Have you heard of Kythira? ✈️

Hey traveler!

I know, I know… you’re still waiting for the Athens guide I promised you last week.

But it turns out my graphic design skills need a bit polishing up before I can give you the full gist of my personal spots in Athens that you can experience for free.

So while I have you waiting, I though what better than to I’d introduce to a tiny island with a big heart you’ve probably never heard of:

Kythira!

If your summer is all about Mykonos-level parties, Kythira might not seem like your scene—or maybe it's exactly what you need to balance out those wild nights with some soulful solitude.

Here’s what we’ll get into today:

• Where is Kythira?

• What is special about Kythira?

• Should you visit?

Your Local in Greece,

— Efi

Where is Kythira?

The birthplace of Aphrodite.

Born from love and devoted to love...

Although technically part of the Ionian islands (these are the ones in the Ionian Sea to the west of mainland Greece,) Kythira has found itself slightly misplaced. 

It rests just off the southern tip of the Peloponnese, rather than with its Ionian siblings.

If you're island hopping through the Cyclades, reaching Kythira will be a bit of a detour, as it sits further to the south. However, if your journey begins from the mainland, all it takes is a 60-minute ferry ride from the port to step into the warm Kythirian soil.

Thinking back to my first time on Kythira versus the latest trip, not much has changed. And maybe that’s what I love most about it.

While the rest of the world fusses over 'progress', racing to build, to improve, to hustle, Kythira just... stays. It’s that perfect slice of untouched paradise, a haven of peace in our fast-paced world.

I found this article from back in 2015, that proves this exact point. It’s still very much relevant to what Kythira has to offer today, since it’s all about the untouched nature and authentic hospitality that the people are craving to dish out.

What makes Kythira special?

The first time a local told me that Kythira is where the goddess of pure love rose from the sea foam, I wasn't surprised. It all just clicked. 

Within a few hours of landing here, I could literally feel my stress melting away.

The streets are so calm, and there's this quiet in the air that’s just different. It’s like the island itself is working magic, healing you just by being there.

Kythira is truly something special.

It’s a wild mix of rugged cliffs, slopes, gorges, and waterfalls, all cradling historical treasures that transport you back to Venetian times and beyond.

And the beaches? Absolutely pristine. The water’s cool and refreshing—perfect for a dip and not too cold, shallow enough for kids to splash around safely with pebbles underfoot.

And oh, how romantic it is.

The quiet gives you all the space in the world—to think, to feel, to connect. Just you, the island and anyone else you hold close. 

I've actually written an article on exactly that topic.. the art of slow living. Spoiler alert: Kythira is in it. 

Is Kythira for you?

Wondering if Kythira should be your next vacation spot?

As I've mentioned before, Kythira is a gem of an island, but let’s be honest, it’s not everyone’s cup of sea water.

If any of the descriptions below sound like you, then you might just fall head over flip-flops for Kythira:

✅ You’d rather wake up to birds singing than to your alarm blaring the latest pop chart-topper.

✅ You’re happiest in the great outdoors and thrive on adventures in raw, unspoiled nature—bugs, mud, and all.

✅ The absence of a midnight snack joint doesn’t send you into a panic. In fact, a quiet night under the stars is your idea of perfect.

✅ You’d prefer to have your feet buried in the sand at a local taverna than be stuffed into a tux or heels at a swanky, overpriced restaurant.

✅ You're a hopeless romantic. If you could, you'd write love letters in the sand.

✅ You're looking to press pause, breathe deep, and let go of city stress like a bad TV show.

If these ring true, pack your bags (and maybe a good book or two). Kythira isn't just calling—it's practically serenading you!

I hope you liked today’s island spotlight and I can’t wait to bring more unique destinations like this to your inbox!

If you have a specific place you’d like to see featured or more ideas for our newsletter, I’m all ears.

Catch you next time! ✈️

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