Kythera, the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, is an island that sits on its own at the foot of the Peloponnese, floating on a strategic position at the intersection between the Aegean and the Ionian Sea. It is ideal for travelers who value nature, laid back vibes and want to experience a genuine and unspoilt destination.
Over the centuries, the island has been subjected to the fortunes of war; occupation; piracy; and, occasionally, the quiet solitude of poverty and isolation and it has changed hands many times until its union with Greece in 1864. It was under Venetian rule until 1797, and the military importance of the island for the Venetians grew after 1500 when they lost the fortresses of Methoni and Koroni in the Peloponnese from which they controlled the maritime route to the Levant. Kythera did not offer a good harbor, however it proved useful to the ships in providing a safe haven in case of bad weather or attack by the corsairs.
When the Serene Republic collapsed the island followed the destiny of the Ionian islands by becoming French, Ottoman-Russian, French again and British before being reunited with Greece. During the period of the British protection, remarkable intercultural and public utility infrastructure works were carried out on the island, as well as reforms. Churches, aqueducts, bridges, lighthouses, primary schools, and dormitories were built, education became compulsory, new roads were built, etc. Special attention was given in security and justice. The island prospered and improved in many areas, but the inhabitants flame for the unification with Greece remained unquenchable. It is in 1815 that Kythera together with all the Ionian Islands will create the United States of the Ionian Islands – a protectorate of the United Kingdom – with Corfu as its capital. In 1864 the Ionian Islands were united with free Greece.
In our days,with a resident population of less than 4000 people, Kythira has no towns of any size, but there are 64 small villages and hamlets, and over 300 churches, many dating back to Byzantine times, as well as several monasteries. On the south side you will find the island’s main town, the Chora, which stands out for its architectural blend of Cycladic Cretan and Venetian architectural styles. The buildings cluster on a hillside, leading up towards the domineering walls of an impressive fortress, which is blessed with panoramic views out to sea and to the rocky islet of Hytra.
Kythira resembles the neighboring Peloponnese in having plenty of castles. These include Paliochora, a thriving Byzantine town with some 72 churches, which had been the island capital since 1248. Although the town was designed to be invisible from the sea, the pirate Barbarossa attacked and destroyed it in 153, killing many and taking 7000 captive. Mylopotamos, located in the heart of a medieval settlement that remained inhabited until very recent times. The 16th century ‘Kastelo’ of Avlemona which main purpose was to protect the island from enemies and frequent pirate attacks and, of course, the Castle of Kythira (aka Fortetsa) in Chora, a 13th century Venetian fort that was rebuilt in the 16th century and is one of the island’s best sights with stunning views.
The island stands out for its wild beauty contrasts and the largely barren landscape, dominated by a rocky plateau, is combined with areas of dense vegetation. Gorges and ravines run through the island taking the form of green veins and individual streams are fed by major springs, like those at Mylopotamos and Karavas, and hence carry water throughout the year. The coastline of the island is transformed into a rugged plain with countless folds, steep slopes and inaccessible shores.
It is an island with rich biodiversity, in which more than 820 species of plants grow, with impressive endemism (55 species). Maquis vegetation covers large areas, often entangled with phrygana. Extensive tree planting took place in clusters in the 1960s, with the result that small and larger forests cool the arid landscapes even today.
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