4/6/2023 0 Comments Kythera artifact![]() Completing the picture-perfect image is a traditional lighthouse, while a stone bridge connects the town to the capital’s seaport. Kapsali town, close to Chora, is framed by a forest of pines as it lines two quaint little coves. The island that boasts it’s the birthplace of the goddess of love must have a town that encompasses everything you’d look for in a romantic night out. Once you’ve explored, head to Kalami beach – remote and deserted, you’ll feel like you have the whole island to yourself. Close to the village and built into the rock of the ravine you’ll find the monastery of the Virgin Mary of the Orphan. If you’d rather begin the day sedately, take a seat under the plane trees and order breakfast from the traditional Greek café close to the village church. Here you’ll find a bubbling creek that crosses through the village – home to flocks of ducks – and then leads to a series of waterfalls (called Neraida or Fairy Falls by the locals), watermills and tropical lagoons. If you’re yearning for some outdoor adventure, head to Mylopotamos village halfway up the west coast of the island. And don’t forget to visit the Archaeological Museum that features masterpieces such as a 6th century BC marble lion and a Renaissance statue of Aphrodite and Eros. Make sure you find a place to marvel at the sunset from this height. The closer you get to the castle, the deeper you’ll travel through history as the oldest medieval and Venetian homes cling close to the castle walls. Take your time to explore this beautiful town tinged with yellow light and archwayed shadow and meander through the multitude of shops (where you can find unique souvenirs featuring the sempreviva flower) and cafes. The Venetians were so taken by its almost magical eternal quality they called it the “sempre vivere” – always alive. Found only in Kythera, this dainty yellow flower has the amazing ability to remain fresh and seemingly in bloom long after it’s been picked. And yellow is a color you’ll see splashed everywhere, in honor of the island’s mascot – the sempreviva flower. What’s truly original here is how Kythera “borrowed” the traditional Aegean backdrop of huddled whitewashed homes and then added its own finishing touches: bright yellow doorframes, orange-painted ground floor facades and sky-blue doorways. ![]() Located in the south, the town fans out in a labyrinth of narrow alleys and archways. Not-to-be-missed is the island’s capital, called Chora, which lies under the watchful eye of a sprawling 16 thC Venetian mountain-top castle. Instead of large resorts, it boasts a plethora of tucked-away villages and towns filled with locals who embrace visitors with their enthusiastic Kytherean hospitality and happily argue over where the best places are for tasting mouth-watering island dishes and house wines. Kythera has few large hotels and this has served to preserve the island’s authentic local flavor and its unique architecture that combines a gorgeous blend of Venetian, Cretan and Aegean flourishes. And this history bequeathed the island a veritable treasure trove of archaeological, cultural and architectural sites that leave tourists and locals enamored with everything Kythera has to offer. Highly coveted, it was occupied by a number of powerful civilizations ranging from the Minoans and Mycenaeans, to the Venetians, British and French. Once you set foot here, it’s easy to understand why Kythera and love become intertwined. Located off the southern coast of the Peloponnese, the island reigns at the crossroads of vital East-West sea routes in the Mediterranean and is blessed with beautiful vistas all the way to Crete and the Aegean on clear days. Hopeless romantics will feel right at home here, as ancient texts suggest that those who embrace their love on this island will unlock a secret, hidden passion. In his Iliad, Homer also mentions Kythera and the island’s strong link to the goddess of love, as the Kytherean goddess feeds love itself. Legend has it that Aphrodite (Venus), the Greek goddess of love herself, was born in the sea-foam off the coast of Kythera before being swept away to Cyprus. All this and more is what Kythera generously offers its visitors – and they inevitably fall in love with this stunning, hidden gem of an island.Īnd love is practically ingrained in the mythological DNA of Kythera island. Caves dot the shoreline, waiting to be explored. White-sand beaches hugged by cliffs invite you in for a dip. Cascading waterfalls that pool in blue-green tropical lagoons beckon you for a swim amid lush vegetation. Rugged hills and mountains perfect for hiking.
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