Access to Castle

Chora Castle in Kythira, Greece, is open daily and easily accessible through an asphalt road that ends at the entrance. After arriving, you’ll follow a stone-cobbled path around the courtyard and to the castle. You can see a fantastic view of Kapsali, Crete and Chytra from the southeast side of the castle. The recent restoration and promotion of the castle show its place in history.

History of Castle

Chora Castle in Kythira, Greece, started construction in the late 12th century, and its first phase finished in the early 13th century. Different military leaders wanted the castle for its strategic location, but the final construction was in 1503 under the Venetians. There was a Foreman until 1502, but the Venetians put an administrative center in its place. The wall with the Venetian emblem and coats of arms was near the tunnel from the entrance. You can’t make them out anymore since the French destroyed them in 1797. Before the conquerors went to the castle, 200 people were living there.

Layout of Castle

Near the entrance to Chora Castle, you can see the tunnel where the coat of arms was. Left of the entrance is the prison, and further up the right side is the Venetian reservoir, showing off its beautiful architecture. Near the center of the castle are a few dilapidated two-storey houses. After a 30-minute walk from the old homes, you’ll arrive at the gunpowder magazine. Next to the magazine is the oldest of the four churches in the castle, the church of Pantokratoras. The castle headquarters is near the front of a church, and the churches hold many old murals.

The biggest church in the castle is Panagia Myrtidiotissa, which finished construction in 1580. The church of “Panaghia Orfani” is next to it and holds the heirlooms of Mirtidiotissa.

Outside the Castle

Chora Castle in Kythira, Greece, has a courtyard between the inner and outer walls on the north side. The courtyard holds more houses and churches. The cannons outside the castle are from different eras of construction, including the English, the Russo-Turkish and the Venetian periods. An icon displayed in the church has two miracles written at the bottom. Pirates threatened the ship carrying metal for the icon’s dress, and lightning struck the castle near the gunpowder magazine but missed. The miracle-working icon was at the church for nearly two centuries.

There is much to see when visiting Chora Castle in Kythira, Greece. Much of the castle is still accessible and has many buildings and murals available. The castle is the monument with the most characteristics on the island due to its long history and multiple construction phases.

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The climate of Kythira is classified as hot-summer Mediterranean, which offers hot and dry summer and rainy and mild winters. The dry period of Kythira runs from May to September with August being the most dry month. The coldest month is January and the wettest month is December.

This weather forecast in Kythira, Greece, will vary from year to year. The averages that you see below represent historical weather data. Here is the typical weather forecast throughout the year for Kythira, Greece:

January

• Temperature: 48° F (8.9° C) – 54.9° F (12.7° C)
• Precipitation: 103.3 mm
• Climate: 10.2 days of rain on average, 10 hours of daylight per day, 6.1 hours of sunshine, UV-index 4, water temperature 62.2° F (16.8° C), dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 72.3%

February

• Temperature: 48° F (8.9° C) – 55.2° F (12.9° C)
• Precipitation: 67.6 mm
• Climate: 8.5 days of rain on average, 10.9 hours of daylight per day, 7.7 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 4, water temperature 60.6° F (15.9° C), dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 72.4%

March

• Temperature: 50° F (10° C) – 57.6° F (14.2° C)
• Precipitation: 59.5 mm
• Climate: 6.4 days of rain on average, 12 hours of daylight per day, 8.6 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 5, water temperature 61° F (16.1° C), dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 71.5%

April

• Temperature: 54.3° F (12.4° C) – 62.8° F (17.1° C)
• Precipitation: 28.1 mm
• Climate: 4 days of rain on average, 13.1 hours of daylight per day, 10.4 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 5, water temperature 61.9° F (16.6° C), 95% dry air, 80% clear, overcast
• Humidity: 67.9%

May

• Temperature: 61° F (16.1° C) – 70.9° F (21.6° C)
• Precipitation: 10.5 mm
• Climate: 1.7 days of rain on average, 14.1 hours of daylight per day, 11.6 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 6, water temperature 66.4° F (19.1° C), 50% dry air, 85% clear, beach/pool score 5
• Humidity: 63.1%

June

• Temperature: 67.8° F (19.9° C) – 78.8° F (26° C)
• Precipitation: 1.9 mm
• Climate: 0.3 days of rain on average, 14.6 hours of daylight per day, 12 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 6, water temperature 72.9° F (22.7° C), 20% muggy, 95% clear, beach/pool score 9
• Humidity: 57.1%

