Group Guided Walking Holiday in Kythira, Greece

11 Days, Multiple Departures

Show All photos
Group Guided Walking Holiday in Kythira, Greece
  • About
  • Gallery
  • Itinerary
  • Location
  • Things to keep in mind

Best Seller

This Guided Group Walking Holiday is ideal for the sporty walker who loves varied and rather strenuous walks. You stay in a comfortable hotel and you are in for good food as well during and after the walks. In addition to this, by meeting Kythirians, you will get to know the traditional and contemporary island life better.

We walk all over the island, exploring nearly abandoned villages and crossing very varied landscapes. We will be impressed by its moving history and interesting traditions and be frequently amazed by its stunning views. In the meantime we will meet friendly and hospitable islanders. Joining the group in April, you will enjoy the overwhelming beauty of flowers and herbs, in September, a dive in the still warm sea will be the best relaxation when the heather colours the hills purple.

The walking group is small and your guide Frank is personable and knowledgeable. 

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

Day 1: arrival on Kythira – possibility for a short walk along the coast to Limni
After your arrival on Kythira and transfer to your hotel in Agia Pelagia, Frank will inform you about the walking program. You will meet the other participants while enjoying a welcome drink. If time allows us, we will make a short walk to Limni. In the evening, dinner will be served in one of the seafront restaurants in Agia Pelagia.

Day 2

Day 2: Karavas – Lighthouse – Platia Ammos
The taxi will take us, in 10 minutes, to nearby Karavas. Here we visit the bakery where they bake the well known Kythirian paksimadia (olive oil rusks). We will then walk through Karavas with its many springs. Along an impressive landscape, we descend to Agios Nikolaos Bay, the North Cape. From here we climb onto a narrow goat path to Moudari Lighthouse, a former signal house and the mythological cave of Helena and Paris. Full of impressions we continue our route to the peaceful fishing village Platia Ammos. Here we will enjoy our lunch before the taxi takes us back to Agia Pelagia for dinner later on.
Distance: 13 km / Duration: 6 – 7 hours

Day 3

Day 3: Agia Pelagia – Potamos – Agia Pelagia
After breakfast we walk to Potamos, the centrally located village in North Kythira. Here we visit the traditional Sunday morning market and then walk along narrow alleys to two churches which will be opened especially for us. Before having lunch on the village square, we visit a tsipouro distillery. We walk back to Agia Pelagia along a different route. In the evening, dinner is in Agia Pelagia.
Distance: 15 km / Duration: 5 – 6 hours

Day 4

Day 4: Potamos – Paleochora – Osios Theodoros – Aroniadika
After a 10 minute transfer, we start a strenuous tour which is characterized by culture and history. Via Melitianika and Trifyllianika, we walk along an historic path to Paleochora, Kythira’s former capital. This ruined city will certainly impress us. We continue the walk in a southerly direction to Osios Theodoros Monastery, dedicated to a local saint. We walk to Pitsinades and Aroniadika where in the local kafeneion, we will enjoy our lunch. Transfer back to our hotel and dinner in Agia Pelagia.
Distance: 13.5 km / Duration: 6 – 7 hours

Day 5

Day 5: Mylopotamos – Watermills – Kato Chora – Mylopotamos
After a 20 minute transfer, we start today’s walk in Mylopotamos village square. We will visit the beautiful Greek Orthodox Church, which will be opened especially for us. We walk to the famous Neraida waterfall and follow the stream with 23 watermill ruins. We will visit the only watermill that has been restored. From the watery valley, we continue our walk to Kato Chora, a Byzantine and Venetian settlement. Back in Mylopotamos we will have a lunch underneath the plane trees. Transfer back to Agia Pelagia where, later on, we will have a light dinner.
Distance: 7.5 km / Duration: 6 hours

Day 6

Day 6: day off
Apart from relaxing in your hotel or on one of the nearby beaches, you might want to join a canyon tour or visit the olive oil workshop. More information will be given during your stay.

Day 7

Day 7: Mitata – Black Cave – Kampos – Paleopoli
The transfer to Mitata takes 20 minutes and here we start our walk to the east coast. First we will visit the mysterious Black Cave and then continue the route along old paths, past watermill ruins and through a beautiful valley with olive groves that gradually descends towards the sea. At Paleopoli we have plenty of time for a refreshing dive in the sea or to visit Minoan grave chambers. Before our transfer back to Agia Pelagia we will have lunch at Scandeia. In the evening we will join an olive oil tasting in the hotel followed by a light dinner.
Distance: 11.5 km / Duration: 6 hours

Day 8

Day 8: Livadi – Katouni – Ceramics –  Myrtidiotissa Monastery
Today’s program: culture, craft, religion and tradition. After a 30 minute transfer we start our walk in Livadi, the centrally located village in South Kythira. Apart from the British Bridge in Katouni (the longest stone bridge in Greece) we will visit the Roussos Ceramic Atelier in Kato Livadi. After lunch in Livadi we walk via one of the typical British school buildings (mid 19th century) and some beautiful hamlets to Panagia Myrtidiotissa Monastery, Kythira’s most important pilgrimage place. The taxi takes us back to Agia Pelagia where we will have dinner.
Distance: 15 km / Duration: more than 8 hours

Day 9

Day 9: Avlemonas – Agios Giorgos – Agia Moni – Kolokotronis – Diakofti
Today we return to the east part of the island. After a 30 minute transfer we start our walk in Avlemonas, Kythira’s former Venetian harbour.  Via a strenuous climb we will reach the Agios Giorgos Churches. From here we can see the Agia Moni Monastery, located on the next hill – today’s second climb. Having visited the monastery, we descend along a beautiful path to Diakofti, Kythira’s harbour. Here we will have time to relax and enjoy our lunch. Time is on our side. When we want to leave for Agia Pelagia we will call the taxi. In the evening, dinner in Agia Pelagia.
Distance: 15.5 km / Duration: 7 – 8 hours

Day 10

Day 10: Chora – Kapsali – Agia Sophia – Kalamos
The taxi will take us, in 40 minutes, to Chora where we start a nice walk along the medieval Mesa Vourgo’s small alleys. We will visit two churches and the impressive Venetian Castle. We descend along a goat path around the castle to Kapsali. In this coastal village we will visit three caves. After our lunch by the side of the bay, we continue the walk to Kalamos. Here we will visit Agia Sophia’s Cave and a very traditional kafeneion. Then it is time to go back to Agia Pelagia for our farewell dinner.
Distance: 10 km / Duration: 7 – 8 hours

Day 11

Day 11: departure
Today you leave beautiful Kythira. The taxi will take you to the airport. If you want, you certainly can stay longer. We will be happy to inform you about the possibilities.

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.

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.