Kythnos
Chief place: Kythnos (Khóra, Mesariá)
Kythnos, a rocky and barren island of karstic limestone, lies southeast of Kéa. The coast is much indented and for the most part falls steeply down to the sea. The inhabitants live by farming and fishing. In antiquity, iron was mined on the island.
The first settlers were Dryopians from Euboea, who left their mark in the name of the village of Dryopís. Later they were driven out by Ionians. Kythnos never played an important part in history.
Kythnos, a rocky and barren island of karstic limestone, lies southeast of Kéa. The coast is much indented and for the most part falls steeply down to the sea. The inhabitants live by farming and fishing. In antiquity, iron was mined on the island.
The first settlers were Dryopians from Euboea, who left their mark in the name of the village of Dryopís. Later they were driven out by Ionians. Kythnos never played an important part in history.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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Related Attractions
Driopida, Greece
Six km/4mi south of Kythnos, on both sides of a rocky gorge, is the lively little village of Dryopís (also called Syllakas or Khorió), which preserves the name of the island's original settlers. Around the village are numerous windmills. Nearby is the Katafaki gorge, which served in the past as a place of refuge.
Kanala, Greece
In the southeast of the island of Kythnos is Kanála, with the church of the Panayía, which contains a wonderworking icon.
Kythnos - Town, Greece
The chief place on the island of Kythnos, (Kythnos Khóra, Mesariá), lies on the northeast coast, six km/4mi south of the harbor of Ayía Iríni.
Kythnos town or Mesaria stands on a hillside plateau. A typical Cycladic village, it is noted for its beautiful churches with their fine wood carvings, sanctuary screens and icons.
Among the more notable churches are St Savas, Church of the Savior, Holy Trinity Church and Theologos.
Kythnos town or Mesaria stands on a hillside plateau. A typical Cycladic village, it is noted for its beautiful churches with their fine wood carvings, sanctuary screens and icons.
Among the more notable churches are St Savas, Church of the Savior, Holy Trinity Church and Theologos.
Kythnos Spa
The Kythnos Spa is recommended for rheumatism, arthritis, gynecological disorders, sciatica, muscular pains. The method of treatment is bathing.
Kástro Oriás
Farther north, high above the sea, lies Kástro Oriás. Near Kythnos is a modern installation, built with German help, for harnessing wind-power.
Mérikhas (Vryókastro)
Seven km/4.5mi southwest of Kythnos is the island's principal port, Mérikhas. To the north, on a high crag (150m/490ft) above the bays of Apókrousis and Episkopí, are the remains of the island's old capital, (Evraiokastro). On a rocky offshore islet traces of an ancient agora and a number of tombs can still be identified.
Thermal Springs
On the north side of the bay at Kythnos are the hot mineral springs (40-55°C/104-131°F) of Loutrá, which were already frequented in the Roman Imperial period. During the period of Venetian rule the island was known, after the springs, as Thermiá (Italian Fermenia). The present bathing establishment was built in the reign of Otto I.
