Kythnos, Greece: The ultimate Travel Guide to holidays on Kythnos island

Take a vacation in Kythnos, Greece! This island is very close to Athens and is a perfect weekend getaway. It only takes 3 hours by ferry or 1 hour and 45 minutes by Flying Dolphin from Lavrio to reach this beautiful island in the Cyclades. The small white-washed houses with their blue doors and windows, the clean beaches, and the friendly locals will make you love this island.

Kythnos has endless beautiful scenery, picturesque villages, countless bays for swimming, and so much more to discover. You have the choice of swimming in organized or free beaches and the choice of dining with a view of the sea or of a picturesque, cobbled path. Below is all the information you need for your visit to this island.

General Information

• Kythnos in Greece belongs to the Cyclades island complex in the Aegean. It occupies the 9th place in the ranking in terms of area, after Ios and  before Mykonos
• Kythnos has changed many names. In ancient times, it was called Dryopis or Ofiousa, because it was inhabited by Dryopes who had developed a thriving community. Later, after the 12th century AD, it was named Thermia due to the island’s hot thermal baths. In fact, the locals still call it Thermia.
• The thermal baths of Kythnos were built and operated at the request of King Otto and Queen Amalia. It was a tourist attraction for the elderly, especially those with arthritic or muscular problems. Queen Amalia loved Kythnos and would visit it often for the baths. The marble baths, created for the royal couple, have been saved. The island has 92 beaches and small bays, which are accessible either on foot, by vehicle, or by boat. Most beaches are sandy, but a few have small pebbles.
• An ancient city was found in Vryokastro, which had been inhabited from the 10th century BC up until the 7th century AD. The excavations continue to this day, with findings indicating several ritual sites, including two sanctuaries: Asclepius and Aphrodite. Statuettes of female and child figures, as well as heads of girls, torsos of boys, and the head of Asclepius, are some of the findings, and even gold is said to have been found.

Where is Kythnos, Greece?

Kythnos is a small island in the Western Cyclades, located between Kea to the north and Serifos to the south. It ranks 9th among the Cyclades islands by area, larger than Mykonos but smaller than Ios. Despite its proximity to Athens (just 3 hours from Lavrio port), Kythnos remains one of the most authentic and uncrowded islands in the Cyclades.

The island has four main settlements: Merichas (the port), Chora (the capital, 8km from the port), Loutra (the thermal springs village, 5km from Chora), and Dryopida (the inland village with distinctive tiled roofs, unique for a Cycladic island).

How to get to Kythnos from Athens

Kythnos is one of the most accessible Cycladic islands from Athens:

From Lavrio port (recommended):

• Regular ferry: ~3 hours to Merichas
• Flying Dolphin (hydrofoil): ~1 hour 45 minutes

From Piraeus port:

• Regular ferry: ~3.5 hours

Lavrio port is approximately 70km from central Athens. Take the Attika Tollway towards Markopoulo, then follow signs for Lavrio. Book tickets and check current schedules on Ferryscanner.

💡 Kythnos also has ferry connections with neighboring Serifos and Sifnos, perfect for island hopping in the Western Cyclades.

Transportation

Car or scooter: You can come by ferry and put your own vehicle on it, or rent a vehicle as soon as you arrive at the port. Most roads are mapped, and your navigation will be easy. In the event that your GPS does not direct you well, as it did for us in some cases, the island locals are always willing to give you directions. A scooter is the best solution to save time and to visit beaches like Kolona, which has very narrow roads.

Bus: In Kythnos, there is a bus network with the following routes:

Merihas, Hora (Mesaria), Baths – (Departure: 11.00 – 14.30 – 17.30 – 20.00).

Merihas, Hora (Mesaria) – (Departure: 08.30)

Merihas, Dryopida, Canal – (Departure: 10.45 – 13.30 – 17.30)

Sea Taxi: You may visit the beaches with sea taxis from the harbor of Meriha. There, you can rent whatever you need to spend the day on the beach of your choice.

