ITINERARY

Day 1: Trip to Kythera

Depending on the week day; you travel to Gythion or Neapolis, in order to catch the ferry to the island of Kythira. Arrival in the port of Diakofti. Transfer to Avlemonas; a picturesque fishing village that was an important anchorage for larger ships during the Venetian period. It was there that in 1802, a ship that transported the Parthenon’s sculptures and other Athenian’s treasures on behalf of Lord Elgin, was shipwrecked and the rumor of a missing box still attracts treasure hunters today. 6 nights in Avlemonas.

Day 2: The east: Scenic hike from Avlemonas to Diakofti

After breakfast, you depart directly from your hotel for a promising hike on the easternmost part of the island. Mainly on a narrow goat path with panoramic view of the sparkling blue sea and the offshore islets, you walk from Avlemonas towards Diakofti; once a small and forgotten fishing village that it is actually the main port of Kythera, situated in an exotic landscape. In the afternoon free time by the beach or further hiking to Agios Georgios hill above Avlemonas; with magnificent view and a Minoan sanctuary excavated on its peak.
- Walking: Avlemonas – Diakofti, about 6km, 2h, +150m / -150m
- Walking: Agios Georgios, about 6km, 2h30min, +350m / -350m

Day 3: The west: Mylopotamos and the castle of Mesa Chora

You crosse the island from east to west and passing by traditional villages and secluded Byzantine chapels you arrive to the traditional village of Mylopotamos (= ‘’Mill Stream’’). You go hiking through the beautiful, picturesque and partly with dense vegetation gorge of Mylopotamos, with the ruins of old water mills: In spring water flows everywhere and various small waterfalls are formed throughout the gorge. In the immediate vicinity, you can visit, high above the steep west coast, the castle with the ruined city of Mesa Chora, which was the capital of Kythera during the Venetian period. In the afternoon, you can relax by the beach or go for a nice coastal walk from Avlemonas to the beach of Skandia; location of the ancient port of the island.
- Walking: Circular hike, about 2.6km, 2h, +170m / -170m

Day 4: The north inland: Potamos and Palaeochora

Transfer to Potamos; the largest village on the island and the economic center of the north, with several traditional houses, some beautiful neo-classical buildings, as well as the school and the impressive arched bridge from the British period. There are significant sites in its vicinity, such as the monastery of the island patron-saint Theodoros and the ruins of the medieval city of Paleochora; destination of the day’s hike. Also known by the name Agios Dimitrios, it was the wealthy island capital for a long time in the late Middle Ages, until 1537 when the pirates of Hayreddin Barbarossa climbed up through the impassable gorge of Kaki Lagada and the city was plundered and destroyed, whilst its inhabitants massacred and sold into slavery. Few lonely Byzantine churches are still standing among the ruins of the castle walls and houses.
- Walking: forth and back, about 6.8 km, 3 h +220m / -220m

Day 5: The south: Livadi, Chora and Kapsali

Transfer to the south. Livadi, almost as large and vibrant as Potamos, is the economic center of the south. However, Chora of Kythera is the capital of the island and so the administrative center. A place so beautiful and picturesque as if it came out of a picture book: A castle high above the south coast, the traditional settlement on the slope, the port of Kapsali at the double bay below, a little further to the south the offshore islet Chytra and Antikythera on the horizon. Circular hike from Livadi or Louradianika, to Kapsali and Chora.
- Walking: partly circular, 7.7 km, 4 h, + 160m / -160m

Day 6: The northern part: Agia Pelagia and Karavas

Transfer to Agia Pelagia, which was the main port until 1995. This is today the most touristic part of Kythera, mainly due to its proximity to several beautiful beaches, one of them at the exit of the Kaki Lagada gorge. The several hamlets that belong to the village of Karavas are half or completely abandoned, whilst the central village of Karavas is very traditional and rustic. You go hiking towards the lighthouse at Cap Spathi, the northernmost point of the island, the beach of Moudari and the chapel of St. Nicholas. You return to Agia Pelagia, partly on alternative trails. The 25 m high lighthouse of Moudari, built in 1857 during the British period, is one of the largest of its kind in Greece. Panoramic view and a sensation as if you are standing at the end of the world ...
- Walking: partly circular, 5 km, 2 h, +130 m / -130m

Day 7: Day at leisure or optional hike

The morning is at leisure. Optional hike: An exciting circular hike on panoramic trails from Diakofti to the Agia Moni monastery. Or / and an easier walk to the offshore island Makrikythera next to the port. In the afternoon, ferry to Neapolis or Gythion (depending on the day).
- Walking: circular, about 9.6 km, 4 h, + 500m / -500m