The 9 Best Beaches on Kythira Island in Greece

These are the top beaches on Kythira island in Greece that are sure to make you swoon.

Kythira is an unsuspectingly beautiful island just south of the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece. From Kythira’s beaches to its arsenal of medieval ruins, the island awaits those who are looking for an adventure.

The best word to describe Kythira is wild, but in the finest way possible.

On Kythira, you will not find tourists stomping on blue roof tops at sunset or €1 key chains being sold on each corner. Due to its isolated location that’s off the radar for most visitors, Kythira remains genuinely and authentically preserved.

In this guide, you will find helpful tips for visiting the island of Kythira in addition to a list and map of its best beaches.

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Is Kythira, Greece Worth Visiting?

You’ve heard of Crete, you’ve heard of Mykonos and you’ve heard of Santorini. Chances are, you haven’t heard of Kythira and that’s a darn shame. For the most part, Kythira is simply overlooked and not because it’s not worthy of seeing.

Kythira is overshadowed, particularly when travellers are looking for a Greek island holiday. Most people will likely stick to the more popular Cyclades or Ionian Islands in the west.

This leaves Kythira out of the typical tourist’s loop and instead, welcomes those looking for a much quieter and authentic slice of paradise. 

In this case, being disregarded over other options has its many advantages and is without a doubt the top reason for visiting Kythira. Since it is lesser known, Kythira is first and foremost not flooded with tourists.

Comparatively, crowds are kept to a minimum which is an ideal scenario for enjoying a peaceful vacation. In today’s world, I think we can all agree that too many people can ruin a good thing.

Aside from its hidden gem stature, Kythira is purely stunning. If visiting beautiful places is of any interest to you, you will not be disappointed upon witnessing all that Kythira has to offer.

The mesmerising coastline, quaint countryside and historic sites are just some components which add to Kythira’s overall beauty. Kythira beaches are a reason on their own for visiting the island.

From picturesque rocky coves to golden sand crescents, you’ll find everyone’s definition of a perfect beach on Kythira.

Since Kythira is off the beaten track for many tourists, the island is much more authentic, affordable and enjoyable without the crowds you’d find on more famous Greek islands.

Practical Information for Visiting Kythira Island

The real reason why you’ll never find the best Greek island is because they are all slightly different, contrary to what hopeful travellers may think. What this means is that there isn’t just one island which suits any and all types of visitors. Stereotype busted, right?!

For example, if you are looking for an island to party the night away, we’ll stop you right here. Kythira is not a Greek island known for nightlife. Instead, it reigns supreme in other departments!

If you are still undecided on which Greek island is most suitable for your trip, below are some details about Kythira which may help influence your trip planning.

🌺 Read More: Where to Stay on Kythira – Best Villages and Hotels

Kythira Is Most Ideal For:

• Families with children
• Couples
• Beach bums
• Anyone seeking a quiet and peaceful getaway

Travel Tips for Visiting Kythira

• The island has a few different ways to spell its name which can get confusing at first if you’re not aware. It can be called: Cythera, Kythira, Kythera, Kithira and Κυθηρα in Greek.
• The best way to get around Kythira is by car. If you are not driving your own car, renting a car in Kythira can be very affordable and truly the only way to experience the island properly. 
• Many Kythira beaches are only accessible by dirt roads. To ensure your car will make it, find some photos of the road beforehand on Google Maps. Additionally, the tips in this post will help you identify some easily accessible Kyhira beaches!
• There is one main road which leads from the north end to the southern coast of the island. Getting from point a to point b takes a bit of time so plan accordingly.
• Avoid shopping at mini markets near beaches. These tend to be expensive and geared towards tourists. Stick to bigger grocery store chains such as AB (Alfa-Beta) for wider selections and lower prices. 
• Opposed to more heavily frequented Greek islands, English is not as commonly spoken on Kithira island. Learning a few phrases in Greek and being patient with locals will go a long way.

Kythira Map of Beaches and Attractions

9 Beautiful Kythira Beaches

1. Baths of Venus

This is a beach everyone must see while visiting Kythira. It is picture perfect, charming and quintessential Kythera. The Baths of Venus is a slim rocky cove with crystal waters and is the perfect place to spend a couple of hours.

