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Kithira Traditional Villages

Chora as in most Greek islands, is the capital of the island. It is found on the southern part of the island and it was built there because of the pre-existence of the Venetian castle built in 1503 that was located there due to the natural fortification that this site provided. The way that the castle stands above Chora gives the impression that it has taken it under its protection.

kithira villages - Venetian castle kithira villages - traditional house

The picturesque streets are full of little white houses, and near the castle we can see old mansions, Narrow Venetian buildings and other establishments which were built during the English domination. In the quiet central square of Chora are the town hall and banks. In the main narrow streets there are a lot of shops, selling souvenirs.

kithira villages - traditional shop kithira villages - chora town

Strolling in the streets of Chora and the Castle is a very good idea. There are many churches everywhere, beautiful gardens and the architecture of the buildings catches the eye. Coffee in the square of Chora, is suggested early in the morning, before you start the exploration.

Aroniadika, a place long forgotten although it is located in the greatest cross-road of the island, a place that has stayed intact as the years passed by. In Aroniadika you will feel that you are in a different era, one that is defined by the magnificent constructions.

If you decide to walk the alleys of the village you will have the opportunity to get in touch with its history and tradition. You can also visit the monastery of St. Theodore which is the protector of the island and enjoy the hospitality of its monks.

Milopotamos is considered to be the village of the legends. It has got almost a hundred citizens and it is found on the west part of the island only 15 kilometers from Chora.

The dense vegetation, the running waters and the numerous sights bring it out as one of the most beautiful villages of the island. It has been an administrative center during the years of the Venetian ruling.

kithira villages - Falls in Milopotamos

You can start your walk early in the morning but making a stop in the village's square in order to have some coffee under the planes and taste the traditional sweets is a "must". The traditional cafe, the church, the running waters and the ducks in the pond will definitely make your day. If you decide to take a stroll in the narrow streets of the village you will have the opportunity to admire the splendor of the architecture.

Kato Chora is the most historic part of the island. It is worth visiting the Venetian Castle on the top of the rock, the gate of which is ornamented by characteristic symbols of the Venetian empire. One of those is the flying lion, the lion of St. Mark, which is shown holding the gospel. Internally one can see the layout of the two-floor houses and an important number of Byzantine churches.

When you reach the waterfall you will be dazzled by the magnificent view. In its bottom you can see a small lagoon three meters deep with the name Neraida (Fairy) or Fonissa (Murderess). The name Fonissa is related to a legend which describes that during a fight between two women at the top of the hill, from where the water was falling, one of them, full of rage, pushed the other obliging her to fall and get killed.

kithira villages - avlemonas kithira villages - avlemonas

The village was especially developed after the invasion of the pirate Barbarossa since many of the habitants of Paliochora have fled there. Its architecture is magnificent. The temple of the Savior (15th century) and the temple of St. Ioannis Prodromos (1518) is one of the oldest and it is full of exquisite murals.

Kastrisianika is a traditional village at a distance of 1.5 km from the airport of Kithira and 4.5km from the harbor in Diakofti. Don't forget to pay it a visit and you won't regret it.


greek islands - dolphins

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