The Kythira Walking Tour in Greece

9 Days, Multiple Departures

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The Kythira Walking Tour in Greece
  • About
  • Gallery
  • Itinerary
  • Location
  • Things to keep in mind

Best Seller

The unspoilt nature, the quiet and sometimes completely abandoned villages, the surprising culture and the hospitable islanders make you feel that every day is a gift.

For the really enthusiastic walkers, we have developed a 9 day self-guided independent walking tour of more than 150 kilometres. In 7 routes you walk from hotel to hotel. The distance of a route varies from 19 to 26 kilometres. You walk 6 to 8 hours per day, including breaks and visits to highlights on the route. Day 6 is a day of rest in beautiful Mylopotamos village. On this day, you just do a short walk in the neighbourhood.

If you prefer to walk less days or to have more days of rest, just tell us. We will arrange your own Kythira Walking Tour. And, of course, it is possible to extend your holiday on Kythira with a stay in one of our accommodations.

About

Transfer from and to Kythira Airport and transfer of luggage on walking days

Eight nights bed and breakfast in hotel or pension (accommodation ranges from simple to luxurious)

Information pack The Kythira Walking Tour with route descriptions, information about Kythira and a detailed map (1:25.000)

Contribution to the maintenance of walking paths on Kythira

Airfare

By plane:

There are no direct international flights to Kythira. You will have to change flights in Athens and on many days it is possible to book an onward flight for the same day. Of course you can use the opportunity to stay one or more days in Athens before you come to Kythira. We can advise about accommodation and will give you useful tips about activities and excursions in the exciting Greek capital.

The direct, 40 minute flight, from Athens to Kythira is operated by Olympic Air/Aegean Air or Sky Express. From April until October these flights are usually on a daily basis, from November until March, four times a week.

We will be happy to advise you about the various options.

By boat:

If you want to take your own car, ferries leave from the following harbours to Kythira’s Diakofti Harbour:

Neapolis – Peloponnese, duration 1 hour and 30 minutes (daily)

Gythion – Peloponnese, duration 2 hours and 30 minutes (once a week)

Piraeus – (Athens harbour) duration 7 hours (twice a week)

Kissamos – Crete, duration 3 hours and 30 minutes (three times a week)

We will be happy to give you further information about schedules and, when you have booked your accommodation with us, to make a reservation for your ferry as well.

Car rentals and taxis:

Kythira doesn’t have any public transport. Therefore we advise you to rent a car in order to discover the island in a convenient and comfortable way. We cooperate with Panayotis Rent a Car – Motorent, the only car rental company on Kythira with an office at the airport and the ferry port. It’s very easy: you pay a pre-arranged fair price and you pick up the rental car upon your arrival.

If you don’t have a driving license or if you don’t want to rent a car, you can use our special taxi service. We cooperate with English speaking taxi-drivers who will meet you at the airport or ferry port. You won’t have to wait; you pay a pre-arranged price and get the best service. We will be happy to give you further information.

Food

Lunch: not included. There are shops in Agia Pelagia, Potamos and Livadi. In Mitata and Mylopotamos there are only small shops (not very well stocked).

Dinner: depending on the village, you will have dinner in a restaurant or in your accommodation. In this case, the owner will cook and you take pot luck. Dinner is not included.


Accommodation

Pensions or small family hotels, on a bed and breakfast basis. Accommodations are subject to change.

"We loved our recent Walking Tour. Frank looked after us so well. All the accommodations were perfect and our hosts in each were delightful. We enjoyed the whole island experience. In September, whilst the island was quite dry, the weather was perfect and you often felt you were the only tourist on the island."

- Kim and Murray Schlecht, Sept 2023

"A very big thank you from both Bernie and I for a wonderful week on beautiful Kythira island. We loved the scenery on the walking trails but also the warm hospitality of everyone we met along the way. We had a great day with Tasos – he is very kind and interesting. I even managed a quick swim after lunch at Avlemonas which was a nice way to get end our adventure. Best wishes and thanks for everything."

- Emma and Bernie, May 2023

"April 12-20. The eight day walking tour, north to south, created by Frank van Weerde. I’ve read all the reviews from over ten years of this hike and other similar ones in Kythira, all organized by this incredible person. I first visited Kythira in 1989 and returned in 2019, 2021 and recently in 2023 to accomplish a hike that will last with me forever. Absolutely everything the reviewers say is true. I cannot add anything more original or comprehensive. But I can say this. I have walked and driven this one of a kind island fairly extensively before this recent hike but I was rewarded in ways I could not have predicted. Kythira is hands down the most amazing Greek island I’ve visited over a span of fifty years. The walks Frank has structured and walked every inch himself, will take you into a blend of nature and village life. I cannot imagine any other island which offers the diversity of landscape and plethora of villages, close to 70. These days of hiking will bring you back for more, and believe me, the island has more to offer than one can possibly experience in 8 days. For one who has become a little jaded with Greek islands, over 40, my senses came alive from the ardors of walking in a landscape which seems far larger than the islands actual size. Spread the word to serious hikers. This is a lifetime experience. And, you will be supported in every way by a one of a kind individual. Everywhere I’ve gone in Kythira, speaking to the residents in Greek, no one is better known or more revered than Frank. Andrew Harper, United States.

