Kythnos is a laid-back island fringed by golden sand and jewel-toned bays. Also known as Thermia, it’s part of the Cyclades group and peppered with charming towns and villages. Sunbathe on gorgeous beaches, swim in the sparkling Aegean Sea and embrace the island’s low-key lifestyle.
Things to do in Kythnos
Perched on a hillside, Chora has all the charm of a traditional Cycladic village. Stroll along cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses and peer into centuries-old churches and windmills. Cafes and taverns spill onto the streets and serve delicious “pitarakia” cheese-filled pastries and “melopita” honey pie. Chora is a stone’s throw from Merichas, the island’s bustling port town.
Spend the day on Kolona Beach. A thin strip of gold sand connects the mainland with a rugged headland and creates a pair of aquamarine bays. Water taxis depart from Merihas and are the easiest way to access the postcard-perfect beach.
Get a fix of sun, sand and salt water in Loutra. The lively resort is built around a yacht-filled marina and boasts some of the best cafes, bars and restaurants on Kythnos. Soak your muscles in the famous natural hot springs and indulge in a hydrotherapy treatment.
Hike to Kastro Orias and explore the ruins of a medieval city. Perched on Cape Kefalos, the city was the island capital during the Byzantine and Venetian eras. The trail from Loutra takes around 1.5 hours. Pack supplies and enjoy lunch at the ruins before heading back to Loutra for a refreshing glass of “kitro” citron liqueur poured over crushed ice.
Getting around Kythnos
Local buses are a fast and affordable way to get around Kythnos. Car and motorbike rentals offer the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Water taxis can be a good way to beach-hop around Kythnos. Ferries run between Merichas on the west coast of Kythnos to Piraeus Harbour near Athens in around 1.5 hours.