KITHIRA
 The island of Kithira
lies opposite the eastern tip of the Peloponnese, Cape Malea. Its scenery Is unique -
rugged and dramatic, while its architecture is a blend of traditional, Aegean and Venetian
elements. Over the millennia, the winds from the surrounding seas have shaped its shores
into steep rocky cliffs punctuated by deep bays.
History
Kithira has been known since antiquity as the island of Aphrodite. At the start of the
second millennium B.C. It was a Minoan colony and in 424 B.C. it came under the sway of
Athens. Over the centuries it knew a succession of conquerors from the Romans to the
Byzantines, Venetians and Turks, and it was frequently looted by Barbary pirates. The main
town was completely destroyed in 1537 by the notorious Barbarossa. In 1717 in was rebuilt
by the Venetians and in 1864 united with the Greek state.
 Tour of the Island
Agia Pelagia: One of the Island's two main ports, it is situated on its north coast
28 kilometres from Hora. This developing resort is linked by bus with the capital and the
larger villages.
Kithira or Hora: The island's capital, built on a
hill high above the sea, is a model of Venetian defensive architecture. Its narrow streets
and fortified mansions were intended as protection against pirate raids. The town is
dominated by the Venetian castle (1503), which has a spectacular view of the Cretan sea.
The Archaeological Museum contains an important collection of Minoan vases, Mycenaean
pottery and finds from the Archaic and Classical periods.
Kapsali: The island's main tourist centre is a charming twin harbour lined by
beaches - Yialos, Sparangarlo and Kapsalaki - "in the shadow" of the Hora's
castle.
Livadi: This village lies 4 kilometres from Hora
on the main road between the capital and Kapsali. Here you can see the lovely old church
of Ayios Andreas with its 12th century frescoes. Also of interest in this area are the
monasteries of Agia Elesa (4 km. SW) and the Panayia Myrtidiotissa (7 km. W), which has a
superb view of the sea.
Mylopotamos: One of the most beautiful medieval
villages on Kithira with exemplary traditional architecture. Among the sights worth seeing
here are the miniature Venetian castle, the monastery of "the Panayia tis
Orfanis", the waterfall at Fonissa and the Cave dedicated to Ayia Sophia. You'll see
notices in Hora announcing when the church/cave is open.
Potamos (19 km. from Hora): The largest village on
the island, this is Kithira's chief marketplace. There is a Byzantine church here
dedicated to the Saints Theodore and the churches of Ayios loannis, Ayia Anastasia and the
Saviour (Sotiros) are also worth a visit for their fine icons and frescoes.
Karavas: A lonely, well-watered village, 26 km.
north of Hora. Kithira will appeal to those who are in search of a quiet holiday.
Prospective visitors should be warned that accommodation is extremely limited at the
height of summer and that the bus service between villages is not as frequent as might be
desired.
Andikithira
This small island lies 28 nautical miles south of Kithira. It was called Aigila in
antiquity and was chiefly known as a pirate lair throughout the centuries. The celebrated
statue of the "Youth of Andikithira" was found offshore. Its capital and port is
called Potamos.
How to get there
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