July  

• Temperature: 72.3° F (22.4° C) – 83.7° F (28.7° C)
• Precipitation: 2.4 mm
• Climate: 0.3 days of rain on average, 14.3 hours of daylight per day, 12.1 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 7, water temperature 78.3° F (25.7° C), 40% muggy, 100% clear, beach/pool score 9.4
• Humidity: 54.4%

August

• Temperature: 72.5° F (22.5° C) – 83.3° F (28.5° C)
• Precipitation: 2.3 mm
• Climate: 0.3 days of rain on average, 13.5 hours of daylight per day, 12 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 7, water temperature 78.6° F (25.9° C), 45% muggy, 100% clear, beach/pool score 9.4
• Humidity: 56.7%

September 

• Temperature: 68.5° F (20.3° C) – 78.1° F (25.6° C)
• Precipitation: 11.2 mm
• Climate: 1.1 days of rain on average, 12.4 hours of daylight per day, 9.8 hours of sunshine per day, water temperature 77.7° F (25.4° C), 40% muggy, 95% clear, beach/pool score 9.4
• Humidity: 62.1%

October

• Temperature: 62.2° F (16.8° C) – 70.2° F (21.2° C)
• Precipitation: 54.2 mm
• Climate: 5.1 days of rain on average, 11.3 hours of daylight per day, 7.7 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 5, water temperature 73.8° F (23.2° C), slightly muggy, 75% clear, overcast, beach/pool score 7
• Humidity: 68.3%

November

• Temperature: 57° F (13.9° C) – 64° F (17.8° C)
• Precipitation: 85.6 mm
• Climate: 7.7 days of rain on average, 10.3 hours of daylight per day, 6.7 hours of sunlight per day, UV-index 5, water temperature 68.9° F (20.5° C), 65% dry air, 59% clear, overcast
• Humidity: 72.5%

December

• Temperature: 51.4° F (10.8° C) – 58.3° F (14.6° C)
• Precipitation: 115.2 mm
• Climate: 11 days of rain on average, 9.7 hours of daylight per day, 6.1 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 3, water temperature 64.9° F (18.3° C), dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 72.8%

The hot-summer Mediterranean climate of Kythira, Greece creates the ideal weather for those who enjoy warm, sunny summers or cooler winters with more precipitation.

Find the current weather forecast for Kythira, Greece here:

Weather.com – Kythira, Greece Weather Forecast

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While the island does receive a steady stream of tourists, it is nowhere near as many as some of the other islands. This is the island where you can go to truly escape because you can find a sense of serenity and peace of mind that are just not possible in some of the busier places. Here are several things that you can do while here:

Visit a Water Fall

One thing that really sets Kythira apart is that the landscape is absolutely stunning. Located just outside of the village of Milopotamos, the Water Mills are a must-see. They’re not only beautiful to look at, but it’s also a popular swimming hole. Take the short walk from the village to the falls and make sure that you don’t forget your swimsuit! You can easily spend the day here enjoying the water and the views.

Enjoy an Old Venetian Castle

Before much of Greece was taken over by the Ottoman Empire, the Venetians were there. Kythira is no exception! The Venetian presence still remains here, especially at the old Venetian Castle, which is located in Chora, and is still fairly intact. Not only that, but the views are absolutely stunning. Come here to visit the four churches that are within the castle walls, the old living quarters, and to take in the breathtaking views of Kapsali Bay.

Go to the Beach

As with all coastal areas and islands in Greece, there is no shortage of gorgeous beaches on Kythira. If you want access to some of the best beaches, try basing your stay in Chora so that you can visit both Kepsali and Agia Pelagia beaches. There are also other beaches around the island that are worthwhile such as Avlemonas, Kalami, and Platia Amos beaches. In fact, you can do nothing but visit beaches during your whole time on the island because each one has its own character and is worth a visit.

Visit a Monastery

Tourists aren’t the only ones who find the Greek island of Kythira to be a relaxing, serene place. The Monastery of Myrtidiotissa is located on the island and is considered to be one of the places that you absolutely won’t want to miss! The monks are very hospitable and the views from the monastery are unprecedented. Since it is a working monastery, it is important to be respectful of their beliefs and traditions once you are there. If you follow some basic rules, you will find that this is an excellent way to spend the day!

Take a Boat Tour

Sure, you can tour the island in a car, on a bus, or on foot. However, if you really want to see how beautiful Kythira is, you might want to consider taking a boat tour! This is the best way to witness how beautiful the island is while also spending a day on the sea. There are plenty of boat tours that leave from various coastal points. However, ask at your hotel for recommendations so that you can be sure to take the best tour possible.

Kythira is a beautiful island and even though it is serene, it can feel impossible to do everything you want to do. These activities are a great place to start!

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It is also an island of stunning natural beauty that is largely unspoiled. Nowhere is this more obvious than on its beaches, which are some of the best the country has to offer. Here is a list of some of the best beaches on the island:

Chalkos Beach

Located about 8 kilometers from Chora, the capital island, Chalkos Beach is one of the most popular on the island. Depending on what time of year that you visit, there could be a fair amount of travelers who have also found it. However, there is enough room here for everyone to enjoy the day! It is pebbled, so you’ll want to wear your shoes while walking around. The crystal waters are ideal for swimming and there is also a place to grab a drink or a snack.

Kalami Beach

This beach is considered to be one of the most scenic on the island because it is surrounded by mountains. It is also a small beach and since it is tucked out of the way from the main areas, it can feel a little secluded. This makes it the perfect spot for a quiet beach day! Despite how remote it is, there are still sun beds here that you can rent. It also isn’t easily accessible. Once you park, you will need to hike about twenty minutes down the trail to the beach. The effort is well worth it, though, because the views are stunning.

Limionas Beach

If you find yourself on the western coast of the island, you won’t want to miss Limionas Beach! The drive to the beach is incredibly scenic and so are the views once you get to the beach. You can also easily combine visiting this beach with going to the Cave of Agia Sofia. This is an ideal spot to relax, take a swim, and enjoy the beautiful sunshine. The beach is located in a small fishing village named Limionas that is also worth exploring.

Platia Amos Beach

If you’re staying in Chora, you will need to drive about 30 kilometers before you reach this beach, but the effort is well worth it! It’s also close to the village of Karavas so if you know you want to spend a lot of time at this beach, you may want to consider finding a hotel in or near Karavas. The main draw here is that the beach is excellent for sunbathing and swimming and has a combination of pebbles and sand, which only adds to its charm.

Kythira is an easy island to reach from the Peloponnesian Peninsula, which means that you’ll probably need to rent a car in Athens before you drive to the ferry. Kythira, however, also has an airport, which can make travel much easier.

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You will not be disappointed by the choice of monasteries to visit when you’re in Kythira. The history, beauty, and surrounding landscape are sure to enthrall you.

Monastery of Panagia Myrtidiotsissa

Located in the village of Myrtidion, the Monastery of Panagia Myrtidiotsissa is the most important, and the largest, on the island of Kythira. The monastery was founded to honor the icon og the Panayia Myrtidiotsissa, which was found at the current location of the monastery in 1446 by a shepherd. The icon depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ child. The icon itself is quite unusual as the faces of mother and child are both black. The monastery is found in a green valley near the southwestern coast of the island.

Monastery of Agia Moni

The Monastery of Agia Moni was built in 1840 and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The church was built on top of one of the highest hills and offers an amazing view of the harbor of Diakofti as well as Myrtoo Sea and the entire island of Kythira. The icon of Agia Moni was found in 1767 with an inscription that read “the only hope of ever.” In 180 Theodoros Kolokotronis took refuge in the monastery and vowed that after the liberation of Greece he would build a temple. He did just that, helping in the restoration and expansion of the church. There is a statue of Kolokotronis at the start of the road leading to the monastery.

Monastery of Agia Elesa

The monastery of Agia Elese is located in the southern part of the island at the area’s highest point, which offers a view of much of the island and Melidoni Beach. This monastery was built on the site where Agia Elesa was tortured and killed by her father who did not accept her Christian faith and the fact that she wanted to become a nun. She was killed in 375 AD. In 1871, a single-nave church was built, followed by the three-story bell tower and cells on the northwest side.

Panagia Kakopetriotissa

Panagia Kakopetriotissa is an old abbey that would founded in the 15th century. A member of a noble Venetian family by the name of Maria Venieri fell in love with a Venetian office and they were engaged. He went to war and after a long period, Maria thought he had forsaken her and she became a nun. After the war, he returned and attempted to win her back, but was not successful. Maria let a white dove free and it landed at the rock of Kakopetrio and that is where the small abbey was built. Maria is buried in the yard of the church.

