KYTHNOS ISLAND (GREECE) – TRAVEL GUIDE AND THINGS TO DO

1.2K

Kythnos is a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea and part of the Cyclades archipelago.

It’s less touristy than some of the other Cycladic islands, making it perfect if you want a more authentic, laid-back Greek island experience. The island is famous for its thermal springs, traditional villages, and lovely beaches.

This travel guide will help you plan the perfect trip to Kythnos by showing you the best attractions and things to do, best beaches and places to visit, including a tourist map, photos and an itinerary.

Kythnos is one of the less-visited islands in the Cyclades, and relatively untouched by mass tourism, giving you a genuine, laid-back atmosphere where you can experience traditional Greek island life.

It is an ideal destination for a relaxed holiday in the sun away from the crowds. It also provides some excellent hiking opportunities, scenic drives, crystal clear waters and picturesque whitewashed villages.

The island is famous for its natural hot springs, especially in Loutra village. The warm, mineral-rich waters are great for relaxation and therapeutic benefits. Kythnos is also called ‘Thermia’, meaning thermal baths. 

Kythnos offers a variety of pristine beaches ideal for swimming, snorkelling, or just sunbathing. Some of the best beaches on the island are Kolona Beach, Apokrousi and Megali Ammos in Kanala,

Kythnos also has some picturesque Cycladic villages such as Chora and Dryopida, with their narrow alleys and whitewashed houses, and the seaside village of Loutra, famous for its hot springs.

The main ferry port on the island is Merichas, a nice seaside village with lots of tourist amenities and an ideal place to stay.

The best time for a beach holiday on the island of Kythnos is from June to mid-September. The weather is dry, sunny and warm. Also, most tourist facilities are only open during these months. 

I would probably avoid peak tourist season: mid-July to late August, especially around the 15th of August, as the island tends to be crowded with mostly Greeks, prices are higher, and accommodation can be limited. The weather can also be very hot, with temperatures over 30°C.

For me, the best time to visit is the middle of June or the beginning of September when the temperatures are more favourable, the prices are cheaper, but you can still swim in the sea and enjoy the buzz of the island.

In April & May, it can be a little cold to swim and sunbathe in the sea, but mostly the weather is dry and sunny, and it’s the perfect time for hiking and exploring villages and the countryside. The island is lush and green from the winter rains, and flowers are in full bloom.

October is another decent month to visit, with the sea still relatively warm from summer heat.

During the low season, there are fewer ferries and some shops, hotels and restaurants, especially in tourist areas, close in October and don’t open until April-May, usually around Easter.

As in all Cycladic islands, it can be windy at any time of year.

Kythnos is a small island (about 99sqkm), a stay of 4 to 5 days is ideal to really enjoy the island without feeling rushed.

You can easily explore the island in 3 days, but it is worth staying longer if you want to relax on the beach and combine your trip with hiking activities and water sports.

The most popular places to stay in Kythnos are Chora, Loutra or Merichas.

Loutra is a nice seaside village with charming tavernas and a nice beach. It is also ideal if you want easy access to the famous hot springs. There are lots of traditional guesthouses and small hotels with sea views.

Merichas is the main port of the island and is convenient for arrivals and departures. It is a bit livelier with cafes, bars, and tavernas and some nightlife. There is also a decent beach. It is a good base to explore the island.

Chora is the island’s main village with various options for accommodation. It is great if you want to be close to shops, restaurants, and some nightlife, but it is further away from the sea.

There are also other less popular places to stay in various parts of the island, like Dryopida, Apokrousi and Kanala.

Best hotels in Kythnos

• EmGard Suites Kythnos
• Martinos Studios
• Eternal Blue Kythnos: A modern hotel offering stylish rooms with sea views, an outdoor pool, located near Martinakia Beach.
• Porto Klaras suites & studios
• Kythnos Bay Hotel: A good hotel in Loutra, close to the beach.
• The Thermia Suites
• Amal Kythnos Suites: Spacious suites with private balconies, a spa centre, and an outdoor pool close to Episkopi Beach.
• Chora Kythnos Suites: Elegant suites with private pools, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, and a bar.
• Messaria Hotel
• Cinco Suites
• Kanala Studios

Click here to check and compare prices on accommodation for the whole island. You can find the hotels on this map.

By Plane

Kythnos doesn’t have an airport.