Βest beaches in Kythnos

Kolona

This is the most famous and most photographed beach on the island. Kolona beach is unique in its beauty, with a 240-meter stretch of sandy beach and a width of 100 meters. It connects the island with the small islet of Agio Louka. Access to Kolona is by a very small, narrow winding road, but the view is worth it when you arrive. As the road is narrow and impassable, you might opt for a sea taxi instead. If you drive, you will find it very difficult to maneuver when another car is coming from the opposite direction.

The sea laps on both sides of the sandy beach strip, creating two separate beaches with crystal, clear, blue water. This geographical peculiarity also protects it from strong winds, allowing you to enjoy your swim. Recently, a few sunbeds with umbrellas have been added in a far corner of the beach, whilst the rest is free and unorganized, leaving you with the choice of either. Right above the sunbeds, there is a shop where you can buy some food and beverages.

Bonus Tip: Climb up to the monastery of St.Lucas on the islet, and take in the breathtaking, panoramic view, immortalizing this truly impressive beach.

💡 Practical tip for Kolona: The last few kilometers of road to Kolona are a narrow dirt track; a scooter or ATV is the best option. Alternatively, reach it by sea taxi from Merichas port, a popular and scenic option. Go early in the morning to secure a spot during peak summer. Worth every minute of the journey — Kolona is genuinely one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.

Fykiada

A little before Kolona beach, you will find Fykiada beach. Access to this beach is equally hard through a very narrow dirt road. In Fykiada, the beach is totally wild and unorganized, without any boats or noise nearby. You can also see the beautiful view of Kolona beach from there.

It has a sandy beach with turquoise waters, with seaweed lying between the sand and the beach. There are no shops on this beach, only a tiny bar at the far end. Most visitors leave their vehicles near this beach and walk to Kolona.

Loutra

In front of the homonymous settlement, there is the beach of Loutra. It is known for the salty, ferrous waters that flow into the sea from the hydrotherapy center through a channel. At the end of this channel, at the far right of this beach, is the thermal pool where the hot waters meet the cool sea waters. The temperature of the water in the natural pool surrounded by rocks exceeds 35 degrees Celsius.

The Thermal Baths of Loutra are Kythnos’s most unique attraction and one of the few active natural thermal springs in the Cyclades. Known since antiquity for their healing properties, the baths were famously visited by Queen Amalia (wife of King Otto, first queen of modern Greece), who came hoping the springs would help her conceive. The marble baths built for the royal couple still exist.

The thermal springs are said to help with arthritis, muscular, and rheumatic conditions. The Aqua Team diving center in Loutra also offers organized dives for those wanting to explore the underwater world around Kythnos.

The beach is very long, free of beach bars. There are several shops, rooms for rent, and traditional taverns, all set in whitewashed Cycladic houses. Also, on the right side of the beach, above the pool, is the Mazaraki family’s mansion. Built in a Western European-style tower, it is a special building that dominates the beach. There is even a small, picturesque harbor that accommodates several boats.

Agia Irini

After Loutra, there is a small cove, the beach of Agia Irini. Due to its location, it is protected from the wind, it is sandy with shallow waters, and it is ideal for families with children. You will find many traditional shops to relax while enjoying the sea view.

Martinakia

Right after the port, there is a small beach, Martinakia. This beach has fine sand and is organized with the beautiful, boho-style beach bar Hamsa. Also, in Hamsa, the price of the set (2 sunbeds and an umbrella) is 16€.

We suggest you make your reservation 2 days in advance during the high season. In Martinakia, there is also the DaMassimo restaurant for Italian cuisine.

Apokrousi

Apokrousi beach (or Apokrisi) is located in a small cove, between two hills. Apokrousi is one of the largest beaches in Kythnos, and its characteristic is the clear blue waters, in which you will enjoy your swim. In most parts of the beach, several tamarisk trees will offer you shade, with benches next to them. The view of the beach is impressive, with the islet of Agios Loukas visible. There are also various rooms for rent in the settlement of Apokrousi, and on the beach, you will find a beach bar and 2 traditional taverns with local delicacies.

