Friday, August 26, 2011

Kythnos (Kithnos), Cyclades Islands

In brief
Kythnos (Kithnos) or Thermia is an unspoiled and very Greek Island in every aspect. It mostly attracts Greek tourists, locals are very friendly and life is slow. The island is quiet and offers some nice and empty sandy beaches. Kythnos was an icon painting center in 17th century, led by Skordillis family.

General Information
It was on the small island of Kythnos, famous in antiquity for the excellence of its administration (according to Aristode in his “Constitution of Kythnos”) that recent archaeological findings have provided evidence of the earliest presence of man in the Cyclades.
Here, too, the terrain is mainly mountainous, but the harshness of the bare earth is relieved here and there by vines or fig-trees like brushstrokes on it, while pretty little bays form indentations in its coast-line.
Ferries put in at Merihas, the port on the western side of the island.

Hora or Messaria, the island’s capital is 8 km. from Merihas and stands on a hillside plateau. A typical Cycladic village, it is noted for its beautiful churches with their fine woodcarving, sanctuary screens and icons (St Savas, church of the Saviour, Holy Trinity, Theologos). At the monastery of Our Lady “tou Nikous”, which stands on an attractive hill, the feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary on 15 August is observed with the traditional festivities.
A little way to the south is the island’s former capital, which retains its ancient name of Driopida – a picturesque village, very typical of the islands.
In the north-eastern part of the island lies Loutra, with warm sulphurous spa-waters. The tradition says that the water comes undersea from Vesuvious and the radioactive thermal springs have been used since ancient times -and still are used- as a cure from rheumatism, arthritis, dermatitis and gynaecological problems.

In the south-east, the monastery of Our Lady Kanala, the patron saint of the island, stands on a very attractive promontory facing towards Serifos, with a beautiful expanse of sandy beach. The building is of great interest and the scenery is reminiscent of a fjord - in Greek colours.

Sightseeing
Loutra ("Baths") is a small village where there are hot wells, reputed for their healing waters since antiquity.
Hora is the island's capital, and is a picturesque village in medieval style. Here, you can visit the Church of Trinity.
Driopis is also a very pretty village, with typically winding streets and laid-back atmosphere. There is a small folklore museum here.
In Kanala there is a small church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, with icons of reputed healing powers.

Beaches
Beautiful beaches for swimming can be found at Merihas, Episkopi, Flambouria bay (accessible only by boat), Loutra and Agios Stefanos.




Useful Information
(Area 99 sq km. Distance from Piraeus 52 nautical miles).
How to get there
By sea from Piraeus & Lavrio
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005
Lavrio Port Authority: +30 22920 25249, 60188

Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22810
Municipal Office: 61100
Police: 31201
Port Authority: 32290
Health Center: 31202, 32234

http://www.kythnos.gr

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