Location

Kythera, a hidden gem of the Greek islands

Kythera lies between the Peloponnese and Crete.

There are cultural highlights everywhere, from Venetian castles and Byzantine monuments to architecture reminiscent of both Mani (in the southern Peloponnese) and Crete. You’ll fall in love with all the things to do in Kythera, from days spent on the beach to the leisurely pace of village life, as well as activities like hiking and canyoning and learning about traditional crafts.

Diakofti site location

The first project build, Ammos, is located just 70m from pristine coastline. Diakofti has one of the prettiest beaches in Kythera, known for its blue green water and exotic and enchanting landscape that attracts many visitors. The long beach has soft white sand and shallow water, which makes it ideal for families. It is lined by seaside taverns and a few trees that provide shade from the sun.

What to do in and around Diakofti

Restaurants & Cafes

In this captivating village, on an island known for its beautiful beaches and leisurely pace of life, there’s a feast of cafés and restaurants waiting to welcome you. Ingredients are fresh and locally sourced, and Kytherian wines are a perfect complement to the flavours of traditional and contemporary Greek cuisine – everything from the day’s freshly caught fish to calamari, octopus and lamb, and classic stuffed vegetables. Relax on a sun lounge under a beach umbrella with an aromatic coffee or a cocktail in hand, enjoy a tasty snack or settle in for a memorable meal. During peak season, be sure to make a reservation at your favourite place so you get the table with the best view.

Beautiful
Beaches

Diakofti Beach is loved for its calm turquoise water and fine white sand, perfect for families with children who love swimming and snorkelling. Amenities include sun lounges and umbrellas, and easy access to the cafés and restaurants. Paleopoli Beach, 7km from Diakofti, is one of the longest beaches. With its beautiful clear waters and mix of sand and pebbles, it’s less crowded and ideal for sunbathing, swimming and beachcombing. Avlemonas Beach is known for its natural beauty, with exceptionally clear turquoise waters ideal for underwater exploring. The beach is surrounded by rocky formations and cliffs, small coves and inlets. Kaladi Beach is enclosed by dramatic cliffs and your reward for walking down a steep path is the serenity and stunning views. Kombonada, 18km from Diakofti, is a location famed for the beauty of its natural pebble-lined beach.

Traditions of Kythera

Philoxenia (hospitality). The people of Kythera are known for their warm hospitality; locals take pride in sharing their culture and traditions – a blend of religious, cultural and everyday practices that reflect the island’s rich history. Kythera Cultural Festival is held during the summer months, with concerts, theatre performances, art exhibitions, workshops and traditional dance shows. The Wine Festival is organised in the village of Mitata, celebrating the island’s tradition of wine-making. It usually takes place in August. Traditional Music and Dance Kythera has a strong tradition of folk music, often featuring the violin, lute and bouzouki. Traditional dances, such as the syrtos and the kalamatianos, are commonly performed at festivals and celebrations.

Lakes, Caves & Springs

Kythera’s stunning landscapes include lakes, green pools, caves and springs. Exploring these natural attractions provides a rare opportunity to experience its pristine beauty and tranquillity. The emerald waters of The Green Lake near Limnionas are a drawcard for nature lovers entranced by its picturesque, untouched setting amid rugged cliffs. The Cave of Agia Sophia is one of the most famous on Kythera, thanks to its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. It’s also the site of a small chapel dedicated to Saint Sophia. Guided tours provide insights into the cave’s history and geology. Amir Ali Springs, near the village of Karavas, are part of an evocative setting with gently running water, small bridges and old water mills.

Tours &
Hikes

With such a diverse landscape and rich history, Kythera offers many tours and hikes to delight its visitors. Cultural and Historical Tours typically include visits to important sites such as the Venetian Castle in Chora, the Archaeological Museum of Kythera and traditional villages. Boat Tours around the island’s coastline often include stops at secluded beaches, sea caves and small islets. Wine and Olive Oil Tours are also very popular, often including tastings. Hikes can take you through scenic villages, along lush river valleys and past impressive waterfalls. Other hikes lead to an ancient Byzantine city; or provide panoramic views of the sea; lead you on a journey through history to impressive ruins and memorable landscapes.

Historical
Sites

Myths and historical magic abound on Kythera, starting with the Venetian Castle of Hora in the south with its panoramic views of the Myrtoan, the Cretan and the Ionian seas. Building began in the 13th century, with most happening in 1503. Inside is a large watertank with domes and arches, stately two-storey houses, the command post which today houses the Historical Archive of Kythera and the church of Panagia Myrtidiotissa. Other notable sites include the Minoan Peak Sanctuary, the fortress of Avlemonas Castle, the monastery of Panagia Myrtidiotissa which is the spiritual centre of Kythera and the 12th century castle town of Paleochora in the north-west, built by Monemvasites – surrounded by a deep and steep canyon making it a natural fortress.

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