Episkopi

One of the busiest beaches in Kythnos, Episkopi stretches in front of the homonymous settlement, overlooking the closed bay. Here you will enjoy swimming since the waters are deep blue and shallow. The beach is sandy, with tamarisk trees offering shade. The main feature of Episkopi is the Pountaki Beach bar, on the left side of the beach, which provides sunbeds and umbrellas. To the sound of music, you can enjoy coffee, soft drinks, and various snacks. The rest of the beach is unorganized, giving you a choice.

Bonus Tip: At the right end of the beach is the small chapel of Agios Vlassis, built on the rocks. Right below the church, the beach and the picturesque creek stretch in front of you, a view that is worth photographing.

Flabouria

A wonderful beach that is separated in the middle by a rock, on which the Virgin of Flambouriani church has been built. Every August 23rd, this church is celebrated, and a big festival is held, attracting people from the whole island. It is not an organized beach, and you will not find shops and taverns here, only a few rooms for rent.

Antonides

This beach belongs to the settlement of Panagia Kanala and forms a small pine bay. Access is by about 100 steps leading to a quiet beach. Along the beach, many tamarisks provide shade for the most part, with benches beside them. The beach is not organized, but due to its steps, we do not recommend carrying too much equipment (umbrellas, chairs, etc.).

Agios Sostis

The beach of Agios Sostis is one of the most beautiful and deserted beaches on Kythnos. It derives its name from the small church in the area, which lends the beach a Cycladic note with its white color. This beach is ideal for diving enthusiasts, as it is windless and the waters are crystal clear, offering the opportunity to explore the seabed. In the middle of the beach, there are a few trees that offer shade, but the rest is unorganized, so we suggest you bring whatever you need to spend the day there.

Bonus Tip: The beach is split in two by an islet, and the left side is more secluded for those who want more peace and privacy.

Megali Ammos (Great Sand)

As its name suggests, it is a sandy beach in the ​​Kanala area. It is on the right side in relation to the Antonides beach mentioned above. It mainly attracts families as its waters are crystal clear and shallow. Along the beach, several tamarisk trees reach the sea, offering their shade.

Top things to do in Kythnos

Dryopida

Probably the most picturesque Cycladic village you will find in Kythnos. Dryopida is located at a sheltered altitude between the hills, right in the middle of the island. Formerly, it was called Horio; during King Otto’s reign, it was named Dryopis, in honor of the ancient tribe of Dryopes. In this traditional settlement, it is worth roaming the picturesque alleys lined with flowering bougainvilleas and reading the scattered inscriptions featuring beautiful verses about the island.

The main attraction of Dryopida is the Katafiki cave, described below. It has several amenities, such as cafes, taverns, supermarkets, and souvenir and pottery shops.

Katafyki Cave

In the village of Dryopida is the Katafiki (or Katafygi) cave, one of Kythnos’s most important attractions. Its temperature remains constant at 17 degrees Celsius year-round, and most of it remains unexplored.

For several centuries, it served as a refuge (hence the name) from pirates, the Franks, the Turks, and during World War II.

Inside the natural part is about 600 meters. The artificial portico (2 km long) was created for the transport of ores by carts to the land exit to Kynidos. In the natural cave, the corridors that developed over the years resemble a labyrinth, within an area of ​​3,500 sq.m.

But the most impressive element in the cave is the stalactites and stalagmites, which will impress you with their volume and shape. Katafyki was also a place of various events and festivals, and here, too, the glorious Easter is celebrated, with fires lighting the cave’s interior.

Hiking

The most famous route for hiking enthusiasts in Kythnos starts in Loutra. The path is well marked and passes through an uphill ravine and from the plateau to Katakefalos. From this place, the path continues, ending at the castle of Oria. The route is relatively easy, and it is about 3.5 km long.

Walk in Chora

The capital of Kythnos, Chora (or Massaria), is 8 km from the port of Merichas. It is built on the edge of a plateau and is one of the most beautiful settlements of Kythnos. Its picturesqueness, combined with its Cycladic character and its cosmopolitan shops, makes it even more impressive.