Particularly if you’re into diving, you couldn’t ask for better cliffs to jump off. If you ask us, a dip at the Baths of Venus is one of the best ways to wake up in the morning.

There are also ladders built into the rocks if you’re not keen on plunging head first into the water.

Getting to Baths of Venus: You’ll find the Baths of Venus in the village of Avlemonas on the eastern coastline. The entire route and roads to reach Avlemonas is paved and parking for the beach is available in the town’s streets, for free. If street parking is full, you can park in the dirt lot here.

Type of Beach: A narrow bay with a petite section of sand. Most of the seating at Baths of Venus is on flat rocks which line the cove. Spending the morning or evening here will ensure natural shade on either side of the cove but there is no shade during the day.

🛌 Where to Stay Near Baths of Venus: Avlemonas Bay Sea Houses or Anastasia Studios

2. Diakofti Beach

Upon arriving by ferry, the island greets you with a jaw dropping scene to start your trip. Conveniently, you don’t have to travel more than one minute from the ferry port to reach Paralia Diakofti, which is one of the most scenic Kythira beaches.

As an added bonus, there is a wondrous Nordland shipwreck which can be seen from shore. To avoid crowds at the main beach area, check out the smaller and private cove here.

Getting to Diakofti Beach: If you’re arriving by ferry, you need to cross just one short bridge before arriving at Diakofti Beach in less than two minutes. Coming from Kythira’s inland on the main road is also straightforward and paved the entire way. Many free parking lots and street parking spots surround the area.

Type of Beach: There are a couple of sections which make up Diakofti Beach but they are all sandy with shallow entrances. Certain areas are serviced with lounge chairs and umbrellas for rent. On either far side of the beach, you will find free places to sit with your own towel. 

🛌 Where to Stay Near Diakofti Beach: Hotel Porto Diakofti or Kythira Golden Resort

3. Paralia Kaladi

It doesn’t take long to see why Paralia Kaladi is perhaps the most iconic of Kythira beaches. The breathtaking view from above is enough to make anyone eager to visit this beach.

With exquisitely blue and warm water, the beach is also large enough for you to find a spot without neighbours. There are caves to explore, cliffs to jump off and shallow water to wade in. 

Getting to Paralia Kaladi: There are two Paralia Kaladi beaches you will see on Google Maps. One is easily accessible by a paved road and one hefty set of stairs. This is the correct one and is named Παραλία Καλαδί which is made up of two coves, divided by a gigantic rock.

For parking, you will see a sign for Kaladi Canteen which has a big dirt lot. This lot is paid and may be your only option if you arrive later in the day. By arriving earlier, you’ll have the chance to park at the top of the stairs here for free.

Make sure you are not headed to this beach as it’s only accessible by boat or a rough dirt road.

Type of Beach: For the most part, Paralia Kaladi is a “wild” beach and there are no sun beds, bars or bathrooms. Prepare for a steep stair climb back up to your car so do not pack too much with you. The beach is made of small pebbles and suitable for laying on.

🛌 Where to Stay Near Paralia Kaladi: Kaladi Rock Resort or Palaeopoli Villas

4. Chalkos Beach

Chalkos beach is one of the more renowned Kythira beaches and attracts those interested in a serviced beach. For roughly €10, it’s worth renting two sun beds and umbrellas as there is little to no natural shade.

A small section of the already petite beach is open for free visits, meaning you bring your own towel or umbrella. Chalkos Beach is unquestionably worth visiting for the pristine water and amusing snorkel action. 

Getting to Chalkos Beach: The road to reach Chalkos Beach is curvy but paved and manageable with any car. There is a big free parking lot which leads you straight to the entrance of the beach.

Type of Beach: Services are available such as lounge chairs, umbrellas and changing booths. Food and beverages are also available. It is a small pebble beach with an easy entrance that’s suitable for children.

🛌 Where to Stay Near Chalkos Beach: Villa Spilies or Emmanouil

5. Paralia Paleopoli

Paralia Paleopoli is a reliable option for a successful beach visit, any time of the day. If you arrive “after hours” then there is the possibility to use the leftover umbrellas and loungers for free.

We noticed that the typical visitors of this beach consisted of mostly local folks getting their daily swim in before bed time.

If you are travelling with a dog, you’ll be pleased to know that dogs roamed as they pleased here. 

