Mysteries of Kythera

Monemvasia, also known as the Gibraltar of Greece, is one of the most impressive Greek sites. Α rock surrounded by sea on which the medieval city is still alive. Indeed, Kythera is the island of surprises. Among its low hills, an infinite amount of natural beauties are hidden. Waterfalls, creeks, springs, forests, caves, byzantine churches, medieval castles, infinite villages, archaeological sites, etc. In the mysterious island of Aphrodite, the visitor becomes the central character of a beautiful story.

Detailed Itinerary

Day : 1 - Αthens – Monemvasia

Morning departure to Monemvasia through the eastern coastal road of the Peloponnese. Arrival and walk in the narrow streets of the picturesque fortified city, up until the castle on top of the hill. Overnight stay in Monemvasia.

Day : 2 - Monemvasia – Kythera

After breakfast, departure towards Neapolis through a scenic regional road. Embarkation to the boat to Kythera. Arrival and overnight stay in Kythera.

Day : 3 - Kythera (Chora, Kapsali, Myrtidiotissa Monastery)

Morning visit at the picturesque capital of Chora, on top of which lies the Venetian Castle. Walking the narrow streets to see the Mansions combining the architecture of Venice to the Cretan techniques. We also see the 15 churches of Mesa Vourgo, the fortified part of the town, as well the pebbled road to the Castle, built in 1503. We then descend to Kapsali to see the English water cistern, the Lazaretto quarantine house and the small monastery of St John. Next follows Myrtidiotissa Monastery to enjoy the beautiful sunset. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Kythera.

Day : 4 - Kythera (Mylopotamos, Agios Giorgis, Avlemonas)

Today’s visit to Mylopotamos will show us the magic of Kythera. We take a pebbled path, full of dense nature, to contemplate the numerous waterfalls and the abandoned water mills. Arrive to the medieval castle of Kato Chora, which the houses are still very well preserved. After a stop to the cave of Agia Sofia, we continue to Vouno, one of the highest hills of Kythera, where on its top the Minoans some 4000 years ago installed the biggest Peak Sanctuary ever found outside of Crete. After visiting the church of Saint-George with its roman mosaics, we will descend the old Minoan path towards Avlemonas, a picturesque fishermen village to visit the small venetian fortification of Castello.

Day : 5 - Kythera – (Potamos, Paliochora, Karavas, Moudari Lighthouse, Plateia Ammos) – Athens

Visit to the traditional market of Potamos, weekly meeting point of the islanders for 400+ years. Paliochora follows next, with its haunted medieval citadel that pirate Barbarossa has destroyed. We continue to Karavas to taste some of the local famous rusk. Through a jungle path, we then walk down to the springs of Amir Ali, to enjoy enroute an olive oil tasting session. We continue to visit St. Nicholas the northernmost beach of Kythera and see the Lighthouse of Moudari, one of the highest in the Aegean. Our last stop for today is at Plateia Ammos bay. Full of experiences, having explored Kythera in deep, we take the boat back to Neapolis and then drive back to Athens. Arrive late night.

Photo Gallery

What's Included

  • Geo Routes tour director
  • Geo Routes information material
  • Liability insurance
  • VAT

Duration

5 days / 4 nights Monemvasia (1) Kythera (3)

Departures

Regular: click the relative box below
Private & Groups: Wednesdays on request

Highlights

  • Monemvasia Castle
  • Kythera Castle of Chora
  • Medieval Castle of Paliochora
  • Castle of Kato Chora in Mylopotamos
  • Minoan Peak sanctuary
  • Holy Monastery of Myrtidiotissa
  • Cave of Agia Sofia

Geo-keys

Trekking Trails
Trekking Trails
Cultural Heritage
Cultural Heritage
Flora & Fauna (Forest and Ocean Life)
Flora & Fauna (Forest and Ocean Life)
History – Archaeology
History – Archaeology
Land Routes (4×4 – Motorbiking – Cycling)
Land Routes (4×4 – Motorbiking – Cycling)
Gastronomy – Agricultural Tourism
Gastronomy – Agricultural Tourism
Places of Religious Interest
Places of Religious Interest