There is a central cobbled path that gathers the commercial traffic of Chora, and here are taverns, bars, shops, and folk art shops.

Panagia Kanala and Agia Kalliopi

In the homonymous area of Kanala, the island’s most important church is located, and on August 15th, the biggest festival is held there. The miraculous image attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, as it is said to have been found in the canal between Kythnos and Serifos.

Walking a few meters after Panagia Kanala is Agia Kalliopi. This is a beautiful chapel overlooking the sea. We came upon the most beautiful sunset, with warm colors forming in the sky and reflected in the sea, living one of the most romantic moments on the island.

Excursions

Your vacation in Kythnos can be combined with an excursion to a nearby island. Sifnos and Serifos are the two closest islands you can visit.

Scuba diving

There are not many types of activities on the island. However, for the more adventurous, there is the Aqua Team diving center in Loutra. A complete, organized diving center for anyone who wants to get to know the underwater world of the island.

Food and Beverage

Kolona bar restaurant

A beautiful shop with Cycladic colors high above on the edge of Kolonas beach. Here you will enjoy its beautiful terrace with the incredible view of Kolona and taste the fresh catch brought in by the boats. It also has a bar from which you can get coffee, water, and soft drinks, with its own sunbeds and umbrellas at one end of the beach.

Arias

On the beach of Agia Irini, there is a restaurant of high standards, owned by Mr. Costas Soumas. Its seafood is fresh, and its wine selection is updated. The restaurant’s location, with the terrace overlooking the sea, offers a special atmosphere. The prices are proportional to the quality of the food.

Fermina

The first tavern in the port of Mericha, Fermina, is the ideal choice for Italian cuisine and meat. Their dishes are neat and tasty, with rich portions, and the service is friendly and polite. There is the option to sit in the shop on the porch of Merichas, or at the tables down in the harbor watching the boats and “kaikia”(Greek fishing boats). The medium chicken pizza with Philadelphia that we got, along with the portion of fried squid and the big salad, left us more than satisfied and full.

The Hangout of Detzi

On the main cobbled path of Chora, The Hangout of Detzi is probably the best place to eat. A beautiful environment and decor, generous portions, delicious dishes, and very good prices are the features of this shop that will impress you. The beautiful terrace in Cycladic colors is special, where you will enjoy your food to the fullest.

Kraken

This is the most famous bar in Chora, and the whole island. Kraken bar is an impressive place in a small square with tables, as well as seats on the stairs, where you can enjoy your drink. We suggest you make a reservation because there is a large crowd.

DaMassimo

Ideal for lovers of authentic Italian cuisine, the DaMassimo restaurant is located on Martinakia Beach, on the right-hand side. The wonderful place above the sea, combined with the wide variety of dishes, will be unforgettable.

Read our complete guide to Antiparos

Accommodation in Kythnos

For our stay in Kythnos, we chose Tzamaros Studios, in the port of Merichas. There are two complexes located 5 minutes from the port. One has the older apartments, while the second, to the left of the port, is all new. In the first complex, there is also the supermarket of the same family, so all your shopping can be done literally next door.

We felt the island’s hospitality, but also enjoyed moments of calm. The studio we stayed in was one of the new ones, and it was exactly what a couple needed. There were all the necessary facilities (air conditioning, hot water, Wi-Fi). Vangelis served us and took us to the rooms in his car because, at first, we had confused the two complexes! The same service was available during checkout. We stayed in the room free of charge since our return ferry was leaving in the afternoon. The people are hospitable and helpful, and they can answer any questions you may have about what to do on the island.

Useful Sites & apps

Booking.com

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Hotels.com

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TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor helps hundreds of millions of people each month become better travelers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do, and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than 1 billion reviews and opinions of nearly 8 million businesses, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants, and discover great places nearby. Find available offers and book your accommodation on TripAdvisor.

Ferryscanner

For ferry tickets to all of Greece as well as destinations like Italy, France, Spain, etc. Immediate service and cooperation with the largest services in Greece. Book tickets and check current schedules for Kythnos, Greece on Ferryscanner.

Kythnos, Greece FAQ — Everything you need to know