Nicola’s Kythira Guidebook
Food scene
Classic Neapolitan-style pizza, quality ingredients and castle views - you can't go wrong here. Best to try and get there at sunset. Intimate setting, not ideal for large groups.
Tony's
Classic Neapolitan-style pizza, quality ingredients and castle views - you can't go wrong here. Best to try and get there at sunset. Intimate setting, not ideal for large groups.
Cafe owner Antonis offers a cozy cafe with a charming terrace and view in Kythira’s capital Hora. Inspired by his adventures in London and Paris, you’ll find brunch favourites with a twist like the poached eggs with pickled onion and dukkah, the "croffle" and a delicious handmade granola served with Kythirian thyme honey.
Fossa
Cafe owner Antonis offers a cozy cafe with a charming terrace and view in Kythira’s capital Hora. Inspired by his adventures in London and Paris, you’ll find brunch favourites with a twist like the poached eggs with pickled onion and dukkah, the "croffle" and a delicious handmade granola served with Kythirian thyme honey.
A golden oldie, Toxotis has been around since 1987. Their "eksoxiko" (rotisserie pork), "melitsanosalata" (eggplant dip), "sheftalies" (sausage without skin), and my personal favourite vithes – traditional spiral Kythirian pasta that is made in-house by the Karavousanos family (which you can purchase too p.s.) are winners in every local’s book.
Toxotis
Eparchiaki Odos kythironA golden oldie, Toxotis has been around since 1987. Their "eksoxiko" (rotisserie pork), "melitsanosalata" (eggplant dip), "sheftalies" (sausage without skin), and my personal favourite vithes – traditional spiral Kythirian pasta that is made in-house by the Karavousanos family (which you can purchase too p.s.) are winners in every local’s book.
If it’s seafood by the seashore you crave, then Magos is your go-to seafood taverna. Located on the shore of Kapsali, the traditional seafood restaurant serves up kakavia (fish soup), patatokeftedes (fried potato fritters) and of course – the catch of the day, served with seasonal veggies.
Magos
If it’s seafood by the seashore you crave, then Magos is your go-to seafood taverna. Located on the shore of Kapsali, the traditional seafood restaurant serves up kakavia (fish soup), patatokeftedes (fried potato fritters) and of course – the catch of the day, served with seasonal veggies.
I may have only been in Greece for 7 years, but I know a good souvlaki when I taste one. And lucky for us locals, Souvlaki in the town of Leivadi is quite possibly better than any souvlaki you’ll have in Athens. From their handmade pork souvlaki to their juicy chicken gyro, you’ll be coming back for more.
Souvlaki
Eparchiaki Odos kythironI may have only been in Greece for 7 years, but I know a good souvlaki when I taste one. And lucky for us locals, Souvlaki in the town of Leivadi is quite possibly better than any souvlaki you’ll have in Athens. From their handmade pork souvlaki to their juicy chicken gyro, you’ll be coming back for more.
Let’s be honest, it’s hard for anyone to tire from eating traditional Greek cuisine, but if you feel like tingling your taste buds with something new, Familia is it. Chef Giannis Voulgarakis does his best to mix modern Greek cuisine with Cretan influences and does it in the most delicious way possible. It’s extremely hard for me to pick their best dishes, so I’m just going to say - you’ll have to try them all!
8 íbúar mæla með
Familia Restaurant
Let’s be honest, it’s hard for anyone to tire from eating traditional Greek cuisine, but if you feel like tingling your taste buds with something new, Familia is it. Chef Giannis Voulgarakis does his best to mix modern Greek cuisine with Cretan influences and does it in the most delicious way possible. It’s extremely hard for me to pick their best dishes, so I’m just going to say - you’ll have to try them all!
Founded in 1975 in an old vineyard, Skandeia still serves authentic Greek cuisine using fresh, local ingredients. From gemista (stuffed tomatoes) to moussaka (baked potato and eggplant casserole) and everything in between, you’ll find it hard to forget the flavours (and the location).
