Kythnos
Kythnos is one of the hidden treasures of the western Cyclades, nestled between Kea and Serifos, just two hours by ferry from the port of Lavrio. Unlike its more famous neighbours, Kythnos has remained refreshingly untouched by mass tourism, offering an authentic Greek island experience with warm mineral springs, wild beaches, and two of the most charming villages in the Aegean.
The island’s crown jewel is undoubtedly Kolona, a spectacular double-sided beach where a narrow strip of golden sand stretches between two turquoise bays, connecting the main island to the small peninsula of Agios Loukas. Often listed among the most beautiful beaches in Greece, Kolona is a sight best appreciated from above or from the deck of a sailboat. Beyond Kolona, dozens of beaches — many accessible only by sea — dot the coastline: Apokrousi, Flabouria, Lefkes, and Episkopi all offer crystal-clear waters in complete seclusion.
The capital, Chora (Messaria), is a quintessential Cycladic village of whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and winding cobblestone alleys. The second main settlement, Driopida, surprises visitors with its distinctive tile-roofed architecture — a rarity in the Cyclades — and the impressive Katafyki cave, one of the largest in Greece, sitting right beneath the village.
On the northeast coast, the seaside village of Loutra has been renowned since antiquity for its thermal springs, rich in iron and other minerals. The warm waters flow directly into the sea, creating natural hot pools where you can bathe year-round — a perfect stop after a day of sailing.
History runs deep on Kythnos. At Maroulas, archaeologists have uncovered one of the oldest known settlements in the Cyclades, dating to around 8500 BC. The medieval fortress of Kastro tis Orias, dramatically perched on a clifftop, offers panoramic views across the Aegean. And at the southern tip, the monastery of Panagia Kanala, the island’s patron saint, commands a stunning hilltop setting overlooking the sea.
During your stay on Kythnos, don’t miss:
- Kolona beach — the iconic double-bay tombolo
- The thermal springs at Loutra
- Katafyki cave in Driopida
- The medieval castle of Oria
- The monastery of Panagia Kanala
- The traditional villages of Chora and Driopida