Walking on Kythira Island

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Day 1: Arrival in Kythira: Livadi or Kapsali

Arrival into Diakofti port or Kythira airport. Your rental car is delivered to the port or airport. Drive to your accommodation in Livadi or Kapsali, depending on whether you opt for our standard or upgraded accommodation.

• Hotel Aposperides (Livadi) or similar

Day 2: Mylopotamos circular walk | 4.7km

The walk starts in the typical Greek village square of Milopotamos with a kafeneio (traditional coffee house) under the plane tree. A cobblestone trail leads down into the gorge, which is home to the ruins of 23 watermills. There are four waterfalls on this trail, all of which have good flow all year round. Ascend to Kato Chora, with its Venetian castle from dating back to 1565. It is known as Exobourgo, now an abandoned defensive fortified settlement well worth a visit. The walk crosses the whole settlement of Kato Chora with its narrow alleys and traditional houses.

• Walking for the day: approx 2h, 4.7km, ­↑150m ↓150m

Day 3: Choice of Chora circular walks | 4.9 – 5.3km

Today you can choose between two scenic walks. (or tackle both of them if your feeling up to it.)

Option 1: Chora circular walk via Kapsali Bay (4.9km): From Chora’s main square, walk down the main street. Just before the Kastro (The Eye of Crete), head down the road that passes no less than 14 Byzantine churches. The path then leads down to the magnificent twin bays of Kapsali and the views are tremendous. After a break in one of the many cafes, head back via a secluded beach. The ascent to Chora is tough, but the views are rewarding. Those with extra energy can visit the Kastro before heading back for a refreshing drink at the town square.

Option 2: Chora circular walk via Trachilas peninsula (5.3km): This trail follows the dirt road built by the Germans during WWII. They built a camp to set up their anti-aircraft machine guns, which are still visible during this walk. The crossing via Diakopi. the narrow strip of land to Trachilas, is not easy and requires light scrambling at some points (this section can also be skipped). On the way back, the route passes Chora cemetery and ascends an old footpath back to Chora. It’s also easy to reach the main square via the main road.

• Walking for the day: Option 1: approx 2h, 4.9km, ­↑180m ↓180m Option 2: approx 2h, 5.3km, ­↑180m ↓180m

Day 4: Circular walk from Potamos via Trifyllianika and Paleochora | 8.5km

The starting point is Potamos’ village square which has a lively market on Sunday morning. Head to the old trail which leads to Paleochora via Trifyllianika. Once you’ve arrived at the ruined citadel, you have time to explore the ruins of this remarkable stronghold. The return via the dry riverbed is physically more challenging, but there is plenty of shade, particularly when you complete your walk trough an aromatic pine forest all the way back to Potamos.

• Walking for the day: approx 3h, 8.5km, ­↑200m ↓200m

Day 5: Aroniadika circular walk | 8.7km

Though most visitors to the island come for its beaches, the actual history of the local population lies in the heartland of the isle, where small villages were built so that they were protected from the strong western winds and the frequent pirate attacks during antiquity. Still today, most residents live in the villages along the spine of the island. This walk passes through seven of these traditional villages. See how close the houses are built to each other. Crossing the fields via old cobbled paths, there are many remains of threshing floors and wells, some still in use by local farmers.

• Walking for the day: approx 3.5h, 8.7km, ­↑140m ↓140m

Day 6: Choice of Livadi circular walk or Agia Sophia cave church | 10km – 10.4km

Today you can choose between two scenic walks.

Option 1: Livadi circular walk (10km): This walk is not part of the local Kythira trail network but it’s a beauty, strolling alongside vineyards and olive groves, and get to see the Kaki Melissa (Bad Bee) church. A scenic path leads to the tiny hamlet of Klaradika. Nearby is Agios Dimitrios church, which has a unique shape and is the oldest in Kythira. Follow the trail alongside more vineyards and wild shrubs back to Livadi.

Option 2: Kapsali circular walk (10.4km): Starting from Kapsali Bay, ascend via dirt roads alongside Hotel El Sol. After Agios Ioannis monastery, the trail heads towards the south and becomes more challenging. During the last section, before reaching Agia Sophia cave church, the path is very narrow and crosses the ravine at a higher altitude. From the cave, walk back to Kapsali Bay, with some fantastic views.

• Walking for the day: Option 1: approx 3.5h, 10km, ­↑200m ↓200m. Option 2: approx 4h, 10.4km, ↑400m ↓400m

Day 7: Karavas circular walk via Amir Ali springs, Moudari lighthouse and Keramari springs | 14.5km

The longest walk on Kythira starts in the northern village Karavas. First, come to the refreshing springs of Amir Ali. From here, a cobbled trail takes you up to the abandoned settlement of Mavrogiorgianika, located high above the valley. Descend gradually to Agios Nikolaos church on the beach. You can see the the Peloponnese in the distance, with the town of Neapoli glimmering on the horizon. From here, a lovely coastal trail connects Moudari lighthouse lighthouse with Platia Ammos. After a refreshment, it’s uphill and back to Amir Ali, the last section that takes you through even more breathtaking scenery. From Amir Ali, take an optional loop through a lush river valley and alongside Keramari springs before heading back to Karavas.

• Walking for the day: approx 4h, 14.5km, ­↑350m ↓1,100m

Day 8: Departure

Drive to Kythira airport or Diakofti port to drop-off your rental car and depart from Kythira.