By Ferry

The best way to reach Kythnos is by ferry from Piraeus Port. Regular ferry services connect Piraeus to Kythnos, with travel times typically around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the ferry type (conventional or high-speed). There are also ferries from Lavrio.

Kythnos is also connected by ferry with neighbouring islands such as Serifos, Sifnos, and Kea, making it a great stop for island hopping in the Cyclades.

For the cheapest site to book your ferry ticket in Greece, check the link below.

By Car

Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore the island freely and reach the various beaches, villages, and hidden spots at your own pace.

Car rentals and scooters are available in Merichas (the port) and Chora. There are two car hire companies that you can also book online: Rent a Car Larentzakis & Nikitos Rental Car.

Car rental for a day is usually 50 euros in the peak summer season. Better to book in advance before your travel for the best deals. Also in high season (July/August), there might be low availability, and the prices can be much higher if you leave it until you arrive.

The main roads connecting the villages are paved, but there are some dirt roads to reach some of the less popular beaches on the island, which are still accessible with a conventional car.

Check the link below to book and compare car rental prices.

By Taxi

There is a limited number of taxis on the island. It can be a convenient way to reach the main beaches and villages on the island if you don’t have a car. Water Taxi connects the port of Merichas with Apokrousi and Kolona Beach.

By Boat

There are water taxis from Merichas that provide access to Apokrousi and Kolona Beach.

By Bus

There is a local bus service connecting the main villages and some beaches.

The routes are limited, primarily serving Chora (the capital), Merichas (the port), Dryopida, Loutra, and Kanala.  The main routes are:

• Route 1: Merichas-Chora-Loutra
• Route 2: Merichas- Dryopida – Kanala

There is no specific website with the bus timetables. Visitors can find the available timetables at the Info Kiosk at the port of Merichas.

The best places to go for a meal are Loutra, Merichas and Chora, with the most options. Loutra is great for fresh seafood right by the water. Merichas also has a variety of tavernas by the sea. Chora has some nice traditional tavernas, cafes and bars in the main square.

Best restaurants in Kythnos

• To Hartino Karavi: Located in Dryopida, a cosy restaurant set under a bougainvillaea tree, offering Greek fusion dishes with a Cretan influence.
• Ostria: A beachfront taverna in Merichas offering fresh seafood dishes like calamari and octopus
• Margiora: A top-rated restaurant in Chora, offering a variety of Greek dishes in a charming setting.
• Da Massimo: A sunset restaurant serving Greek fresh seafood and traditional Italian food, offering stunning views.
• Sofrano – The Yachting Club Restaurant: A stylish restaurant near the beach in Loutra, serving Mediterranean and Greek cuisine.
• Byzantio – Yalos restaurant: A family restaurant by the sea in Merichas
• Giagia Koukou: Located in Chora, this little taverna serves traditional Greek food with a modern twist.
• To Steki tou Ntetzi: A beautifully decorated outdoor terrace with good food in Chora.
• Taverna Katerina: Very nice taverna overlooking Loutra bay.
• Stamatis: A traditional bakery in Chora with handmade pies.
• Annezio Bakery: A nice bakery in Merichas.

You can check the location of these restaurants on this map.

Local Cuisine

The best dishes to try on the island of Kythnos include:

• Revithada: a slow-cooked chickpea stew traditionally baked in a clay pot overnight, a local speciality.
• Gouna: Sun-dried fish, salty and flavourful. Usually served grilled.
• Seafood: Grilled fish, octopus, and calamari.
• Thermia Pie: A traditional cheese pie with eggs and vegetables
• Sfouggato: A traditional cheese croquette
• Local cheeses: Kopanisti cheese is one of the most famous and various other white soft cheeses.
• Fava: A smooth pea puree, usually served as an appetiser with olive oil, onions, and lemon.
• Kavourmas: Preserved meat cooked with spices, typically enjoyed in slices or as part of meze plates.
• Honey: Local honey from thyme, considered one of the best.
• Local wines
• Tsipouro or ouzo as an aperitif.
• For more information about the best Greek dishes, you can find it here.

1. Enjoy one of the scenic drives

It is worth renting a car and exploring the island, as it offers some stunning drives with great views of the mountains and coastline.

2. Visit Kolona Beach

The beach of Kolona is the most famous and the most beautiful in Kythnos. It is a strip of sand connecting Kythnos with the rocky island of Agios Loukas. To reach the beach, you can follow the path that starts at the beach of Fikiada and moves on a narrow and rugged dirt road. Alternatively, you can reach the beach by boat.

3. Explore some of the beautiful beaches.

Kythnos has some beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters. In summertime, spending time at the beach is one of the best things to do on the island. If the water is too cold, you can sunbathe or do various watersports. Some of the best beaches on the island, apart from Kolona Beach, are:

• Apokrousi Beach: A well-organised sandy beach with sunbeds and umbrellas for hire.
• Episkopi beach: One of the popular beaches on the island near the port
• Magali Ammos in Kanala
• Aosa Beach with the picturesque church on islet
• Skylou Beach

3. Explore Chora (Hora) Village

Chora is a picturesque village with classic Cycladic architecture. You can wander through the charming, narrow streets and enjoy local cafes and shops.

4. Relax in the Thermal Springs of Loutra

Soak in the natural hot springs, known for their therapeutic properties. A perfect way to unwind and recharge. The surrounding seaside village is also picturesque and a great place for a meal by the sea.

5. Visit Dryopida Village

Check out Dryopida with its red tiled roofs. Visit the charming stone-paved alleys, small cafes and quaint churches. You can aslo take a guided tour of Katafyki Cave.

6. Hiking & Nature Walks

There are various scenic hiking trails that you can take linking villages or beaches. The landscape is rugged and beautiful, and provides lots of photo opportunities for viewpoints.

7. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Kythnos

The small museum is located in Chora and has variousr artefacts from the island’s ancient history.

8. Visit Panagia Kanala Church

Located in the seaside village of Kanala, this beautiful church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is an important pilgrimage site. There is an annual festival here.

9. Vryocastro

The ruins of an ancient fortified settlement and acropolis on the island, offering a glimpse into Kythnos’s ancient past and great views.

10. Explore Katafiki Cave

Katafyki Cave is one of the most important sights of the island, located at the village of Dryopida. It is an underground area and consists of a large natural cave and artificial arches of mines.

There is a guided tour that provides historical information about the cave. The tour itself is free, with a donation box for the maintenance of the cave. It is only open during the high season.

1. Chora (Kythnos)

The island’s main town with classic Cycladic architecture with whitewashed houses and narrow alleys.

It is a great place to stay on the island with hotels, restaurants, bars and all the tourist amenities. However, there is no beach within walking distance.

Some of the best attractions and best things to do in Chora:

1. Wander through the alleyways
2. Enjoy a refreshing drink or a meal at the main square
3. Visit some of the small churches
4. Visit the Archaeological Museum.
5. Walk to the Holy Monastery of Panagia Nikous for some great views

2. Dryopida

The village of Dryopida differs from the rest of the island architecturally as it does not follow the traditional Cycladic architecture. The houses are two-story with tiled roofs,

You can wander through stone-paved streets, historic churches, and visit the Katafyki Cave.

3. Loutra

A quaint seaside village famous for its natural hot springs. Perfect for relaxation, with cosy guesthouses, beachfront tavernas, and a nice sandy beach.

4. Merichas

The main port town, lively and bustling with ferry connections. Good for nightlife, dining, and easy access to transportation. Several beaches nearby for a quick swim.

5. Kanala

A small fishing village known for the beautiful Panagia Kanala church by the sea. Quiet, scenic, and ideal for a peaceful stroll or religious pilgrimage.

Kythnos has some beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters.

Below is a list of the 15 best beaches on the island.

