+ Greek Island Kythira Page 1
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The Basics

Quick Facts: Kythira
Pronunciation Kee-thi-ra
Alternate Spelling Kythera
Transportation Ferry, Hydrofoil, small plane
Main Attractions Splendid isolation, beaches
Food Many good choices
Accommodations Many good choices

Greece Travel Greek Island of KythiraKythira Page 1

Greece Travel Greek Island of KythiraMountainous Kythira lies just off the southeastern tip of the Peloponnese in the Myrtoon Sea. It's on the way to nowhere, which is part of its attraction.

It isn't really in the Ionian Sea but seems to be categorized there for convenience. It lies between the Ionian and the Aegean Seas.

Kythira is 103 nautical miles from Piraeus and has a land mass of 278 sq. km and 52 km of coastline.

Island Features

Greece Travel Greek Island of KythiraKythira is on a limited ship route, so doesn't receive many visitors. Most of its population has emigrated to Australia leaving about 3150 residents. Over 100,000 from Kytheria now live in Australia, which the remaining Kythirian's call Big Kythira. Emigrants returning home to Kythira each summer are the bulk of the travel rush.

Tourism has not taken over the island and it remains undeveloped. There are nice coves and sandy beaches. Its capital is Hora. It has two ports, Aghia Pelagia and Kapsali.

Kythira was the source of the reddish purple dye used for royal garments by the ancients. It is made from murex shells.

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