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Kythnos Walking Holiday
Overview
Introduction
Price from £1,085 per person based on 2 sharing.
Bed & Breakfast + 6 taverna dinners
Our walking/hiking holidays here are the best ways to get under the skin of this charming and little known Cycladic island.
There are four main walks during the week, ranging from 11 kms to 14 kms and walking time (without breaks) is usually 4 1/2 to 5 hours. Walks start at 09.00 am, generally returning mid to late afternoon. One walk, on the Sunday before departure, is shorter (c.1 hour) and planned to give some beach time at famous Kolona, returning by sea taxi. There is one free day mid-week. The walking standard is mainly intermediate. Although there are some shorter steeper passages the heights are not particularly significant - the island only goes up to 350 metres - while the terrain of the mule-track paths can be rugged.
We can arrange shortened 5 and 6 night itineraries, still out on Monday but returning on Saturday or Sunday.
Also available is our 9 night Kythnos & Serifos Combined itinerary. This is easily done as the Saturday morning ferry between the islands takes just 90 mins. It means a slightly shorter stay on each island (Kythnos - 5 nights, Serifos - 4 nights) but only one real walking day lost.
Choice of accommodation
The Messaria is a charming small hotel that stands at the entrance to equally charming Chora, the main village of Kythnos. It offers a remarkably high standard for such a non-touristic island.
The 12 rooms here are spacious and furnished in a classic style, with high quality bedding and modern shower room. All are double-bedded and possess AC, TV, WiFi, light cooking facilities, fridge and balcony or patio with views over the village or the hills behind and distant sea.
Breakfast contains many home-made specialities (the spinach and cheese pies are especially delicious!). The owners, Kostas and Irene, are welcoming and helpful.
The Filoxenia Studios (pictured below) are very close by and housed in a traditional Cycladic-style building of two floors built around an attractive courtyard with seating. Rooms are furnished to a high standard with pretty decor, and possess the same facilities as the Messaria. Breakfast is taken at a cafe next door (20m).
From either accommodation, a couple of minutes' walk takes you through the narrow lanes to the heart of this very pretty traditional village where you will find three good tavernas, a souvlaki joint, a couple of stylish cafes and bars. Chora is the largest village and quite vibrant in the summer evenings. Car hire is recommended for non-walkers (please enquire).
Agenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival
On arrival at Athens Airport, transfer to Lavrio Port (40-minutes). Onwards ferry transfer from Lavrio Port to Kythnos (via Kea). Transfer on arrival to the Messaria Hotel or the Filoxenia Studios.
This evening we have included an introductory dinner at a taverna in Chora.
Overnight at the Messaria Hotel or at the Filoxenia Studios.
Messaria Hotel, Kythnos
Day 2 - Walk 10.7km, 4.5 hours
The walk today will lead you from Chora, via Diassela to Vryokastro. During the day you will visit the excavations at Vryokastro and have the opportunity to swim in the sea. In the evening, dinner is included at a taverna in Chora.
Overnight at the Messaria Hotel or at the Filoxenia Studios.
Kythnos
Day 3 - Walk 14lm, 5 hours
Your full day walk will take you from Chora to Loutra and Orias Castle. Again, time is permitted for a swim and a visit to the hot springs. In the evening, join the local celebrations at the church in Chora (food, drink, music and dancing). .
Overnight at the Messaria Hotel or at the Filoxenia Studios.
Chora, Kythnos
Day 4 - Day at leisure
Overnight at the Messaria Hotel or at the Filoxenia Studios.
Messaria Hotel, Kythnos
Day 5 - Walk 12km, 5 hours
Today's walk heads to the beaches of Aghios Ioannis and Aghios Stephanos and allows plenty of time for a swim and for relaxing under the tamerisk trees. This evening we have included entrance to the folk museum for you and a fish dinner in a local taverna.
Overnight at the Messaria Hotel or at the Filoxenia Studios.
Aghios Ioannis beach, Kythnos
Day 6 - Walk 12.5km, 5 hours
This morning you will be transferred to Kanaia for a coastal walk to Kalo Livadi and Panaghia Mathia where there is time for a swim at Lefkes and a visit to a local honey farm. This evening, travel to Katafiki to visit the cave and for dinner.
Overnight at the Messaria Hotel or at the Filoxenia Studios.
Kythnos, Greece
Day 7 - Walk 6km, 1.5 hours
Your half day walk will take you to the iconic Kolona Beach, where there is free time for swimming, eating and relaxing. Your return to Chora will be by sea taxi and bus/taxi. This evening a farewell dinner is included in Chora.
Overnight at the Messaria Hotel or at the Filoxenia Studios.
Kolona Beach, Kythnos
Day 8 - Day of departure
Transfer to Athens, by ferry and taxi, for your return flight to the UK.
Accommodation
Messaria Hotel - Night 1 to 7
This charming small hotel stands at the entrance to equally charming Chora, the main village of Kythnos. It offers a remarkably high standard for such a non-touristic island.
This charming small hotel stands at the entrance to equally charming Chora, the main village of Kythnos. It offers a remarkably high standard for such a non-touristic island.
The 12 rooms here are spacious and furnished in a classic style, with high quality bedding and large modern shower room. All are double-bedded and possess AC, TV, WiFi, light cooking facilities, fridge and balcony or patio with views over the village or the hills behind and distant sea.
Breakfast contains many home-made specialities (the spinach and cheese pies are especially delicious!). The owners, Kostas and Irene, are welcoming and helpful.
A couple of minutes' walk takes you through the narrow lanes to the heart of this very pretty traditional village where you will find three good tavernas, a souvlaki joint, a couple of stylish cafes and bars. Chora is the largest village and quite vibrant in the summer evenings. Car hire is recommended for non-walkers (please enquire).