Thank you Frank!"

- Andrew Harper, Apr 2023

Gallery
About The Host

We like to share our love for Kythira and our knowledge of the island with other walking enthusiasts and Greece lovers. Walking is our passion. In 2024 we will publish the 20th edition of our walking guide ‘Kythira on Foot’. The many kilometers of footpaths between the sixty villages make the green and peaceful island a unique walking paradise. We offer many walking options: individual trekking tours, guided walks, group walking holidays, and our well-known olive-picking walking weeks.

By joining one of our excursions or workshops, you will meet local Kythirians who enthusiastically talk about their island. Prepare the loveliest meals together for example or make organic olive oil soap – all these experiences will make your holiday on Kythira unforgettable.

If you are eager for excitement and adventure, you should have a look at our outdoor program with many different tours like canyoning and sea kayaking. Be inspired!

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kythira and transfer to your hotel in Agia Pelagia. To get into the mood, walk along the coast toward Limni, a small lake. Enjoy the views and the ruins.

Day 2

From Agia Pelagia to Platia Ammos (19 km)

A walk through nature, villages and hamlets. Via the hills around Agia Pelagia and the church of “Panagia Despina tou Vouno” towards Karavas. From here you cross the valley with springs and walk towards the beach of Agios Nikolaos, the Moudari lighthouse and, finally, Platia Ammos.

Day 3

From Platia Ammos to Potamos (23 km)

A day in the middle of nature. Via the hills around Karavas you walk through the impressive area of Ochelles with stunning views towards the west coast. From Ochelles you walk back inland to Potamos.

Day 4

From Potamos to Mitata (23,1 km)

A walk surrounded by history, culture and nature. You will visit the former capital Paleochora and the Osios Theodoros monastery. Via Pitsinades, Aroniadika and Kastrisianika, all picturesque villages, you continue towards Mitata.

Day 5

From Mitata to Mylopotamos (22,8 km)

You start in the middle of Kythira and walk towards the west coast. You will see the impressive Black Cave near Mitata and pass small villages with beautiful old churches, the mythological Tower of Agamemnon, the Panagia Orphani monastery until you will reach Mylopotamos.

Day 6

Around Mylopotamos (8,1 km)

An easy and beautiful walk towards the waterfall, the water mills and the Byzantine settlement of Kato Chora.

Day 7

From Mylopotamos to Livadi (24 km)

During this walk you will visit a restored windmill and the most important monastery of Kythira, the Panagia Myrtidiotissa. You walk along the pilgrimage route and continue towards the south of the island along the west coast and traditional villages.

Day 8

From Livadi to Kapsali (18,5 km)

A walk through the south of Kythira with churches in caves, Feloti Bay, the Chora capital with Venetian Castle, arriving in the scenic coastal village Kapsali.

Day 9

Departure from Kythira or extension of your holiday in one of our accommodations.

In the morning, depending on the departure time, you could do a short walk to Agia Sophia Cave (8 km).

Location
Things to keep in mind

Cancellation

If you have to cancel, you have to send us an email about the cancellation. We will send you a confirmation by email.

If you cancel your booking, we will refund:

Four weeks or more prior to arrival date: the total booking costs

Four to three weeks prior to arrival date: 75 % of the booking costs

Three to two weeks prior to arrival date: 50 % of the booking costs

Two to one week prior to arrival date: 25 % of the booking costs

Less than one week prior to arrival date: 0 % of the booking costs

Booking

If you want to make a reservation, please fill in the contact form. Please note this is not a confirmed booking yet, only an enquiry. We will check if the period you want to come is available and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Option

If you need time to think, or would like to book your flight first, please make sure to ask us for an option and we will hold the accommodation for you.

Payment

After we have confirmed by mail your booking, we ask you to pay 25 % of the total amount within 7 days.

Changes

Until four weeks prior to arrival date, you can change your booking, if availability allows. Send us an email and we will consider your request. Less than four weeks prior to arrival date, a change in the booking will be treated as a cancellation.

Period: you can start The Kythira Walking Tour every day of the week from March to June and from September to November.

Difficulty: rather difficult. Kythira is a hilly island, per walk the descent or ascension is 500 – 950 meters. The walking paths are generally good and clearly visible, sometimes they are more difficult. You should be in a good physical condition and it is preferable that you are experienced in doing self-guided independent walks.

Walking outfit: good and thick-soled walking shoes. Protection against sun, wind and rain.

Luggage: your luggage will be transferred from hotel to hotel.

ATMs: please be sure that you bring enough cash because they are only ATMs in Potamos, in Livadi and in Chora.

Assistance: We offer the service of a telephone number (24h a day/ 7 days a week) in case you need any assistance.

Responsibility: At all times, you participate in your chosen activity at your own risk. We are not responsible for any inaccuracies of the published material you will receive that, to the best of our knowledge, was correct at the time of printing. We are not responsible for death, injury, or illness of The Kythira Walking Tour participants. You need to have adequate insurance with a reputable insurer to cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, loss or damage of luggage and its contents.