WHERE TO STAY

In July and August the tourist season is in full swing on the island, so it’s better to book several months in advance if you wish to visit Kythira during summer months. The rest of the year, finding accommodation should not be an issue.

Filoxenia Apartments This modern, minimal boutique hotel is situated right by the sea and has a swimming pool. Double rooms from €70 per night, breakfast included. Aghia Pelagia • Tel. (+30) 27360.33.100 • www.filoxenia-apartments.gr

Athena Hotel This small hotel has 11 cozy rooms with large balconies. Doubles from €70 per night, breakfast included. Mylopotamos • Tel. (+30) 27360.31.942 • www.athena-hotel.gr

Portari Houses The complex comprises four independent architectural gems, one of which in a traditional, renovated building. All four harmoniously combine traditional architecture and modern design. Rates from €110 per house. Aroniadika • Tel. (+30) 27360.33.398 • www.portari-houses.com

Nostos Guesthouse This 19th-century listed hotel comprises seven unique, antique furnished rooms. Double rooms from €80 per night, breakfast included. Mylopotamos • Tel. (+30) 27360.31.056 • www.nostos-kythera.gr

El Sol Hotel Built in accordance with the traditional Cycladic architectural style, featuring the trademark blue and white arches, the hotel offers rooms with a view. Double rooms from €90 per night. Kapsali • Tel. (+30) 27360.31.629 • www.elsolhotel.gr

WHERE TO EAT

Eating in Kythira is always an experience for all senses. The quality of food in the tavernas is of a very good standard. Some of them use their own products, or local farmers’ products.

O Platanos With tables in a courtyard under the soothing shade of trees, this traditional café serves good coffee, a selection of local dishes and is an ideal refuge from the summer heat. Mylopotamos • Tel. (+30) 27360.33.397

Filio Local dishes including tiganopsomo (fried cheese bread), eggplant xinohondro (Cretan dried hard wheat mixed with sour milk), traditional chicken casserole with pasta and Kythira wine are served on a spacious terrace, full of flowers. Kalamos • Tel. (+30) 27360.31.549

Manolis Situated by the sea, this restaurant offers traditional kakavia (fish soup), psarokaltsouni (cheese and fish pie), patatokeftedes (potato balls), melitzanosalata (eggplant dip), saganaki fried cheese and delicious roast lamb. Diakofti • Tel. (+30) 27360.33.748

Skandia This family restaurant with its welcoming courtyard offers an interesting selection of specials as well as grilled fish and meat. A great choice after swimming at the nearby beach. Paleopoli • Tel. (+30) 27360.33.700

Panaretos Situated in Potamos’ charming main square, this old-fashioned taverna serves traditional dishes prepared with local ingredients. Potamos, • Tel. (+30) 27360.34.290

ENTERTAINMENT

Small cafés and bars are very welcoming. Good music and the sound of the sea complete the idyllic scenery.

Fossa This cozy café, which has a charming terrace with a view, serves a selection of homemade desserts, including sublime cheesecake, orange cake and lemon cake. Chora • Tel. (+30) 27360.31.991

Arachtopolio Situated in the quietest spot of Avlemonas, the lower cove, the café serves coffee in the daytime before transforming into a laid back bar in the evenings with cocktails, drinks, Latin and ethnic music. Avlemonas • Tel. (+30) 6977.081.023

Koukos The bar offers a panoramic view of the castle and the sea. Kapsali • Tel. (+30) 27360.31.983

Fox Anglais Standing out from the many bars lining Kapsali’s seaside pedestrian street, Fox Anglais is open until the wee hours and has become a popular, fun-loving meeting point. Kapsali • Tel. (+30) 27360.31.922

GETTING THERE

Flying from Athens airport is the easiest way to get to Kythira.

Olympic Air Tel. (+30) 801.801.0101 • www.olympicair.com operates daily 50-minute flights, with single tickets starting at €81. Prices vary from high to low season.

Lane Sea Lines Tel. (+30) 27360.37.055 operate a boat service from the port of Piraeus on Wednesdays and Fridays. Single tickets for the eight-hour journey start at €24.

Most visitors choose to go by car or use the KTEL long-distance bus service Tel. (+30) 210.51.24.913 that takes them to Neapoli in Laconia, from where it is a pleasant 1½-hour ferry crossing to Kythira Tel. (+30) 27340.24.004.