1. Kolona Beach: The most beautiful beach on the island. Famous for its unique sandbank, creating a stunning natural isthmus. It is a crowded beach with no shade with a popular beach bar. The way to go is either by car (a very narrow and dirty road) or by boat from the port. You can also park your car at Fikiada Beach and walk the rest of the way.
2. Apokrousi Beach: A beautiful beach with sand and pebbles. There are plenty of trees for shade, but also sunbeds and umbrellas available for hire. There are also two beach bars. It is a very popular beach.
3. Episkopi Beach: Nice sandy beach with sunbeds and umbrellas, and also natural shade from trees. There is a beach bar on one side of the beach. Close to the port, so quite crowded at high season.
4. Skylou Beach: One of the most beautiful and remote beaches of the island, with crystal clear waters and only a few people around. There is no shade and no tourist facilities. The road going there is a bit difficult, especially the last 10 minutes and you need to walk downhill to reach the beach via steps from the small car park.
5. Megali Ammos (Kanala) beach: Nice sandy beach in front of the village of Kanala. It is great for families with lots of tourist facilities, like cafes and bars and hotels available on the front.
6. Aosa (Naousa) Beach: A nice sandy beach that offers a charming view of the picturesque Church of St. John Eleimonas, which stands opposite.
7. Gaidouromantra Beach: Amazing wild beach with crystal clear water, with a mix of sand and pebbles. Accessible by regular car (only a few kilometres of easy dirt road). After you park, you have to climb down around 100 steps.
8. Loutra Beach: Loutra Beach is the main sandy beach of Loutra village. It is well organised and offers all the necessary amenities such as sunbeds, umbrellas and beach bars, making it ideal for families. This is where the natural hot springs are located, basically a small area by the beach where hot water flows; it can get very crowded.
9. Kalo Livadi beach: Quiet beach with trees for shade on one side and a few sunbeds on the other side. It has a bar where you can get coffee, snacks at reasonable prices. It is a mix of pebbles and crystal clear water. The road to get there is narrow.
10. Agios Stefanos Beach: Nice long unorganised beach with trees providing shade and two tavernas.
11. Martinakia Beach: A small sandy beach very close to Merichas. Great for sunset viewing. It is has trees for shade but also sunbeds and umbrellas, and is very popular at high season due to its close proximity to the port.
12. Agios Dimitrios Beach
13. Lefkes Beach
14. Flambouria Beach
15. Agia Irini Beach

You can click on the map below for the location of the best attractions, restaurants & hotels, as well as the best villages and beaches to visit in Kythnos.

To save the map, make sure you are logged in to your Google account, then click on the star to the right of the title. To locate the map, go to your Google Maps app (or Account), click on ‘Saved’ (or ‘Your Places’), and select ‘Maps’.

You can see the main sights in Kythnos in 3 days, but I recommend staying at least 5 days if you would like to explore the more remote beaches on the island and enjoy some of the hiking trails. You can follow the 4-day Kythnos itinerary below. I have taken Merichas as an overnight stay for the duration of the holiday; this itinerary might work slightly differently if you stay in other parts of the island.

Day 1

• Arrival by ferry at Merichas port.
• Quick photo stop at Episkopi Beach.
• Optional: Hike to the Archaeological Site at Vryokastro of Kythnos
• Quick photo stop at Apokrousi Beach.
• Visit Kolona Beach – swim and sunbathe on the famous sandbar.
• Back to Merichas for a meal by the seaside.

Day 2

• Morning stroll through Chora village.
• Visit to the Archaeological Museum.
• Head to Loutra via Agia Eirini.
• Visit the hot springs at Loutra and relax on the beach
• Take the route towards Oria Castle and enjoy some great views.
• Optional: Hike to Oria Castle.
• Dinner at a seaside taverna in Loutra.
• Back to Merichas.

Day 3

• Explore Dryopida Village
• Visit Katafyki Cave.
• Relax at the beach of Aosa and visit the St. John Eleimonas Church on the small islet.
• Explore the rest of the beaches on this side of the island
• Quick visits to Agios Stefanos, Lefkes and Kalo Livadi for another swim.
• Back to Merichas.

Day 4

• Head to Panagia Kanala village, visit the church and relax on the nearby beach.
• Quick photo stop at beautiful Skilou Beach.
• Optional swim in Gaidouromantra Beach.
• Visit the seaside village and beach of Agios Dimitrios.
• Enjoy the scenic ride to Flampouria and walk to the small seaside church.
• Back to Merichas.

You can check the best photographs from the island of Kythnos here.

Here is a list of the best viewpoint locations on the island where you can enjoy great views. Most of them are not physical viewpoints, but you can easily stop by the side of the road to enjoy the view and take photographs.

1. Kolona Beach Viewpoint
2. Skylou Beach Viewpoint
3. View of the port of Merichas
4. Dryopida Viewpoint
5. Viewpoint of Chora
6. View of Loutra Bay
7. View of Apokrousi Beach
8. Kanala Beach Viewpoint
9. Church of St. John Eleimonas
10. View of Loutra
11. Merichas Viewpoint
12. Merichas Port Viewpoint
13. View of Kolona Beach
14. Lefkes Bay Viewpoint
15. View of Potamia Beach
16. View of Loutra Beach
17. View of Ag. Sostis
18. View of Chora
19. View of Agia Irini Beach
20. View of Loutra Village
21. Merichas Bay Viewpoint
22. View of Loutra Hot Springs
23. View of Aosa Beach
24. Agios Stefanos Viewpoint
25. View of Gaidouromantra Beach
26. Kalo Livadi Viewpoint
27. View of Kanala
28. View of Flampouria
29. Flampouria Beach Viewpoint
30. View of Agios Dimitrios
31. View of Episkopi Beach
32. View of Fikiada Beach
33. View of Apokrousi Bay

You can check these viewpoints locations, and the best photo spots on the island in the following map.