9 íbúar mæla með
Skandeia
Founded in 1975 in an old vineyard, Skandeia still serves authentic Greek cuisine using fresh, local ingredients. From gemista (stuffed tomatoes) to moussaka (baked potato and eggplant casserole) and everything in between, you’ll find it hard to forget the flavours (and the location).
Mercato was one of the first bars to open in Kythira in 1984, located in Kythira’s capital Hora. Mercato has all the necessary requirements for a fun night out - great tunes, delicious cocktails and a comfortable atmosphere on balmy nights. Oh, and you’re bound to bump into a local or few.
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Mercato
Στάη Αγίας ΕλεούσηςMercato was one of the first bars to open in Kythira in 1984, located in Kythira’s capital Hora. Mercato has all the necessary requirements for a fun night out - great tunes, delicious cocktails and a comfortable atmosphere on balmy nights. Oh, and you’re bound to bump into a local or few.
Choraki
If you're looking for a place to enjoy great tunes and great cocktails, then Choraki is it.
Sightseeing
Avlemonas, a postcard-worthy coastal bay surrounded by cafes and taverns is unforgettable.
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Avlemonas
Avlemonas, a postcard-worthy coastal bay surrounded by cafes and taverns is unforgettable.
Visit the mythical waterfall of Milopotamos, Neraida (meaning fairy in Greek). This idyllic fairytale location is hidden among huge shade trees and sparkling water that fall from a height of 20 meters. Brace yourself though; the waters drop to freezing during the middle of summer.
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Milopotamos
Visit the mythical waterfall of Milopotamos, Neraida (meaning fairy in Greek). This idyllic fairytale location is hidden among huge shade trees and sparkling water that fall from a height of 20 meters. Brace yourself though; the waters drop to freezing during the middle of summer.
The stone bridge in Katouni, completed in 1826 was designed and supervised by John MacPhail himself under British command. It’s the largest stone bridge in Greece.
Katouni bridge
The stone bridge in Katouni, completed in 1826 was designed and supervised by John MacPhail himself under British command. It’s the largest stone bridge in Greece.
Religious or not, Kythira’s largest monastery Panagia Mirtidiotissa in the town of Mirtidia is a must see.
Mirtidia Monastery
Religious or not, Kythira’s largest monastery Panagia Mirtidiotissa in the town of Mirtidia is a must see.
Beaches
There’s nothing like the popular Chalkos at any time of the day for a taste of cosmopolitan flair.
Chalkos
There’s nothing like the popular Chalkos at any time of the day for a taste of cosmopolitan flair.
Fyri Ammos (Kalamos) is one of my favourites - the sun goes down at 5 p.m. and it’s a perfect spot to spend a late summer afternoon.
Firi Ammos
Fyri Ammos (Kalamos) is one of my favourites - the sun goes down at 5 p.m. and it’s a perfect spot to spend a late summer afternoon.
Kapsali, a blue flag beach is one of the main organised beaches on the island. You can hire water bikes from here to make your way to Sparagariou, another cove located across the bay which is a little harder to access by land.
Kapsali Beach
Kapsali, a blue flag beach is one of the main organised beaches on the island. You can hire water bikes from here to make your way to Sparagariou, another cove located across the bay which is a little harder to access by land.
Kaladi is one of the most photographed beaches in all of Kythira. Just be aware there's quite a "few" (by few I mean many!) stairs to access it - but it's worth it!
Παραλία Καλαδι
Kaladi is one of the most photographed beaches in all of Kythira. Just be aware there's quite a "few" (by few I mean many!) stairs to access it - but it's worth it!
Diakofti (the port) boasts turquoise waters, white sand and seaside tavernas.
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Diakofti
Diakofti (the port) boasts turquoise waters, white sand and seaside tavernas.
Melidoni
Melidoni for idyllic crystal-clear waters.
Crystal clear waters with a combination of great food with an even greater selection of craft beers. You can't go wrong!
Paralia Fourni
Crystal clear waters with a combination of great food with an even greater selection of craft beers. You can't go wrong!