welcome to the island of Kythnos – GREECE
There are two types of islands that one can find in Greece – fully luxury ones, where you can find everything you might want for a summer holiday – in 5-star hotels with pools, with all the extras that come with those type of service. The other type of the greek islands are somehow “off-the-beaten track” – where life has not been much changed, where you can relish the traditional ways, calmness and ingenuity. So first you have to decide which type of holiday you would like to have – the explorer-one, where you will submerge in the local culture; or a luxury one – where all your needs are at a call distance, you just have to lay down on the beach or in a posh bar. If you choose the first one, then one of your options should definitely be Kythnos.
It is one of the most “untamed” island from the Cyclades complex. The island is quiet and calm; locals love to say that they prefer slow life. There is a still active icon-painting centre; beaches are very long and you can enjoy solitude and full rest. The population of Kythnos island is only 1500 people.
You can get to Kythnos by ferry, or ultimately (if you are a sailor), by yacht. You will sail from Piraeus (about one and a half hour by High Speed or 3 hours by sailing boat) or from Lavrio (2 hours by boat). The main city, the “Chora” is called Kythnos town; the other important residential areas are Loutra, Merihas, Kanala and Drypida. The communication between them is made easy – with buses and taxis.
One of the most remarkable things on Kythnos island is the hot sulphurous mineral spas. They are situated in the resort of Loutra and the legend says that the water comes from underneath the Vesuvious volcano, that’s why the water is so hot. Simply perfect for treating rheumatism and other arthritic diseases. Loutra is the place, which attracts the most tourists, because of the spas, the wonderful beaches (some of them with pebbles), the numerous taverns and traditional bars. With archaeologically minded people there is something of great interest – the oldest village on the Cyclades was discovered very close to Loutra – it dates to as far back as 7000 BC.