Discover Kythera by foot. Kythera is a mountainous island and offers routes which may astound the walker. A large network of roads and paths wind through and among the island's many hills, mountains and valleys. In the old times, without cars and when people still worked on the fields, a network of paths was used frequently to cut short times and distances. These paths still exist today, many of them overgrown or hidden by shrubs, foliage and bushes. Some paths, such as those presented below, are still in good condition and still used today by enthusiastic walkers.
Since 2000 an effort has been made by the local authorities and touristic enterprises to reinstate these paths into the island's general knowledge. After all, Kythera attracts visitors who love nature and treasure the island because it is still so pure and chaste. The paths contribute a main focus during their stay and their wanderings around the island. To the paths, therefore…
WarningThe paths of Kythera are not officially signposted, they do not have systematic markings and can harbour risks due to difficulties along the way. It is therefore recommended to take necessary measures to avoid unpleasant events. It is good to carry a small first aid kit with you. Watch out for snakes.
What to have with you
Head South from the left side of the gorge’s riverbed. After a small bridge, the road steepens. Turn right at the sign pointing out the lighthouse path. Before the lighthouse, turn left towards the West and head to Agios Nikolaos beach for a plunge in the water -the perfect opportunity to relax. Turn back in order to continue to the lighthouse. The view from there is simply breathtaking! The whole Laconian bay beckons you. Elafonissos is directly opposite. On your way back, head into the gorge to find the Vagianika settlement. Continuing upwards you will find Amir Ali fountain. Pay attention to the river which you will have to cross, as the wet stones can be slippery.
Head to the East following the beach road. Pass by Firi Ammos beach with its red pebbles and you will find yourselves at the church of Agios Nikolaos. After this you will reach the Lorentzos beach and the Kalamitsi beach, arriving at the Lake. This is the point where the Kakia Lagada canyon ends. At the delta of the extrusion, a lake is formed.
Take the road to Karavas. After the last houses there is a concrete road to the right which ends in a dirt path. You will find the church of Agios Georgios on a hill. From here you can oversee the small bay of Agia Patrikia. The hill also harbours some ruins, probably of a Byzantine settlement.
Head to the hospital. From here follow the sign towards Trifillianika. At the village’s square with the church, a sign points out the path of Paleohora. You pass by the village’s cemetery. To your left there is a downhill path. Continue until you reach the canyon’s bed and pass across diagonally. From here you continue up to Paleohora, the small Byzantine town. The view of the canyon is fantastic.
Take the road to Karavas. Outside the village turn left at a concrete road, where the sign points to Agia Marina. At the end of the road near Stavli you will find a path which brings you to the gorge. Continue until you reach Agia Marina church. From here on there is a rough path with difficult access until you reach the Ligia beach and, more Southern, the beaches Plaka and Diporos. The area is called Ohelles and harbours 10 half-ruined water mills. A swim on the beach is the best reward for your efforts to get here!
Take the waterfall’s road. You will find a sign that reads “Water Mills”. Follow the path. Now you are inside the gorge and you can see the first water mills. Follow the path and in a while you will cross a bridge. There are many waterfalls and water courses along this route. Further along, the route continues into the canyon and becomes difficult to climb. Reaching the end, you will find yourselves on the small beach of Kalami.
Start behind the village where you will find the dirt path. After a long uphill walk you will find the road which leads to the top of the mountain. This walk offers a fantastic view, especially with clear weather, as you may see, of the Peloponnese with Cape Maleas, AntiKythera and Crete with Psiloritis. The church of Agios Georgios and the Minoan top’s sanctuary are located on the mountain top.
Access the path from the small bridge on the road from Mitata to Viaradika. There is a road to the West which leads into the canyon. Walk parallel to the river’s bed, where you will meet an arched bridge. After this there is a small semi-ruined water mill. The route is crossed by several water paths, and you will see many gardens on both sides of your path. At the end of the small canyon you will find a pretty garden which joins with a dirt road. Take this road and soon at your right side you will come across a small church in a small cave, Agios Ioannis. Later on, continuing on the dirt road you will find Mavri Spilia (Black Cave). The road ends at a church which is also called Agios Ioannis and is also built in a cave. Further along you will come across the central road to the Northwest of the village. It should be noted that springs exist in Mitata and Viaradika, with man-made plateaus and spaces. Make a stop at one of these to enjoy a leisurely picnic.
Take the road towards Livadi. After the last buildings you will meet a concrete road on your left. Follow it and after a while it becomes a dirt road. Walk straight without turning anywhere until you come across a fork in the road. here, take the road to your right. Continue on with the sea to your left. At the next fork turn left until you come across a small white hut. At the left of the hut there is a path that you follow. You will reach the small church of Agia Pelagia which is built in a cave. Make a short stop to visit the small church,then return to the hut and continue walking to the West. Finally you will reach Feloti where you will see a small harbor, the beach and a small house.
Take the road to Livadi. After the last buildings you will meet a concrete road to your left. Follow it and after a while it becomes a dirt road. Walk to the east, opposite to Hora, heading to the edge of the peninsula. At the road you will see ruins of facilities which were built during the German occupation in the B’ World War. The area was used as a military base by the Germans during that time.
Take Hora’s central road after the square and head South, towards the Castle. Outside Estavromenos, take the right fork in the road. Instead of following the road, go down the stairs until you meet the asphalt. From here continue on the path to the right. In this way you will bypass the road’s turns until you find yourselves on the stone bridge. Cross it and move on towards Kapsali. Go right at the concrete road which goes downhill. Cross the entire Kapsali bay until you reach the back coast. From here keep on walking until you reach the end, where there is an ascending dirt road heading East. You reach a large clearing, a large area viewing all the Kapsali, Hitra and the sea.
On the asphalt road from Kalamos to Kapsali, on your left hand you will find an icon stand, and a road which leads to the village Spilies. Walk towards the village. Soon you will see a concrete road with a sign on a wall which points towards the cave. Follow the route. Below this a dirt road leads you inside a small gorge. At the end of the gorge you will meet a small square where the small church of Agia Sofia and the cave are located.
