Kythira Ferries

Sorry, this ferry route is not currently active.

Kythira is accessible primarily by ferry services from several mainland ports including Piraeus (Athens), Neapoli, and Gythio in the Peloponnese. The journey from Piraeus typically takes 7-8 hours, while the crossing from Neapoli is shorter at approximately 1-2 hours. During summer months, additional ferry connections operate from Crete and other nearby islands. For those coming from further afield, domestic flights connect Athens to Kythira's small airport, with a subsequent short drive to the port area. If arriving by car, secure long-term parking is available near the main port, though spaces can be limited during peak season.

Nestled between the Peloponnese and Crete, Kythira offers an authentic Greek island experience away from the tourist crowds. This enchanting island blends dramatic landscapes with crystalline waters, traditional villages, and Byzantine churches scattered across its rugged terrain. As a ferry destination, Kythira serves as a tranquil gateway to the southern Aegean, where visitors can immerse themselves in the unhurried pace of genuine island life.

Kythira enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The prime time to visit falls between May and October when warm temperatures (averaging 25-30°C) and clear skies create perfect conditions for swimming and exploring. July and August bring the warmest weather but also more visitors, while June and September offer an ideal balance of pleasant temperatures and quieter beaches. The annual Panagia Myrtidiotissa festival in late September provides a glimpse into local traditions. Ferry services operate year-round but increase in frequency during summer months, with more limited schedules during the winter off-season.

Kythira serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the surrounding maritime region. Regular ferry services connect to the vibrant port of Piraeus, gateway to Athens, with its world-famous historical sites (approximately 7-8 hours away). Closer to Kythira, the Peloponnese mainland can be reached in just 1-2 hours, offering access to ancient Sparta and the medieval fortress town of Monemvasia. Summer ferries also link Kythira with Crete, Greece's largest island, where Minoan palaces and stunning gorges await exploration. The island-hopping possibilities from Kythira make it an ideal hub for experiencing multiple facets of Greek coastal culture.

Kythira rewards visitors with experiences that blend natural beauty and cultural heritage. The cascading waterfalls at Mylopotamos create a refreshing oasis amid olive groves, perfect for a cooling swim after exploring nearby cave systems. History enthusiasts should visit the Venetian castle in Chora, offering panoramic views across the island and sea beyond. The beaches range from the organized Kapsali to secluded Kaladi with its distinctive rock formations. Local tavernas serve island specialties including ladopaximada (rusks with olive oil), thyme honey, and freshly-caught fish. The charming village of Avlemonas, with its sequence of small coves and crystal waters, epitomizes the island's unspoiled character.

According to Greek mythology, Kythira was the birthplace of Aphrodite, goddess of love, adding a romantic mystique to its shores. The island has changed hands numerous times throughout history, creating a unique cultural blend with noticeable Venetian, British, and French influences in its architecture and customs. Kythira's strategic position made it a coveted maritime crossroads, with its waters hiding numerous shipwrecks including the famous Mentor, which sank in 1802 while carrying marble sculptures from the Parthenon. The island is also known for its unusual bee-box trail, where traditional stone apiaries dot the landscape, producing some of Greece's most distinctive honey.