Greece walking holiday, Kythnos

Description of Greece walking holiday, Kythnos

This six-day/five-night holiday on Kythnos is an opportunity to savour the delights of an unknown and unspoilt island, one which is only two hours on the ferry from the Athens port of Lavrio. You will stay in the Hora, the island capital and a traditional village with no cars in its centre. During the walks you will cross the wild countryside, pass many white-washed churches, to reach remote sandy beaches, many adorned with tamarisk trees. One walk rises up to a spectacular headland where there are the ruins of a Byzantine castle. Another walk goes to an archeological excavation with a qualified expert to see an ancient port and city, including a temple remains. You will visit former mining buildings and docks, and hot springs used in the 1800s by a German-born Greek king.

Many of the walks use mule tracks still used by farmers to get to their fields and their flocks of sheep and goats. In the bilingual, Greek/English, Kythnos Hiking Guide, co-authored by your local guide and published recently by Greek map publisher Terrain Editions, there are detailed descriptions and a mini-map for each trail, plus a welcome from the island mayor. The guide, given to all walkers free, has tips for a successful walk, such as what to wear and the natural hazards to be encountered. Because the island does not go up higher than 300 metres, there is no need for particular skills or physique. However, each day is around 10 kilometres walk and some fitness is required.

In the evenings, you will eat at typical local taverna which cook with local produce, such as the salty Kythnos cheese, lamb, goat and locally-caught fish. We will taste the local wine and sweet biscuits. After you will enjoy the playing of musicians from the island, one of the many lute and fiddle combinations or more complex groups including with the sandouri and tsambouna. There will be the opportunity to try the traditional dances. If there is a church festival, or panigiri, during your stay we will participate taking food and wine. Before your departure buy island-made souvenirs such as pottery and jewellery in Hora, Dryopida or the port town Merichas. Honey is another Kythnos product.