Kythnos

Also called Thermia on account of its thermal springs, Kythnos is very close to Athens; still, it is one of the least visited islands of the Cyclades. The island’s harbour (Merihas) and capital (Hora) as well as Loutra and Dryopida are located in the north part of the island. In the south, only the areas by the bay of Agios Dimitrios and Panagia Canala (where a famous monastery is situated within a pine forest) are inhabited.

The most impressive of the 65 sandy beaches of the island is Kolona, where a strip of sand connects the islet of Agios Loukas to Kythnos. Low stone fences run for many kilometres on bare Cycladic hills with 350 white country chapels here and there. The typical Cycladic style also appears in the villages: cobbled narrow streets, white houses, squares, chapels and windmills. Follow the paths that connect the villages to each other and taste apricots and wild mulberries on the way to Katafyki cave, one of the biggest caves in Greece with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

Kythnos is definitely the place for thermal tourism. A modern spa centre is in operation in Loutra, with two hot springs in the area, which have been famous for their therapeutic effectiveness since ancient times.

The festivals on Kythnos have maintained their traditional character. All the locals take part, singing to the rhythms of the violin and lute.

Source: GNTO