Getting to Paralia Paleopoli: From the main road, ample parking is available along the street. It is positively one of the easiest Kythira beaches to access and requires minimal walking.

Type of Beach: Large stretch of beach comprised of fine and small pebbles. The water is calm with a safe entrance for all ages. There are many free areas for bringing your own umbrella. A small section is paid with loungers for rent and operated by Piatsa Beach Bar in peak season.

🛌 Where to Stay Near Paralia Paleopoli: Kasi’s Nature Home or Villa Venus

6. Paralia Kalami

Paralia Kalami is one of the top hidden gems when it comes to Kythira beaches. This means it’s absolutely incredible but it’s also no easy to feat to reach and may include a rope climb. If you are not travelling with kids or pets, it’s unquestionably worth the trek from Milopotamos.

The beach sits at the mouth of a canyon and is a prime example of a wild beach. For anyone looking to visit one of the most special and unspoiled places on the island, this is the spot for you.

Getting to Paralia Kalami: There is a paved road from Milopotamos which leads to a church here. This is where you’ll park your car and begin the walk down to the beach. The first half of the hike is on a dirt road, takes 15 minutes and isn’t challenging.

It begins to get tricky once you need to descend down the modest cliff. A rope is provided to conquer the last few metres down, if you need it.

Type of Beach: A mix of sand and fine pebbles. Paralia Kalami is flat and ideal for an umbrella and towel setup. It is a free and wild beach with no bathrooms, drinks or loungers.

🛌 Where to Stay Near Paralia Kalami: Axion Studios or Guest House Pitsinades

7. Limnionas Beach

Getting to Limnionas Beach is part of the beach’s attraction. The curvy and narrow road that leads to the beach is packed with one panoramic view after another. Upon arriving, you’re greeted by the lovely and somewhat secluded cove of Limnionas Beach.

The narrow bay is still, perfect for snorkelling and equipped with shade from the trees which line the beach.

Getting to Limnionas Beach: From the village of Kato Chora, follow the paved (and only) road down the mountain. The journey is not difficult but it’s advised to drive slowly and carefully as the road is barely wide enough to accommodate two vehicles passing each other. Upon arriving, there is easy parking right at the entrance of the beach.

Type of Beach: Small pebble beach with natural shade. During peak months, there is a canteen selling snacks and beverages. A bathroom is also available year round.

🛌 Where to Stay Near Limnionas Beach: Kapetan Manwlis or Athena Hotel

8. Paralia Likodimou

Paralia Likodimou is unlike any other beach on the island. After enduring a narrow and steep road, you’re met with a secluded beach below a red cliffside.

The scenery is incredibly unique compared to other Kythira beaches and refreshing to experience something a little different.

It is a wild beach, less frequented and naturally beautiful. Snorkeling is an absolute must here!

Getting to Paralia Likodimou: Although the route to get here can look intimidating with its many twists and turns, the road is paved and accessible with any car.

Upon arriving, there are a handful of parking spots but not an abundance. If the beach is full, you may need to park further up the road.

Type of Beach: A narrow stretch of small pebble beach is available underneath the cliff which also provides shade. Another area to sit is available on the opposite side and on the manmade concrete surface instead.

There is a small beach head there for easy access but there’s also the possibility of jumping in. There are zero services available so bring your own goodies!

🛌 Where to Stay Near Paralia Likodimou: Old Village Apartment or Kastraki Art Houses

9. Paralia Kaki Lagkada

On the north end of the island, you’ll find many hotels and restaurants surrounding the popular beach of Paralia Agia Pelagia. Instead, and if you are interested in having a beach nearly all to yourself, head a bit further past Pelagia.

As you drive south on this road, you’ll notice a handful of gorgeous beaches for your choosing on the lefthand side. This is how we found this empty chunk of beach next to Paralia Kaki Lagkada which ended up being our own private oasis for the afternoon.

Getting to Paralia Kaki Lagkada (the smaller one): Before arriving at the gorge and “green lake” of Kakia Lagada, there are a couple of beach heads along the route. Paralia Kaki Lagkada is the largest one but there is a smaller one right before it located here.

The small beach just before Kaki Lagkada is far better, in our opinion. It is not necessarily secluded but it is substantially lesser known, so much so that it doesn’t even have a proper name.

