Pack your things and travel by the ferry to Kythnos, a Cycladic Island so close to Attica, which remains one of the few unexplored paradises in the Aegean!
The island is called Thermia by its permanent residents. It is a name that we find on the island since the 12th AD. century and is due to its hot springs that still operate today on the island, offering help to many patients and other interested people who visit them.
Kythnos is a Cycladic island between Kea and Serifos. It is 3 hours from the port of Piraeus and just 1 hour and 40 minutes from the port of Lavrion. Kythnos has an area of 99.3 square kilometers, a population of 1310 (according to the 2009 census) and a coastline of about 104 kilometers, with 92 coves, coves and beaches, most of which are accessible by road. There are two mainland villages on the island, Chora or Mesaria and Dryopida or Sullaka. There are also three main seaside settlements: Merichas-the main port-, the Baths with thermal springs and Panagia Kanala with the church of the same name.
If Kythnos could stretch out her hands, she would touch Tzia (Kea) with one hand and Serifos with the other. On the map of the Aegean it looks like a bird that has' stretched its wings to the North and the other -farther- still extends to the South, as if it wants to take off, to detach itself from the endless blue of the Aegean and to fly away, to unknown places taking with him all his treasures.
Book a ferry to Kythnos in advance and be ensured that you will be fascinated by its charm during your stay!
Getting to Kythnos by ferry
Kythnos is 56 nautical miles from the port of Piraeus, a distance that with the modern ships approaching the island is covered within 2 hours and 40 minutes. The distance from the port of Lavrio is covered within 2 hours.
- The Athens Kythnos ferry departs all year round from the port of Lavrion, one of the 3 ports of Athens, at the southern side Attica. In summer, there is also a frequent ferry to Kythnos from Piraeus, the main port of Athens. The ferry to Kythnos from Piraeus takes about 2-3 hours.
- Except for the ports of Lavrio and Piraeus, there are also ferries to Kythnos from:
Andros - Folegandros - Ios - Kea - Kimolos - Milos - Mykonos - Naxos - Paros - Santorini (Thira) - Serifos - Sifnos - Sikinos - Syros - Thirassia - Tinos. Note that these ferry connections can be available only during some summer months.
The most popular ferry routes to Kythnos are from the ports of Piraeus (Athens), Lavrio (Athens) and Serifos.
Lavrio to Kythnos
The Lavrio Kythnos ferry route connects Athens with Cyclades Islands. The crossing operates up to 2 times each week with sailing durations from around 2 hours 35 minutes.
Sailing durations and frequency may vary from season to season so we would advise doing a live check in our online booking engine in order to get the most up to date information.
Piraeus to Kythnos
The Piraeus Kythnos ferry route connects Athens with Cyclades Islands. The crossing operates up to 4 times each week with sailing durations from around 3 hours.
Kythnos ferry port
The ferry port of Kythnos is in Merichas, on the west coast of the island. The port area has several visitor amenities, such as cafes, shops, grocery stores, car rentals and gas stations. You can also catch the local bus from the port of Merichas to the major villages on the island. The distance between the port of Kythnos and Messaria is 6.5km.
Transportation in Kythnos
The transportation in the interior of Kythnos is served by local buses that connect the largest settlements of the island. Sea taxis transport their passengers to secluded beaches with regular or special services.
Over the past years, the transportation system of Kythnos has been improved, so there are many different options for you to choose how to move around the whole region.
Public Buses
Public transportation is a convenient way to get to the most popular spots on the island. Local buses carry out routes from Merihas to Driopida and from Merihas to Loutra. In Kythnos Bus, you will find all the necessary information
Taxis and Private Transfers
A taxi offers you easy and fast transfer to your destination. Many taxis can be found close to the port and in any central spot! You can book your taxi in advance by calling on +30 694 474 3791, +30 694 427 6656 or +30 694 589 5347.
Car and Motorbike Rentals
With a car or motorcycle, you can explore the island at your own pace and gain access to the most secluded spots! In case you don't have your own vehicle, it is an excellent idea to rent a car for your sightseeing trips. There are many car rentals in Chora.
Water Taxi
As an alternative option, there are some water taxis available on the port of Merichas. What is more, you can be transferred by ferry to nearby islands, too. For example, you can visit Serifos, Sifnos, Milos or Kimolos.
Holidays in Kythnos
Kythnos, the island of simplicity and hospitality, will lead you to cycladic paths, to white settlements, to the beautiful villages of Chora and Dryopida and to 99 beaches, which will make you quickly realize that you are in an earthly paradise. The lacy beaches, the beautiful landscapes, the golden-red sunsets, the fragrant flower gardens, the whitewashed churches, the traditional houses with red roofs, the picturesque alleys, the lonely windmills, its ancient history, its archeological, its archeological , the happy and hospitable inhabitants.
Places to Visit & Things to Do in Kythnos
Kythnos belongs to the West Cyclades and it is a small island not much developed in tourism. Kythnos has just started to make slow moves towards tourism, with the advantages of quiet beaches, relaxing landscape and picturesque villages.
Kythnos has to present important archeological sites, museums, a wonderful unexplored cave and we will be surprised by the meeting with the Wind Park as well as with the old mines.
Get ready to make memories on Kythnos island like no other and let us help you organize your to-do list.
