Below, you will find information about how to get to Kythnos by ferry, where to buy your tickets, information about the island and its ports, the best things to do there, and many photos.
Located in the northwestern part of the Cyclades, Kythnos is a lovely island with traditional Cycladic settlements, mesmerizing beaches and a wild natural beauty that fascinates visitors. Its laid-back atmosphere and its proximity to Athens make it a great destination not only for short city breaks but also for a memorable longer stay.
POPULAR FERRY ITINERARIES
As there is no airport in Kythnos, the only way to get there from Athens or other Cycladic islands is by taking the ferry.
Ferry Connections
The island is well-connected to Lavrio Port in eastern Attica, which lies around 35 kilometers from the International Airport of Athens and 58 kilometers from the city center of the Greek capital. Moreover, there are regular connections between Kythnos and some other Cycladic islands, such as Kea, Syros, Sifnos and Serifos.
Thus, the best way of traveling to Kythnos is to fly to the International Airport of Athens and arrange a transfer to Lavrio, so that you can take the ferry from there. Besides the route from Athens to Kythnos, other popular routes include the one from Kea to Kythnos and from Syros to Kythnos, which allow you to combine Kythnos with yet more enchanting nearby destinations.
Booking your ferry tickets is one of the first and most important steps in organizing your holidays in Kythnos!
We make this step the easiest and most exciting one, as booking your ferry tickets with ferriesingreece.com comes with lots of perks:
The experience we provide our customers with has been awarded (Tourism Awards 2018).
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Situated in the northwestern part of the Cyclades, the serene Kythnos is a low-profile destination that never fails to steal visitors’ hearts. Named Thermia by the Venetians for its natural hot springs, it is fringed by mesmerizing beaches, the loveliest of which is, unarguably, Kolona. The quaint settlements of Chora and Dryopida are just the place to go for an authentic Cycladic experience, while Merichas, the island’s port, provides visitors with the necessary tourist amenities. In short, Kythnos has all the ingredients for a truly relaxing summer vacation, and its proximity to the Greek capital makes it ideal for both short and longer stays.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Kythnos is between June and August, when the weather is sunny and dry. However, if you would rather enjoy the island’s beauties in a more quiet season, we recommend going there in May or September, when the weather conditions are also quite pleasant.
Best things to do
In brief, the best things to do in Kythnos are to stroll around the quaint streets of Chora and Dryopida, relax in its magnificent beaches, and immerse yourself in the local gastronomy. In terms of sightseeing, you can visit Katafiki Cave, the ancient sites of Oria and Vryokastro, the Archaeological Museum and the Folklore Museum. Perched on top of a hill with fantastic sea views, the Church of Panagia Kanala is also well worth visiting.
Is Kythnos for you?
Though the island of Kythnos is gradually getting more popular with visitors, it is perfect for anyone looking for a relaxing holiday by the sea, in a location unspoiled by mass tourism. It is also an amazing option for a quick getaway from Athens.
Facts
Learn what you don't know about Kythnos!
The island is believed to have been first settled by the Dryopians, one of the aboriginal tribes of ancient Greece. In fact, its name derives from the mythical Kythnos, son of Apollo, who was the king of the Dryopians.
The archaeological site of Maroulas on the island’s northeastern coast dates from the Mesolithic Age (10,000-8,000 BC). It is probably the oldest settlement in the Cyclades and ranks among the most ancient ones in Europe!
The thermal baths of Kythnos are said to have been a favorite destination of King Otto and Queen Amalia of Oldenburg after the establishment of the Greek State.
Translating as "pillar" in Greek, Kolona Beach has been named after a thin stretch of sand reminiscent of a column that creates two beaches in the same location!
Kythnos is renowned for such traditional delicacies as sfougata (fried cheese balls), poulos (a kind of dough stuffed with pork meat), and a variety of delicious cheeses.
Island-hopping: Where to go next?
Kythnos is a great base for island-hopping to other Cycladic islands. Some of the top choices from Kythnos include the laid-back Kea (or Tzia), the elegant Syros —the administrative center of the Cyclades— and the picturesque Sifnos, celebrated for its long-standing gastronomic tradition. Serifos, the southern neighbor of Kythnos, is another excellent option.
Photos of Kythnos
Map
ABOUT KYTHNOS PORT
Port description
Located in the village of Merichas, 7 kilometers from the main settlement of Chora, Kythnos Port is connected to Lavrio Ports in Athens, as well as to other Cycladic islands, such as Kea, Syros, Sifnos, Serifos, Naxos and Paros.
At the port, visitors will find all the necessary facilities, including shops, places to eat and drink, accommodation options and some car and boat rental agencies. A municipal information kiosk is available as well.
During the summer months, there may be traffic around the port, so it is recommended that you get there 1-1.5 hours before the scheduled departure time.
There are several ways to leave from/get to Kythnos Port.
Public buses connecting the port to Chora, Loutra, Dryopida and Kanala are the most affordable option for those traveling on a budget. However, note that the number of itineraries is limited, even in high season. Tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver, while the timetables are posted at the Info Kiosk of the Municipality of Kythnos.
Taxis are a pricey but more flexible transportation option, allowing you to reach Kolona and other points of interest around the island. Nevertheless, as the number of taxis available is small, contacting a local driver in advance to schedule a pick-up is strongly recommended.
Finally, some car rental agencies can be found near the port. Having your own vehicle is probably the best way of moving around the island, as you will be able to unlock beaches and sights that might otherwise not be accessible due to the little-developed bus network.
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