Kythira, Aphrodite's island: secret coves and timeless villages

You stay in carefully chosen charming hotels, in double rooms with private bathroom and air conditioning. Most have a pool or are steps from the sea. You change address only three times in ten days, keeping a peaceful rhythm. Your luggage travels with you in your hire car.

Breakfasts are included each morning. For lunches and dinners, you are free to choose from the tavernas and addresses we recommend in your route guide. The cuisine of Kythira is generous and flavourful: grilled fish, local cheeses, thyme honey, the island's own olive oil.

This trip is designed to be accessible to all walkers, even occasional ones. Walks average two to three hours, on easy paths, at a pace that leaves time to stop, observe and swim. Options are offered each day to adapt the programme to your wishes.

A hire car (Toyota Yaris 4-door or similar) is included for the entire trip, with zero-excess insurance. Pick-up and return at Kythira airport or port. Fuel costs are at your own expense. The island's roads are quiet and distances short: the pleasure of driving is part of the journey.

From 2 people.

The trip begins on Day 1 at Kythira airport or port and ends on Day 10 at the same place.

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are the ideal seasons: magnificent light, mild temperatures, peaceful island. In July and August, the climate remains pleasant but the island is a little livelier.

We provide a digital travel pack including access to our smartphone GPS app, the list of your addresses, any exchange vouchers and all the information needed for your stay to run smoothly. A printed pack with map and route notes is available as an option (€35). For travellers based outside France, the documents are sent out to your first hotel.

By air: between April and September, Kythira (airport KIT) is reached on a connecting flight via Athens — allow around 50 minutes in the air. Sky Express runs rotations from April, Olympic Air a daily return flight from June to September. There is also an airport at Kalamata, in the Peloponnese.

By ferry: from the Peloponnese, the port of Neapoli connects to Kythira on a 1 hr 15 min crossing.

Kythira is full of coves and sublime beaches — it would be a shame not to enjoy them. We would remind you, however, that swimming is undertaken under your own responsibility and at your own risk.

Kelifos is a member of ATR and a Travelife Partner — the detail of our commitments is on our dedicated page.

For the walks: lightweight walking shoes, water sandals, cap, sunglasses, sun cream, day pack (20–30 L), water bottle (1.5 L minimum), breathable clothing, lightweight windproof jacket.

For the sea: swimwear, microfibre towel, flip-flops, mask and snorkel, after-sun cream.

Clothing: light cotton or linen outfits for the evening, a jumper for cooler evenings, a light waterproof (rain is possible in September).

Miscellaneous: phone and charger, small first-aid kit (plasters, blister patches, paracetamol), mosquito repellent, personal medication.

A small 30 L pack is enough for the day. For the rest, one piece of luggage per person (20 kg max), carried in your hire car.

Formalities: EU nationals need a valid identity card or passport. Travellers from the UK, the US, Canada and Australia need a passport issued within the previous ten years and valid for at least three months beyond their intended departure from the Schengen area; no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Do check the requirements for your own nationality before you travel.

Time zone: Greece keeps Eastern European Time (UTC+2, UTC+3 in summer) — one hour ahead of Central European Time, two hours ahead of the UK.

Currency: euro (€). Cards are accepted in most businesses; carry some cash for small villages and tavernas. ATMs are available in Chora, Potamos, Avlemonas and Diakofti.

Climate: Mediterranean, with hot dry summers and mild winters. In September: 24–28 °C by day, 18–20 °C at night, sea at 23–25 °C.

Language: Greek, with English widely spoken.

Culture: meals are eaten late (dinner around 9–10 pm). Tavernas serve generous local cooking — olive oil, fish, kasseri cheese, thyme honey. A "Kalimera!" or "Efcharistó!" is always appreciated.

Looking to extend your discovery of Greece? Explore our holidays in the Ionian Islands, our trips to Crete or our escapes to the Cyclades. Discover Greece by bike or on a guided holiday with an English-speaking leader.