Kythira or Cerigo (the island’s Venetian name) is the southernmost member of the Ionian Islands and it is located at the entrance of the Laconian Gulf. The island style of architecture is to be found in all villages which were mostly built in a traditional style, such as the Byzantine churches and the Venetian Castle dominating the hill above Chora (main town).

Most of the island festivals and celebrations take place during the summer. Join them and you will get a personal view of Kythira’s local traditions, that remain very much alive today.

Make a note of visiting the Wine Festival at Mitata village, and the religious festivals in honour of Panagia [Our Lady] Myrtidiotissa (September 24th) and Agia Elesa [St. Elesa] Festival (August 1st) etc.

Start from Platia Ammos, the northernmost seaside village with quaint little houses and fish tavernas. A ravine with many freshwater springs and brooks starts from Gerakari area and goes all the way to this seashore. It’s a quiet place where you can have a relaxing holiday. The dirt road that starts here will take you to cape Spathi; this is where you will see the 1857 Moudari Lighthouse, one of the biggest in the Greek Seas, rising to a height of 25 metres. To reach it, you must follow the path. When the lighthouse keeper is there, you may be allowed to see the interior. Weather permitting, this incredibly beautiful location will offer you a fine view of the entire Laconian Gulf, from Cape Maleas all the way to Cape Tainaro.

From Platia Ammos head towards Karavas (3km SW). You will enjoy your hiking trip through the green gorge with the tall plane trees, and the babbling brooks. Make a point of visiting the Amir Ali springs neighbouring area.

On the northeastern part of Kythira, Agia Pelagia village boasts a beautiful beach, many tavernas and tourist accommodation establishments, as well as the island’s oldest harbour. Enjoy the beauty of nature as you hike along Kakia Lagada gorge, which ends here.

A beautiful hiking route, through fragrant pine trees, will lead you to Potamos, Kythira’s largest village. Its traditional houses, the Venetian Guardhouse and the neo-classical Kindergarten building are very interesting from an architectural point of view. You will find traditional coffee houses, bakeries, and tavernas serving delicious local dishes. Your accommodation options, too, are plenty. If you visit the village on a Sunday, you will see the open-air market, which takes place on the slab-paved main square. Taste and buy local traditional products. On August 15th [a major Greek religious feast day] a large festival takes place on the village square with lots of good food, dancing, and local wine.

Head south and you will reach Aroniadika, a traditional village with little white-coloured houses with arches and verandas adorned with bougainvillea. The architecture brings to mind the style you usually find in the Cyclades. This is where you will find top quality honey from local producers.

From Potamos village, follow the signposts for 8 km towards historic Palaiochora town, now in ruins. You will find the view fascinating. Once, this place used to be the Byzantine capital of Kythira, built on a hill and protected by crags, at a short distance from the shore and unseen from the sea. The town was levelled in 1537 by Barbarossa, a much-feared pirate that roamed the Mediterranean in those times. The remains of houses and churches stand in proof of the town’s great past.

Next, follow the main road towards the south. You will reach Chora, the island’s picture-perfect capital and administrative centre. Stroll along the alleys past the stately homes of old aristocratic families. The streets are very narrow, linked with arches, the houses are built right next to each other, following the unadorned island architectural style. The Venetian influence is everywhere. Make sure you visit the Archaeological Museum, in the outskirts.

Drive towards nearby busy Kapsali village and enjoy your coffee or your ouzo drink by the harbour any time of the day. The view of Chora and its medieval castle dominating the sea is nothing short of breathtaking. Stay in Kapsali for the evening, as this is the island’s nightlife hotspot.