Water Activities

• Sea kayaking: Sea Kayaking Kythnos by Captain Manolis provides guided kayaking tours suitable for all skill levels. One popular route is the Kolona Kayak Tour, which departs from Episkopi Beach and takes you to the famous Kolona Beach. Along the way, you can explore sea caves, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy a beachside lunch. The tour lasts approximately 4–5 hours and is designed for beginners.
• SUP & Yoga: For a unique blend of relaxation and adventure, consider the SUP and Yoga Experience offered by Sea Kayaking Kythnos. This 1.5-hour session combines stand-up paddleboarding with yoga.
• Diving: Aqua Team Kythnos provides guided diving tours and lessons suitable for all ages, and the chance to explore the island’s underwater world. Tours are available daily and can be booked 24 hours in advance.

Hiking

There are some scenic hiking trails that you can do independently or as part of a guided hiking tour. Some of the most interesting ones include:

• Kolona Beach Trail
• Vryokastro Trail
• Oria Castle Trail

Experience Kythnos offers a variety of guided hiking tours. Options include hiking ancient trails, exploring medieval castles, visiting caves and mines, and discovering traditional villages.

Boat Tours & Island Hopping

Kythnos Riboat offers private boat tours that allow you to explore nearby Cycladic islands such as Kea, Serifos, and Sifnos. These customizable day trips include opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and enjoying local cuisine. You can tailor the itinerary to your preferences, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a personalised adventure.

You can also visit the islands independently with the conventional or high-speed ferry, but it will be difficult to do it as a day trip due to the ferry schedules.

Kythnos Cruise

With this cruise, you will visit the most popular beaches of northwestern Kythnos and the famous beach of Kolona.

Check the following video slideshow to get further inspiration to visit Kythnos 🙂

Chora is probably the best place for souvenirs and traditional products. There are some charming shops selling local honey, olive oil, cheeses, and handmade jewellery. There are also boutiques with clothing and accessories inspired by Cycladic style.

In Dryopida village, there are also some small artisan shops where you can find ceramics, woven goods, and local crafts made by local residents.

Some of the best things to buy in Kythnos include:

• Local honey (from thyme)
• Handmade ceramics and pottery
• Cheeses
• Rusks
• Capers
• Traditional sweets like spoon sweets (‘gluka tou koutaliou’), loukoumi and pasteli
• Jewellery and textiles made by local artisans.

Other useful websites for more information about Kythnos:

• kythnos.gr: The official website for Kythnos with information about the island.
• kythnos.net: A decent website with lots of information about the island of Kythnos.

Some good travel guides to buy before you visit Kythnos

• Lonely Planet Greek Islands (Travel Guide): This comprehensive guide also includes information about Kythnos. Only worth it if you are planning to visit other islands in Greece.

• Flights: I always use Skyscanner as my first choice as it’s so easy to use and you can search best deals by month. Google Flights is another very good search engine.
• Accommodation: I always use Booking.com as my first choice, as it offers a great choice of accommodation at affordable prices, and it’s so easy to use. Airbnb is a great alternative for homes and apartments to rent from real homeowners. HotelsCombined is one of the best search engines to check deals from different websites.
• Ferries: Ferryhopper is one of the best websites to check ferry schedules and buy the cheapest ferry tickets.
• Car Rental: I always check Skyscanner for the cheapest car rental options. Discover Cars is also a good and easy-to-use website with great prices.
• Public Transport: There is no website to check bus timetables on the island.
• Activities & Tours: You can check the following websites: Experience Kythnos, Sea Kayaking Kythnos & Kythnos Riboat.
• Travel Insurance: SafetyWing is a great choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads. Alternatively, you can use one of the price comparison websites for cheaper quotes.
• Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, and at no extra cost to you, I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use, and the income goes to keeping this site running and ad-free.

Sharing is caring!