Kythira Sights & Attractions

The Venetian Castle of Chora dominates over the village. It was constructed in 1503 on the site of a former Byzantine fortress of the 12th century. Among the remains of the castle, there are some nice churches.

The castle is actually a medieval settlement which was inhabited until the 1950’s. It is also named “Kato Hora ” and is very interesting, as many buildings are preserved in relatively good condition.

The “Neraida” or “Fonissa” waterfall is situated among huge plane trees and the sparkling waters falling from a height of 20 meters form a small green pond ideal for swimming.

Temporarily closed. This Cave is located 20 km north west of Chora. It is a stalagmite cave and there is a chapel dedicated to Agia Sophia inside the chapel. It is said that her dead body was found there.

The lighthouse is situated at the northernmost point of the island, cape Spathi. It was built under the British rule and is the largest lighthouse built by the British in Greece. It was constructed in 1857.

The monastery of Agia Moni is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was built in 1840, on the top of a very high mountain, and has an incredible view on the harbor of Diakofti. The monastery celebrates on August 6th.

This small island to the south of Kythira has only 50 permanent inhabitants. The largest village, and at the same time port, is Potamos. It can be accessed by boat from Kythira but it has only a few amenities.

This Castle was built by the Venetians in the 16th century to protect the island from enemies and attacks. It is found at the entrance of Avlemonas harbor and the Lion of Saint Mark, the symbol of Venice, is engraved on it.

The island of Kythira has two beautiful arched stone-built bridges that remain from English domination, as they were part of their protection system. The biggest one is found in the village of Livadi.

The castle of Paleohora is one of the most important archaeological sites and was the island’s Byzantine capital. It was built by Monemvasians in the12th century.

This nice church in Livadi is dedicated to the Ascension of Christ. It hosts a collection of Byzantine and post-Byzantine art.

The Archaeological Museum of Kythira is located in Chora. It houses an important collection of Minoan vases, Mycenaean pottery, various remains from the Archaic and Classical periods and marble statues found on the island.

This Monastery is built on the site where Agia Elesa was tortured and died in order not to deny her faith to God. In fact, her grave is found at the yard of the Monastery. The road leading there is tough. The monastery is located a bit off Ano Livadi.

In Livadi, there is the Byzantine Museum housed in the post-Byzantine church of the Analipsi. This museum offers a fine and rare collection of fragile paintings and frescoes from other churches, rescued by the Greek Department of Archaeology. There are also parts of an important early Christian mosaic, collected from the ruins of the church of Agios Ioannis Potamos.