Kithnos. Kythnos. Greece. Merichas. Driopida.

Kithnos

Kithnos (also known as Kythnos) has only about 1 600 inhabitants, who survive mainly on agriculture and fishing. The flat landscape (the highest mountain measure no more than 336 metres or 1 100 feet) makes it a rather anonymous island. The beaches are quite mediocre and there are no spectacular sights. However, there is something purely genuine about Kithnos that many islands lack - especially in the picturesque villages Chora and Dryopida. The people on the island are curious and friendly and show what Greek hospitality is all about.

GETTING HERE
Due to the excellent connections by ferry to both the mainland and the neighbouring islands in the western Cycladic, it is easy to go to Kithnos. The simplest route is by flight to Athens and then on by boat from Piraeus or Lavrio, south of the airport. Ordinary ferries as well as fast catamarans leave from Piraeus every day during high season.

GETTING AROUND
If you plan to stay on the main roads, a scooter will do just as fine as a car. There are very short distances. However, a car is preferable if you plan to see the smaller coastal villages. There are two rental outlets for cars and scooters in Merichas.

Dryopida.

Chora.

VILLAGES
The greatest attractions on Kithnos are the two villages Chora and Dryopida. Below is some information about a few of the villages on Kithnos, other villages are Merichas, Chora, Kanala and Loutra.

Dryopida
In my opinion, the greatest attraction on Kithnos is the old capital - Dryopida. It is a true delight to stroll through the car-free labyrinth alleys. Nothing is adapted to tourists in Dryopida. It is constantly full of surprises, it almost like being inside a living dollhouse. The village is divided into a lower and an upper part by a ravine. In the lower part the houses are worn and aged, some lie in ruins. The upper part is prettier and more alive.

BEACHES
If you are looking for long sand beaches with powder white sand, Kithnos is not for you. The beaches are OK, but no reason to run your legs off. Here is information about some of the beaches.

Martinakia
Martinakia is located at a comfortable walking distance (5-10 min) from Merichas, just around the corner on the way to Chora. The beach lies in a luxuriant green valley. There is a nice little bay with two tavernas, a couple of pensions and some shade from the tamarisks. The sand is greyish and firmly packed.

Apokroussi
A very long sand beach, surrounded by shade-giving trees, in a bay with clear and inviting water. A fertile agricultural landscape spreads out behind the beach. There are two tavernas on the further corner of the beach.

SIGHTS
Apart from the nice villages, Kithnos has no special sights. Although, the Katafiki Cave in Dryopida and the monastery Panagia Kanala (in Kanala) are worth a visit.

ACCOMMODATION
To find a place to stay is seldom a problem. The hotel touts are not so common in the harbour, at least not during the low season (which is quite long). Almost all tourists stay in Merichas (see picture on top of the page).

Apokroussi beach.

MORE ABOUT KITHNOS
Geographical location »
Map of Kithnos »
Ferry timetable »

OTHER LINKS
Kea - nearest island »
Weather in Greece »

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