With almost 300 monasteries, churches, and temples found on the island of Kythira, you will find something that is perfect for you.

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Try the Local Products of Kythira, Greece

One of the exciting parts of visiting a new destination is trying the local products. The island of Kythira has a number of products you’ll want to try in the moment and others you can buy to take home with you. Kythira produces quality agricultural products that include: wine, thyme honey, olive oil, Kythira nuts, herbs, and sweets. Some of these items are certified as organic.

The flower symbol and trademark of Kythira is the sempreviva. This flower is found on the steep slopes of the Castle of Kythira. After being collected and processed, the flowers are sold in shops on the island. Take home a sempreviva flower as a unique souvenir. On Kythira, you can also buy traditional ceramic platters, jugs, mugs, and vases, which are replicas from ancient times on the island.

You will also want to try the local cuisine of Kythira while you’re visiting the island. One of the local dishes is aubergines that are cooked with cour cream. Cooking with aubergine (eggplant) is common in Kythira. If you visit the seaside villages, you must try freshly cooked fish. Lobster is a real treat in Kythira, Greece.

Buy Jewelry in Kythira, Greece

A wonderful purchase you can make on the island of Kythira is jewelry. One of the largest shopping centers on the island can be found in the village of Potamos. The village and the shopping center, along with other shops, are a wonderful place to explore for unique pieces of jewelry to take back home for yourself or others. Look for pieces that are inspired by the nature and tradition of the island of Kythira.

There is a rich collection of Greek artists work to choose from. Whether you prefer gold or silver jewelry, precious or semi-precious stones, you will find something that suits your taste. Consider picking up a wedding or christening gift while shopping for jewelry in Kythira, Greece.

Shop For Clothing and Accessories

Throughout the island of Kythira you will find places to shop for clothing and accessories. You’ll find the greatest selection in the largest village of Potamos. If you enjoy the latest fashions, you will find jackets, sweatshirts, shirts, dresses, and pants to suit your personal style. You might prefer to buy some local fashions to take home with you. Explore the stores of Kythira, Greece and you will find bags, shoes, sandals, scarves, and so much more.

Whether you enjoy window shopping, shopping for clothes and jewelry, or trying local products and cuisine, you will find it when visiting Kythira, Greece. In addition to these wonderful finds around the island of Kythira, don’t forget to take home a souvenir or two to remember your trip by.

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Once you’re here, you’ll realize that there are plenty of things to do. You can spend time at the beach, go shopping, and even visit some of the museums. You’ll also want to make your way to the Cave of Agia Sophia. Here’s more information:

Getting to Kythira

Before you can arrive at the Cave of Agia Sophia, you first need to find your way to the island of Kythira itself. There are two ways you can get here – by ferry or by airplane. If you’re originating from somewhere on the Peloponnese, it makes more sense to take a ferry since it is so close to the peninsula. If you fare coming from elsewhere in Greece, such as Athens, you’ll want to consider taking a regional flight from the Athens Airport to Kythira. You may also be able to find a ferry from elsewhere in Greece.

When you arrive on the island, you’ll want to find your way to the cave. You can rent a car and drive yourself, hire a taxi, walk (depending on where on Kythira you’re staying), or even take a bus.

Cave of Agia Sophia

One of the top things to do while visiting the island is to spend time at the Cave of Agia Sophia. This is a nice example of the type of natural beauty that can be found throughout the island. This particular cave is located only slightly above sea level near Kapsali and Mylopotamos, two of Kythira’s most beautiful villages. The road that leads to the caves is very twisty and winding and it seems only fitting that there is a cave at the end of it.

Once you arrive at the cave, you’ll see that it is beautiful. There are stalactites and stalagmites inside it as well as a cool, almost solemn atmosphere. The cave is also home to a small Orthodox Christian church and is a fine example of the places of worship that were scattered throughout Greece when the Greek people could only practice their religion in secret. If possible, you should consider hiring a guide who will take you through the cave and explain to you some of the history.

While visiting the island of Kythira, there are plenty of things you can do while there. When you’re not spending time at the beach, browsing some of the shops, or learning about Greece in one of the museums, this cave will make a pleasant diversion.

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