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Kythnos

Kythnos is an island situated between Kéa and Sérifos and directly opposite Síros. It is 19 km long and covers an area of about 80 square km. Mainly flat, the highest peak is Prophet Elia, at 326 meters altitude. Barren of trees, the only green shade provided, is by fig trees scattered everywhere.

The main communities are Kythnos (also called Hóra), Kanalia, Messaria and Loutrá.Today the island is a haven for Greeks who head for its many Spas, all located in the North Eastern part of the island. The capital of the island called Hora or Messaria, stands on a hillside plateau, 8 km from Merihas. It is a typical Cycladic village, noted for its beautiful churches with their fine woodcarving, sanctuary screens and icons.

Kythnos is one of the most beautiful islands of the west Cyclades, with pure cycladic scenery and a tradition in architecture, easily seen in the many picturesque alleys and churches of the island.

The rocky coasts with the wonderful sandy beaches that suddenly appear form the islands' beaches with the crystal-clear water.

The water there is supposed to have medicinal properties. The springs offer waters, which are radioactive, and always at about 38 to 52 degrees C (about 90 - 120 F). The island is a great haven for passing Greek Easter because the locals put up quite a sight. Easter, the most religious of all Greek Christian activities, is a place where local folklore dances, sometimes weddings in the old style, taste of the wild weeds (called locally as Alifónia) and trying the local Miznthra cheese all take place.

Kythnos, the capital of the island is littered with beautiful white houses and wonderful churches not to be missed. The Church of Agia Triadas, Metamorfosis, Agiou Panteleimona and Agiou Ioannou are a must-see. All of these churches were both for Orthodox and for Catholic pilgrims.

In the southeast part of the island 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.

Other good beaches for swimming can be found at Merihas, Episkopi, Flambouria, Loutra and Agios Stefanos.

The remains of two old settlements can be visited on the island Vryokastro, in the west of the island, is an ancient town first settled at the time of the Persian Wars and inhabited into the Roman period. Very little of it has survived. Kastro is the island's medieval township, which lasted until the 16th century, when the capital was moved to what is today called Hora (Messaria). Kastro has ruins of houses and of two churches.

 

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