Parking is available off the main road, just above. A short walk down the hill will get you directly to the beach.

Type of Beach: Fine pebbles, suitable to stick an umbrella in. Entrance to the beach is shallow and water is classically crystal clear. There are no services on the beach but it is a short drive to Pelagia for bars and restaurants.

🛌 Where to Stay Near Paralia Kaki Lagkada: Anesis Hotel or Venardos Hotel

More Places to See in Kythira

Naturally, it makes sense to choose an island as a holiday destination with the intention of enjoying the best Kythira beaches. Still, we understand that not every day has to be a beach day and luckily, there are other attractions on Kythira worth visiting.

Kato Chora

Near Milopotamos, sits the unassuming treasure of Kato Chora, a historical site. The site is primarily comprised of ruins from an old village. The ruins include remains of a castle and residential homes dating back to the Byzantine era.

Kato Chora is quite an exceptional experience and it can be a peculiar feeling to walk through and imagine what once stood there. One of the best things about Kato Chora is that it’s a free historical site with no entrance fees or even off limit areas.

With caution, you can roam around the complex as you please. If you walk to the back of the settlement, you’ll find a fantastic view of the hills and sea beneath you. It’s unexpected gems like these that make Kythira the best Greek island.

Potamos

Potamos is the largest and most lively town on Kithira. If you find yourself needing a break from Kythira beaches, Potamos is a charming place to visit and delightful way to spend an afternoon or evening. Since there’s no real “city center” on Kythira, Potamos is the closest to fitting the bill. 

You’ll find a couple of trendy bars, restaurants, plenty of outdoor seating and local shops. Astikon is possibly the most notable cafe in Potamos as it was recommended to us numerous of times.

Palaiochora

History fanatics or anyone who fancies a hike will appreciate Palaiochora, an abandoned town in the hills of Kythira. The now ruins are what’s left of an ancient medieval city being entirely destroyed by the infamous pirate Barbarossa back in the 1500s.

It sits strategically out of view from the sea, with its hills used as a natural fortress and protection. Now, it’s a popular attraction on Kythera and a beautiful destination to reach on foot.

Moudari Lighthouse

Another excellent hiking route is the path to Moudari Lighthouse. Moudari Lighthouse sits at the very north tip of Kythira with a sight of the mini island Elafonisos in the distance.

The beautiful view from the cliff also allows you to see the boats and ferries travelling among the islands and mainland. The lighthouse is one of the most peaceful locations on the entire island and particularly ravishing at sunset.

If you have a car which handles off roading well, you can also drive directly up to the lighthouse.

Water Mills in Milopotamos

Milopotamos was once home to a large group of water mills which are now mostly in ruins from being completely neglected. One water mill remains intact which is named “Phill’s Watermill” and is still owned by an original family member.

Nowadays, it’s an interesting attraction for visitors to check out. The lovely path runs right along the river and at the end, there is a small waterfall which you can swim in.

Walking through the enchanting and century old trees makes for a refreshing change of scenery and the perfect place to clear your head. It is also free to visit and enjoy which is always a bonus!

How to Get To Kythira

Although the island of Kythira is technically on the list of Ionian Islands, it’s nowhere near the other islands such as Zakynthos or Corfu. Cythera is unaccompanied by neighbouring land and sits just below the Peloponnese region’s southern coast line.

It is a bit “out of the way” when considering that most travellers devote their attention to the Cyclades instead. Although Kythira island sits off the tourist circuit, it’s not as difficult to reach as one may think.

By Boat

Kythera can be reached by ferry, like most Greek islands and by plane. The shortest ferry route to Kythira departs from Neapoli port, just 1.5 hours north of the island. Additional routes from Crete and Athens are also available, but only on specific summer days.

By Plane

There is one airport on Kythira island which is domestic, meaning it does not welcome international flights. Furthermore, it only primarily serves connections between the island and Athens.

If you’re looking for the quickest way to enjoy Kythira beaches, a 50 minute flight from Athens is your best bet. Read more about how to get to Kythira.

More Greece Travel Posts:

• A Day Trip to Albania From Corfu Island
• The Best Beaches on Zakynthos
• How to Get to Zakynthos
• Cliff Jumping at the Potamitis Dive Spot

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