- Visit the most popular site in Kythnos is the Monastery of Panagia Kanala, protector of the island
- Discover the hot springs in Loutra: The hot springs are definitely a thing you can’t miss while in Loutra
- Walk around Lefkes Beach: A great thing to do in Kythnos is walking. The island is full of small paths connecting the villages and the view you’ll see will be priceless
- Explore the villages of Chora and Dryopida: The town of Hora is one of the most traditional and ancient of all the islands. All the most beautiful hotels are here and it’s the most popular location on the island. Driopyda is a calmer place to stay, smaller than Hora and is recommended for those who prefer more privacy and tranquility
- A hike around the island will bring you to ruined castles, chapels and beaches that remain secluded even in high season
Beaches in Kythnos
In Kythnos you can meet countless small and large bays and golden beaches while touring the island. Its beaches are over 92 and are mostly sandy, but you can find others with fine or coarse pebbles. Most are accessible by car. The north coast is steeper and rockier. Generally the island has no organized beaches, so bathers find shelter from the strong sun under the friendly tamarisk trees that grow on many beaches of Kythnos.
You will find below a list of the best beaches on Kythnos island.
- Kolona is the most famous and perhaps the most beautiful beach on the island of Kythnos
- Martinakia: The beach Martinakia is the nearest beach to the port of Merichas, less than a kilometer
- Antonides: Antonides beach is located at the southeastern side of the island, the picturesque village of Panagia Kanala (Virgin Kanala)
- Skylou: Skylou beach (Dog beach) is located on the southeastern coast of the island
- Schinari: Schinari is a beach located on the east coast of the island of Kythnos in front of the homonymous small village
- Agia Irini: The beach of Agia Irini (Saint Irene beach), Kythnos, is located in front of the settlement overlooking the picturesque bay
- Agios Dimitrios: The beach of Agios Dimitrios Kythnos is the southernmost of the island
- Agios Stefanos: The beach of Agios Stefanos is located in front of the homonymous settlement and has a wonderful view
- Episkopi: The beach of Episkopi is one of the busiest beaches of Kythnos and lies in front of the homonymous settlement
- Agios Sostis: Agios Sostis is one of the most beautiful and isolated beaches of the island
- Loutra: beach of Loutra (Baths), Kythnos, is located in front of the homonymous settlement at the northeastern part of the island
- Apokrousi is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island
- Potamia: In the northwest of Kythnos, just before the beach of Agios Sostis, is the small beautiful beach of Potamia
- Fykiada: The beach of Fykiada in Kythnos is located next to the famous beach of Kolonas
- Petrousa: The beach of Petrousa in Kythnos is the most southern beach on the east side of the island
- Trivlaka Beach is a formation of three small coves with separate beaches that stretch on the west coast of Kythnos
- Kavourocheri: A beautiful beach between Skinari and Potamia. The Kavouroheri (Crabhand) extends north of the Maroulas region
- Kefalos: The northernmost beach of Kythnos and one of the smaller beaches of the island
- Styfo: The Stifo beach or beach of Styfo is located at a small bay at the southern part of Kythnos
- Agios Ioannis: At a very enclosed bay in the north-east of Kithnos lies the secluded, quiet beach of Agios Ioannis
- Flampouria: The beach Flampouri is located west of Kythnos at the the homonymous settlement of Flampouria. It consists of two separate beaches
- Gaidouromantra Beach is located in the south-eastern part of Kythnos. It is a remote beach with difficult access
- Kalo Livadi Beach is located in front of Kalo Livadi settlement, in the southeast of Kythnos
- Simoussi Beach in Kythnos is located on the southeastern side of the island, between the famous beaches of Skylos and Gaidouromandra
- Megali Ammos: In the wider bay of Kanala on the east side of the island of Kythnos, is the beach of Megali Ammos
- Lefkes Beach is located in front of the homonymous settlement on the eastern side of the island
- Alyki Beach (or Aliki) is located at the south end of Kythnos, very close to the settlement of Agios Dimitrios
- Liotrivi Beach in Kythnos is located on the eastern side of the island near the more known beach Kalo Livadi
- Naoussa: Naoussa or Aosa beach is located on the eastern side of the island
- Kouri Beach in Kythnos is the middle beach of a three beach cluster Naoussa - Kouri - Zogaki
- Zogkaki Beach is one of the most beautiful, quiet and protected from the wind of Kythnos
- Gialos: The beach is found in the central portion of the bay of Merichas, near the harbor, and is called Gialos
- Mavrianos: Kythnos' coastline with its lacy coasts has 92 small bays, coves and beaches
- Arkoudi Beach is an ideal destination for all those who want to enjoy a few moments of relaxation in calm waters
- Ammoudaki: Next to beautiful Kanala is a small and quiet beach, ready to welcome whoever discovers it
Accommodation in Kythnos
A wide range of Kythnos apartments, hotels, resorts and villas all over the island welcome you to enjoy your stay by the sea offering all the requested facilities. As Kythnos is suitable for couple vacations the option of luxury hotels is available such as rooms to let, an Airbnb or even a villa.
Most convenient hotels in Kythnos are found in Merichas (the main port) and Loutra, a popular seaside village on the northern side. These places give direct access to the beach and have nice tourist facilities, like shops, taverns, and car or bike rentals. More Kythnos hotels with nice traditional architecture are found in Chora and along the beaches.
You will find below our selection with the best hotels on Kythnos island:
- K4
- Canal Suites
- Porto Klaras
- Eneos Kythnos Beach Villas
- Arias Kythnos
- Stone Apartments
- Marietta Studios
- Wise Luxury Suites
- Cactus Suites
- Mantellina Suites
- Cape Suites
- Eternal Blue
Day trips in Kythnos
You can start your day trip adventure in the Aegean Sea from Kythnos, as there are regular ferry routes during peak season. The ferry routes Milos - Kythnos and Tinos - Kythnos are some of the most popular.
There are daily ferry crossings from Kythnos to the following islands:
