Current as of: March 28, 2024 - 11:02

Walking on Kythnos Island – Premium

Walking on Kythnos Island - Premium Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
  • Programmes: Walking & Trekking
  • Activity Level:

    3 out of 7 - Moderate

  • 7 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 12+
  • Trip Code: W06KP

Trip Overview

Discover the Greek Island of Kythnos

Kythnos has all the extraordinary beauty and charm that we associate with the Greek Islands, but without the hustle and bustle of the popular tourist spots. Certainly, one of the lesser-known Cycladic Islands, Kythnos is one of the closest to the mainland and is renowned for its striking landscapes, golden sunsets, traditional architecture, ancient archaeological sites, and of course, its joyful community of welcoming locals. Fishermen provide the island with fresh fish every day and the lands are cultivated with care and love as the community provides exquisite products like the well-known thyme honey.

Full of exceptional walking trails, this trip will take you to the most beautifully sandy beaches with clear waters, across wild countryside, and past ancient settlements with uninterrupted ocean views. You’ll visit the excavation site of a 2,500-year-old ancient city, the ruins of an intriguing Byzantine castle set on a spectacular headland, and even natural hot springs by the beach.

Your accommodation on Kythnos is authentically Cycladic with beautiful white stone walls and a central courtyard to bask in the Greek sunshine. You have the option to stay in traditional Greek studios on Kythnos, please quote W06KY for prices.

Your last night in spent in the port town of Lavrio on the mainland. Located just 150m from a lovely sandy beach, your beautiful hotel has an outdoor pool and poolside restaurant for you to enjoy. You can also visit the nearby Poseidon temple during your stay in Lavrio.

Highlights

  • Explore the remains of castles, churches, and one of Greece's largest caves
  • Stay in the heart of the island in tranquil accommodation, eating at traditional tavernas
  • Immerse yourself in the authentic Cycladic way of life with astonishing beaches and architecture

Adult min age: 12

Itinerary

Land Only

  • Start City: Lavrio
  • End City: Lavrio

Flight Inclusive

  • Start City: London
  • End City: London

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Athens and transfer to Kythnos Island

Arrive in Athens and transfer to Lavrio port for an afternoon ferry to Kythnos (approx. 2hrs). Transfer to your accommodation in Hora, the capital of Kythnos Island, where you can enjoy dinner in a traditional Greek taverna.

Overnight Chora Suites, Kythnos.

Day 2
Walk to Vryokastro Ancient City Excavation

To begin your Greek getaway, your first walk takes you from Hora to Diassela where the two popular beaches of Episkopi and Apokrousi invite you in. But first, you walk up to Vryokastro, a 2,500-year-old ancient city where excavations have uncovered temples, public buildings, and a port! Head back to Apokrousi beach for a leisurely lunch break and a swim in the clear waters – there are also sea kayaks available to rent here. There’s an optional 2km walk to the iconic crescent shaped Kolona Isthmus beach should you wish to visit. Your afternoon takes you through a lush valley back to Hora.

Please note: a guide is required for the excavation tour which is included with your trip.

Overnight Chora Suites, Kythnos.

Distance covered: 7mi (11km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
Orias Castle, Prehistoric Settlements, and Hot Springs

Leave your hotel in Hora and head towards Loutra port up to Orias Castle. Here you can explore the remains of a Byzantine Castle with incredible views across to Kea Island. The castle was destroyed by the Turks in 1570, though some churches remain. You pass a 10,000-year-old Neolithic prehistoric site before reaching Loutra port with its hydrotherapy centre and hot springs running onto the side of the beach. Return to your accommodation in Hora.

Overnight Chora Suites, Kythnos.

Distance covered: 9mi (14km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4
Walk to Dryopida's Katafiki Cave via washhouses to Kanala

Today begins with a transfer to Dryopida, the second largest village on the island. Your walk begins at Katafiki cave, one of Greece’s biggest caves which contains stalagmites and stalactites as well as the remains of iron ore mining activities from the last century. Continue through the pedestrianised village to Panaghia Stou Mathia with washhouses that were used up until the 1970’s. Follow the coastal path to the religious site of Kanala and a nearby beach before transferring back to Hora.

Overnight Chora Suites, Kythnos.

Distance covered: 4mi (6km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5
Aghios Ioannis & Aghios Stephanos

From Hora, you follow the path to an old monastery and across picturesque valleys to Aghios Ioannis beach, only accessible by foot, boat, or a 4×4 vehicle. Using a short unmarked coastal path, you can reach Aghios Stephanos for lunch, a swim, or even a snorkel. Follow a track uphill through oak trees and another valley before reaching your accommodation in Hora.

Overnight Chora Suites, Kythnos.

Distance covered: 6mi (10km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
Walk via Flambouria beach to Kythnos port

Check out of your accommodation before transferring to Aghios Konstantinos towards the south of the island. Here, you can take a short walk to Flambouria beach along well-crafted stone steps built in the 1960’s for mules. From the end of the beach, you walk uphill and into the valley to Merichas port to try the island’s only professional producer’s wine. Take the ferry back to Lavrio where you’ll spend your last night in this lovely port town. You can visit the beach, have a swim, and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Overnight Hotel Saron, Lavrio.

Distance covered: 4mi (6km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7
Depart for home

Transfer from your hotel in Lavrio back to Athens airport.

Accommodation

Chora Kythnos Suites, Kythnos

Nestled in a charming Cycladic setting, these luxurious suites provide a serene escape with stunning views over the inspiring landscape. The outdoor pool is lined with comfortable sunbeds and umbrellas along with a laid-back pool bar. There’s an onsite sauna and gym area, in addition to a traditional kitchen serving a delicious breakfast.

Please note: Chora Kythnos Suites aren’t open in April – May or October, in which case our alternative Hotel Messaria will be booked.

Hotel Saron, Lavrio

Your last night is spent in Lavrio in Mainland Greece near to Cap Sounio. Just 150m from a lovely sandy beach, Hotel Saron also has its own swimming pool for you to relax in. Their poolside restaurant serves excellent Greek cuisine for breakfast and dinner.

What To Take

Practical Information

Visa

Greece

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Greece. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/greece
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/greece
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Greece.html

Vaccinations and Health

Greece

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

Greece's time zone: Europe/Athens (UTC +02:00)

Electricity

Greece's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Money

Greece's currency: Euros (EUR)

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here