Kithnos is located in the West Cyclades, and it is not as popular as other islands in the Cyclades. The island offers tourists both gentle and dramatic sceneries that will blow your mind. The island is also surrounded by beaches that you can explore. It is a perfect destination to go on a yacht charter Greece if you are looking for a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. There is a wide range of activities that you can try out in Kithnos, from relaxing on the beaches to hiking around the island.
The seemingly extensive fragmentation of Kythnos coast, about 104 kilometers long, creates 92 bays, coves and beaches, making the circumnavigation of the island a wonderful experience. Along the 36 nautical miles which constitute the perimeter of the island, you will discover beautiful landscapes, swim in pristine waters and lie on sandy beaches with most of them protected from the Meltemia (northern summer winds).
As it is 52 nautical miles from the port of Piraeus and just 26 from Lavrio, the island of Kythnos is a popular destination for those who love excursions at sea.
About Kithnos
- Panagia Kanala → Panagia Kanala is one of the best churches that you will find in Kithnos. You will find the church in a picturesque location, and it also serves as a fine example of the types of churches in Greece. The church is among the top destinations on the island, and it offers photo opportunities for tourists.
- Kythnos Hot Springs → Kithnos is popularly known for its hot springs, and it attracts visitors from all over the world. You will enjoy the spring because they are warm and inviting and offer mesmerizing sceneries.
- Apokrousi Beach → This is a family-friendly beach to go to in Kithnos. It is a great destination to chill out as it is equipped with a bar, sunbeds, and umbrellas.
- Kolona Beach → This is a mind-blowing beach which is even more stunning than in pictures. The beach does not have natural shades on the beach, but you will love its spectacular scenery.
- Merikas → The harbour of Merikas lies on the W side of the island, five miles S of the cape of Ak Kefalos at its northern tip. The main harbour used by the ferry boats, Merikas lies at the SE end of the bay of the same name and offers reasonable protection from the meltemi, which mainly gusts here from the NE. Visiting yachts can moor stern/bows to the quay (or even alongside in quiet periods) SE of the short ferry jetty, where depths are 3.0 – 5.0 metres and the holding good in sand and mud. Shelter is good in the prevailing NE winds, which blow a yacht off the quay, but poor with anything W in the wind. Strong westerlies would probably make the harbour untenable. The surroundings here are not very attractive, but Merikas is a useful port of call when strong NE winds make a passage round Ak Kefalos challenging.There are several tavernas and a minimarket ashore. Buses go from here regularly to the Chora two miles uphill to the NE.
- Loutra → The harbour of Loutra is on the NE side of the island and is somewhat more yacht-friendly than the main ferry harbour. Although the prevailing NE winds blow down into the bay and cause a pronounced swell, the harbour, situated at the extreme W end of the bay, escapes much of the worst. The harbour is defined by a long NE breakwater with an L-shaped extension and, on the SW side, by a short jetty filled with local small craft. It is quite small, and yachts are advised to prepare anchors, lines and fenders before entering in view of the limited space to manoeuvre. Yachts can moor in one of three positions: stern/bows-to the quay of the NE breakwater using their anchors, where there is space for around 12 yachts; alongside the inside of the L-shaped extension, where there is space for two yachts; or alongside the outside of this extension, where there is room for four yachts. The last position experiences some swell with strong NE winds and is very uncomfortable in gales from this direction. The remaining positions afford very good shelter in all winds. There are plentiful water and electricity points along the quays. Toilet and shower is in marina office building, but it is not obvious if public.There is a hot mineral spring known from ancient times. Visitors can take relaxing batch in freely accessible hot water bathtub opposite to the harbour (S end of the beach). Water contains iron that was also mined on the island – see remains of loading gantry N to the harbour. You can contact the harbourmaster Kostas at +30 (6948) 789623Beautiful Chora is reachable by taxi or 1½hour trip.
- Fikiadha → Fikiadha is a beautiful anchorage, and is very well protected from both the meltemi and southerlies. Depending on the prevailing wind, anchor either on the N or S side of the little cove. Be careful, because there is weed at the bottom and sometimes anchors give the appearance of having caught but come undone when strained by a strong gust. Always check the anchor by snorkeling.If the anchorage is full, you can drop your anchor near the NW and take a line to the N shore.There is now a restaurant over the sandbar. Its food is of an indifferent quality.
- Kolimpithres → Kolimpithres or Kolona is E of the sand bar which separates it from Fikiada is also a very attractive anchorage. It is very well protected from both the meltemi and southerlies. On a small beach on the N side of the cove, there is a hot spring in the shape of a small bathtub where you can relax. Unfortunately, it is very popular with motor cruisers from Athens during the summer weekends.Anchor to the S and take a line to a rock on the N shore. The bottom is weed and not always good holding. Drop the anchor on a sandy patch and always check the anchor by snorkeling.
- Apokrousis → This cove is just E of Fikiada (sometimes it is referred as Apokrisis or Apokriosis). It is well protected. Be careful, because there is weed at the bottom and sometimes anchors give the appearance of having caught but come undone when strained by a strong gust. Anchor in 4.0 metres and check the anchor by snorkeling.
- Ayia Irene → This is a deep inlet at the SE end of the bay of Loutra. A yacht can anchor here in 3.0 – 6.0 metres and take a line ashore to rings in the rocks on the N side of the inlet. Shelter here is reasonably good in moderate winds, though a swell comes in with strong NE winds.
- Ayios Stefanos & Ayios Ioannis → These two bays are on the E coast of the island. They provide good shelter from the meltemi.
- Episkopis → Open to the W. Swell enters with the meltemi. Good only in calm weather.
