Three days in Kythnos are enough to explore a good part of the island, visit several excellent beaches and eat at some very good restaurants. You’ll need a car, preferably one that can handle the occasional rough dirt road, and a willingness to spend a good part of your trip eating.
I visit Kythnos every summer, and I’ve put together this itinerary around the places we particularly enjoyed. I’ve grouped the stops by area to keep driving to a minimum, leaving you with more time for the beach and, naturally, another long lunch.
Day 1: Chora, Kolona Beach and Loutra
Start your morning in Chora with breakfast at Thermia, a small traditional café opposite Margiora. You might have trouble finding it on Google Maps, so use Margiora as your reference point. Order some traditional Greek pies and a coffee before heading off for your first swim.
Our first stop is Kolona, the most photographed beach in Kythnos. A narrow strip of sand, approximately 230 metres long, connects the main island to the tiny islet of Agios Loukas, with the sea stretching out on either side. It’s an impressive sight, particularly when you arrive before the crowds.
The dirt road leading to Kolona is another story. We managed to get there in a low-clearance car, but there were a few sections where I seriously regretted our choice of vehicle. Drive carefully, take your time and consider arriving by boat if you don’t fancy the road.
I’d recommend getting there relatively early, especially in August, when the beach gets busy. Once you’ve had your fill of Kolona, head to nearby Apokrisi for a second swim without having to drive halfway across the island.
In the late afternoon, make your way to Loutra, one of Kythnos’ best-known seaside villages. Take a walk around its small harbour before settling down for dinner at either Katerina or Koutsiko. Both are solid choices for your first evening, although I’d save some of your appetite for the restaurants coming up over the next two days.
Day 2: Antonides Beach and Lunch in Kanala
On your second day, head towards Kanala on the eastern side of the island. Grab a coffee at Molo All Day Cafe before continuing to Antonides, one of the beaches I enjoyed most during our trip.
When we visited, there were hardly any people around, and we even managed to secure a spot under the tamarisk trees. Finding natural shade on a Greek island in August, without arriving at some ridiculous hour, is an achievement I don’t take lightly.
Antonides is a lovely place to spend a few hours swimming and reading, away from the busier beaches. Just be careful when entering the water, as the first few metres of the seabed are covered by a slightly slippery rock slab. Access is easier towards the edges of the beach.
For lunch, head back to Kanala and find Archipelagos. We’d heard good things about the restaurant before visiting, and the food certainly lived up to our expectations. The fish was delicious, and I’d happily recommend it to anyone looking for a good seafood meal in Kythnos.
The location isn’t particularly exciting, but I can forgive an average view when the food is this good. If you’d rather have lunch somewhere with a prettier setting, Thermiotissa is another option, although it’s more expensive. Personally, I’m happy to sacrifice a nice view for a better meal.
Day 3: Lefkes, Dryopida and Cocktails in Chora
Our third day happened to fall on a Sunday, when Kythnos was particularly busy with weekend visitors from Athens. We decided to skip the more popular beaches and head to Lefkes, hoping to find somewhere a little quieter.
It turned out to be a good decision. There were relatively few people around, and we enjoyed our last swim without having to compete for a decent spot on the beach.
After your swim, drive to Dryopida, one of the prettiest villages in Kythnos, and head straight to Chartino Karavi for lunch. Make sure you’re hungry when you arrive, because this was easily my favourite restaurant of the trip.
The kitchen takes a slightly more contemporary approach to Greek cuisine, with carefully prepared dishes that still feel familiar. Everything we tried was delicious, and I would have happily returned the following day. I realise that eating at the same restaurant throughout a short holiday somewhat defeats the purpose of exploring the island, but I liked it that much.
Once you’ve recovered from lunch, spend some time walking through Dryopida’s narrow streets. The village is well worth exploring on foot, and you can easily combine your visit with a stop at Katafyki Cave.
The cave has a rather unusual history. It was used as a refuge by the islanders during various periods of invasion and later operated as a mine. According to historical accounts, locals also gathered in its large underground chamber to celebrate and dance after Easter. That’s quite a few different uses for the same place.
For your final evening, return to Chora and wander through the village before stopping at Margiora for a cocktail. It’s my favourite place for drinks in Kythnos, with a lively atmosphere and plenty of people around during the summer. The island has a relatively low-key nightlife scene, but Margiora is a very good place to spend your last evening.
Where to Stay in Kythnos for 3 Days
For a short visit, I’d personally choose Chora as a base, especially if it’s your first time on the island. It’s a pretty village with several places to eat and drink, and its two large municipal car parks make travelling by car considerably easier. The distances to the places included in this itinerary are also manageable.
Dryopida is a good alternative if you’d prefer somewhere quieter and more traditional. You’ll still have easy access to the island’s beaches, and you can enjoy the village in the evenings after the day-trippers have left.
For more accommodation options, take a look at our detailed guide on where to stay in Kythnos, covering the island’s different villages and recommended places to stay.