Kythira, the island of Aphrodite: A mini-guide to a unique island
In Greek culture, Kythera represents a land of dreams, a destination we long to arrive at, as evident by the 1984 Cannes winning-film by Theodoros Aggelopoulos titled “Voyage at Cythera”. This oneiric island, a timeless source of inspiration for artists of all kinds, lies just some miles off the coast of Southern Peloponnese. If you visit it once, chances are you will want to return.
For us at Cytherea Weddings, Kythira is also a prime destination wedding location for a number of reasons. Its beaches, sights and natural landscape are truly something to behold and its rich history, which goes as far back as Ancient Greece, converge to create an inimitable atmosphere of authenticity and effortless joie de vivre.
Whether you’re planning on having a wedding at Kythira and want to have a mini-guide handy for your guests or simply want to discover what makes this island stand out, here is a short primer of what you need to know to make the most out of this dreamland.
Kythira: The Place Where Myths are Born
According to Greek mythology, the mother of all great storytelling, none other than the goddess of love was born off the coast of Kythera. Yes, the island is the birthplace of Aphrodite and the coast of Palaiopoli is where she emerged from the seafoam. This myth was also the reason why Kythera and romanticism have gone hand in hand ever since. One exhibit of its timeless allure is the 18th-century painting by Jean Antoine Watteau, titled “Pilgrimage to Cythera”. It depicts little cherubs floating around lovers in a verdant scenery, reminiscent of the natural beauty that one can still encounter at Kythera.
Kythira: The Venetian Heritage
As is the case with the other Heptanese islands, Kythira underwent a period of Venetian domination, during which the island was renamed Tsirigo (a name still used to the present day). The Venetian Castle of Mylopotamos and the Castle of Kythira (aka Fortetsa) in Chora, both offering breathtaking views, still stand to tell the tale. And if you want a comprehensive lesson on the island’s history, make sure you visit the Archaeological Museum, situated at the Chora.
Kythira: A Place of Worship
Greek Orthodox chapels, churches and monasteries abound at Kythera. Starting with the famed sanctuary of Panagia Myrtidiotissa, which hosts the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, moving on to a temple inside at a cave at Panagia Orfani of Mylopotamos and the windswept height of Agios Giorgos of Vouno (St George of the Mountain), byzantine and modern Greek Orthodox tradition harmoniously merge at this pious island.
Kythira: The Land of One-of-a-Kind Beaches
One of the things that we love about Kythera is the fact that it offers so many swimming spots that its beaches never feel crowded - August being an exception because it’s high season time. A lot of the beaches are organized but do not accept lavish beach bar scenarios. Small cantines will provide cafes and refreshments, which are just what you need to enjoy a full day at Komponada, Fyrri Ammo, Halko or Melidoni. If you want to go off the beaten path, Kalami beach awaits you, but you need to be a little bold: you will have to use a rope to descend to the beach. And of course, Kaladi beach is a must: divided in two by a massive rock and with crystal-clear waters of every shade of blue, this is rightly considered one of the best beaches in Greece!
Kythira: Nature at its Purest Form
Emerged at the meeting point of three different seas, or pelagi, as they are poetically called in Greece, the Myrtoo, Cretan and Ionian, Kythera is like a mixture of the best things that various areas of Greece offer. Abundant flora and fauna - don’t forget that the island serves as a station point during bird migration season - and with a bevvy of herbs growing on its land, unspoilt nature beckons from every corner. A visit to the Mylopotamos waterfalls is enough to convince you of the magic at work here!
Kythira: A Gustatory Feast
Even though it is not considered a gastronomic destination, the food at Kythera never fails to delight! Enjoy traditional recipes, made with local farmers’ products or fresh seafood and you will know what we’re talking about. Keep an eye out for caper salad or aubergines with tomato sauce on the menu and wash the food down with a shot of fatourada, the traditional Kytherian liqueur. Cheers or as the Greeks say… “Ya Mas!”
