Chora (Messaria)
Best for atmosphere & restaurants
- Excellent restaurants
- Car recommended
- Great for first-timers
Dryopida
Best for atmosphere & restaurants
- Excellent restaurants
- Car recommended
- Great for first-timers
Merichas
Best for atmosphere & restaurants
- Excellent restaurants
- Car recommended
- Great for first-timers
Kanala
Best for atmosphere & restaurants
- Excellent restaurants
- Car recommended
- Great for first-timers
Loutra
Best for atmosphere & restaurants
- Excellent restaurants
- Car recommended
- Great for first-timers
Best areas to stay in Kythnos
Chora (Messaria)
Chora is the capital of Kythnos and one of the most attractive villages on the island. Its whitewashed houses, narrow streets and small squares are particularly lovely in the evening, when people return from the beach and the restaurants start filling up.
You’ll find plenty of places to eat and drink, along with cafés, bakeries and small shops. There’s even a late-night souvlaki place if you get hungry after a few drinks.
The main drawback is that Chora is inland. It’s around 8 km from the port of Merichas, and you’ll need a car to explore the beaches comfortably.
Apokrousi is one of the closest beaches, with sand, fine pebbles, a beach bar and nearby tavernas. Kolona, the island’s most photographed beach, is approximately 20 minutes away, although the final stretch of road is rough. I’d visit it at least once.
Parking in Chora is fairly straightforward, with two large municipal car parks just outside the centre. I’d happily stay here again, particularly for a first visit with a car.
Dryopida
Dryopida is about 7 km from Merichas and has a different feel from the rest of Kythnos. Instead of the typical flat-roofed Cycladic houses, you’ll find white houses with red-tiled roofs, connected by narrow lanes.
I’ve walked around both Chora and Dryopida several times, and I prefer Dryopida. It’s quieter, feels less touristy and has some excellent places to eat. In fact, my favourite meal on my last trip was at Hartino Karavi. I could have eaten there all three days.
There are cafés and tavernas in the village, but don’t expect much nightlife. For evening drinks and a busier atmosphere, Chora has more options.
Dryopida is also home to Katafyki Cave, an interesting stop if you fancy a break from the beach. Its central location makes it convenient for exploring both sides of the island, from Episkopi and Flampouria in the west to Lefkes, Megali Ammos and Zogaki in the east.
You’ll find two parking areas outside the village. I’m seriously considering staying here next time I visit Kythnos with a car.
Merichas
Merichas is where the ferries from Piraeus and Lavrio arrive. It’s on the western coast, in a sheltered natural harbour, and is one of the island’s main settlements.
Two of Kythnos’ principal roads start here: one heads north towards Chora and Loutra, while the other leads south to Dryopida and Kanala.
I wouldn’t choose Merichas for its architecture, but it’s very convenient. There are supermarkets, shops, restaurants, fish tavernas, cafés and plenty of accommodation. The waterfront can get busy, so I’d look a little further into the village if I wanted a quiet room.
For swimming, Martinakia is nearby, while the sandy beach of Episkopi is a little further north. Episkopi has beach facilities and tamarisk trees that provide natural shade.
Another advantage is that boats leave from Merichas for Kolona, allowing you to avoid the difficult road leading to the beach. That’s one of the reasons I stayed here during a quick two-day trip without a car.
Kanala
Kanala is a small seaside village on the southeastern coast, around 12 km from Merichas and 10 km from Chora. Built on a headland, it’s named after Panagia Kanala, the island’s patron saint, whose main celebrations take place on 15 August and 8 September.
It’s a peaceful place, with the island’s only pine forest and a good selection of holiday apartments and studios. There are also tavernas, cafés and a bakery, so you won’t need to drive somewhere else every time you want to eat.
Kanala is popular with families, largely because of its beaches. Megali Ammos has golden sand, clear turquoise water and a beach bar.
Personally, I’d also head to the eastern side of the headland for Antonides Beach. It’s a lovely spot, with turquoise water and tamarisk trees providing shade.
Loutra
Loutra is a seaside village on the northeastern coast of Kythnos, about 5 km from Chora. Its natural harbour has long served as the capital’s port, and the village is famous for the thermal springs that gave Kythnos its local name, Thermia.
People have visited the springs since antiquity, and the first bathing facilities date back to Ottoman times. Today, the thermal baths have hydrotherapy tubs and whirlpool facilities.
You can also enjoy the hot water without entering the spa. It flows directly into the sea at Loutra Beach, where it mixes with the cooler seawater in a small natural pool.
Loutra has plenty of hotels, rental rooms and places to eat. It’s a convenient base for exploring the northern part of Kythnos, particularly beaches such as Schinari, Agia Irini, Kavourocheri, Potamia and Agios Sostis.
The archaeological site of Maroulas is also nearby if you’re interested in the island’s ancient history.