The ideal bike would be a mountain bike. Wearing a small helmet will improve cycling safety. Do not leave without it! If you’d rather not work up too much of a sweat go for a moped or a trial motorcycle (cross-country motorcycle). You can bring your own bicycle or motorcycle or rent one from one of the motorcycle and automobile rental facilities. There are several types of bicycles and motorcycles available for rent.
Diving
Underwater tourism and diving as part of a vacationing experience combine an ecological concept of diversion with the raising of environmental awareness and a generous shot of adrenaline!
The island of Kythera boasts 90 km of coastline. The sea of Kythera is an ideal environment for diving given its excellent degree of translucency and underwater visibility, its exceptional biodiversity, some admittedly impressive underwater geological formations, the highly diversified ecosystems and the presence of several protected or rare species.
Enjoy the underwater world of Kythera, like wrecks, caves, reefs. Discover the cannons of an old pirate ship, giant winches of a contemporary wreck, meet with seals, octopuses, groupers, lobsters and squids accompany us in the serene, lush sea waters.
Hiking
Discover Kythera on the trails. Kythera is a mountainous island that offers some beautiful walks. Between all these mountains, valleys and mountainsides there is a whole network of tracks and trails. In the past, when there were no automobiles and people were working in the field, trails were used to cut distances and time. Those trails still exist today, some of which are well hidden underneath Kythera’s vegetation. We will show you some paths that are in good condition and that hikers often take.
Since 2000 the local authorities and players in the tourism industry have been trying to highlight those paths. True enough, Kythera attracts visitors who like nature and choose the Island of Venus because of its unadulterated and lush environment, and hiking along the trails is among the choice activities of those visitors during their stay. So let’s go for a walk down the path…
Things you need to bring with you:
- Hiking shoes
- Long trousers to avoid bush scratches
- Sun hat
- Flask of water
- Bathing suit
- A little something to eat
- Multi-purpose knife (like a Swiss Army knife)
- Flashlight
More info:
https://kytheratrails.gr/
Off Road Driving
Drive to the most remote areas of the inland of Kythira! With its rich geomorphology, the island has a labyrinthine network of dirt roads that cross forest and rural areas.
If you have a four-wheel car start exploring Kythera. You will discover dilapidated settlements, churches, pastures, vineyards and vines. You will pass ravines, springs and bridges. You will even be able to approach some unknown beaches, or even small ravines and caves. You will enjoy the natural scenery of the island and you will be amazed at the extraordinary view it offers.
Awesome areas to explore:
- West Kithira from Melidoni to Mermigari
- The forest of Gerakari in the north
- Mitata and Paliokastro
- Kalamos with the surrounding areas
Sea Kayaking
Do you love sea kayaking? Take your kayak and your equipment and try short distances along the coast of the island. We recommend the Avlemonas – Kombonada route, always along the coast. A slightly more difficult route is from Avlemonas to Diakofti. Try also the Kapsali – Melidoni and Lydodemos – Kalami routes. If you experience sea kayaking for the first time, we recommend consulting an experienced trainer.
Around the island
Although a more difficult experience only recommended to experienced rowers, circling the island will give you great emotions, as the shores are natural enough to hide small coves, sea caves and beaches that are not approachable by land. If you have experience in the sport you can start from any coastline, taking into account the time you need for your next stop and your food and water supply.
A mobile phone that has access to at least the European emergency number “112” is necessary, especially if decide to stay overnight on one of the hidden beaches. It is also recommended to inform someone on land about the course you are going to follow as well as your departure time.
The Weather and the Sea of Kythira
The winds often change direction and intensity in the sea of Kythira. Paying attention to your course is a must. Consulting people who are familiar with the weather and the sea of Kythera is recommended.
