Hiking Tour on Kythnos Island (5 days / 4 nights)

Take the ferry from either Piraeus (3:10 hours) or Lavrio (1:40 hours) port to the beautiful island of Kythnos. After checking in at your lovely guesthouse in the coastal town Merichas, you will have free time to relax by the sea, stroll around the village’s narrow alleys, shop or enjoy the sunset from your balcony.

This day is free of activities due to various ferry arrival times, however we can organize a hike or some other activity if you reach the island early in the morning.

What we will definitely enjoy, is a delicious welcome dinner of local cuisine and a briefing about the next days program.

Meals included: Dinner
Accommodation: Traditional Guesthouse in Merichas

Our hiking trail today will take us to the island’s ancient capital, Vryokastro and then to the probably most stunning beach of the Kythnos, Kolona! We’ll hike up the hill of Vryokastro and reach an abandoned archaeological site – one of the most important prehistoric settlements in the Aegean area, dating back to the Ancient Age. According to the findings and underwater excavations, the town was constantly inhabited from the 10th century B.C. to the 6th century A.D. Afterwards, we’ll descend to the white, sandy beach of Apokrousi for a break to relax and swim.

We will continue until the famous and unique beach of Kolona, a signature place of the Cycladic islands! It is actually a 240 meters narrow strip of golden sand joining Kythnos with the islet of Agios Loukas, creating two separate beaches and a landscape of unparalleled beauty. Once there, you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling and your lunch at the beach tavern. Later on, we will hike back through a shorter yet beautiful trail.

Kythnos has a long tradition in ceramic pottery. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a pottery lesson by a local artisan in Chora. Create your own pottery clay and take it back home as a souvenir!

Total Hiking Duration: 3.5 hours / Distance: 6.5 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Traditional Guesthouse in Merichas

The third day, may fairly be declared as a hiking lovers day! The hike will offer you amazing views and connect you to the island’s history. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the village of Loutra, a popular stop over for sailing yachts, in the Northern part of the island. Once there, we will follow an ascending path to reach the striking Castle of Oria that’s located on a steep hill at the northernmost tip of the island. Overlooking the Aegean Sea, this fortified acropolis was the capital of the island during the Byzantine times and the Latin occupation, although was inhabited since the prehistoric times. 100 chapels flourished there during the Venetian Rule, of which only two still stand today. You will have time to relax, enjoy the panoramic views, and take scenic photos before we return back to Loutra via the same path.
 
Once back in Loutra, we will have free time to relax at the Thermal Springs known for their therapeutic qualities. You can also enjoy your lunch and/or coffee in one of the seaside restaurants/cafes.
 
At the end of this brilliant exploration, your guide will transfer you back at Chora. Chora is a classic Cycladic village of whitewashed houses and narrow, stone-paved streets that has been relatively unchanged since the 17th century. We will have a leisurely walk along churches, windmills, fountains, small squares and the main street that is lined with cafes, bars and restaurants.
 
You will be transferred back to your hotel in Merichas in the early evening.
 
Hiking Duration: 4.5 hours / Distance: 11 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Traditional Guesthouse in Merichas

Charge your batteries with a traditional breakfast and prepare yourselves for a day full of memorable experiences during this heavenly hiking tour on Kythnos island! Walk through Dryopida mountainous village located in the heart of the island, meet the locals, admire the red hues of its traditional roof tiles, get impressed by a visit in Kythno’s traditional folklore museum and explore Katafiki cave in north Dryopida, one of the biggest caves in Greece.
Moving on to your journey, catch the sun and breath the fresh Aegean air through a serene countryside walk at Kythno’s trails. During an hourly, easy level, downhill, let the Greek panoramic scenery captivate your senses until you get lost in the peaceful beach of Lefkes with its crystal clear waters. In Lefkes, we get an hour’s rest where you may enjoy swimming, the diversity of the scenery, take a nap beneath the shadows of the tamarisk trees, a few steps from the beach shores, or explore the old mines of Kythnos.
After this refreshing break, we all together depart from Lefkes beach moving towards Dryopida village for a unique authentic cooking experience. We will have the chance of indulging our senses with pure Greek tastes in a traditional tavern and live the ultimate Greek experience from the inside! Under the guidance of a traditional local cook, you will be taught the secrets of Greek cuisine and learn to prepare step by step traditional delicacies such us our signature Greek salad, tzatziki, our regional “Sfouggata” and much more!
House wine will accompany the delicacies that you’ve prepared, as this is also our farewell meal and there are plenty of reasons to celebrate!
 
Hiking Duration: 3 hours / Total Distance: 6,5 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Traditional Guesthouse in Merichas

On our last day of our hiking tour on Kythnos island, we will have a short transfer to the coastal village of Kanala which took its name after the monastery of Panagia Kanala, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The monastery hosts the miraculous icon of Our Lady which, according to tradition, was discovered by fishermen floating in the narrow channel between Kythnos and Serifos and is said to have healing powers. Here you will also find the only pine forest in the island.
Transfer back to Merichas and end of services. (Ask us to assist you if you want to continue to any other Greek island or take the ferry back to Athens).

Meals included: Breakfast