Exploring the island’s mysterious underground world
Scattered across the island, the caves of Kythera are striking sites of natural and cultural value. You will have the opportunity to explore everything from small, mysterious cavities to impressive caves with fascinating geomorphology and rich mythological associations. At their entrances, you will often come across small chapels or shrines.
The best-known attraction of Kythera - and one of its most atmospheric - is the cave of Agia Sophia at Mylopotamos, which combines natural beauty with religious tradition. At its entrance you will admire rare 13th-century wall paintings and a newer chapel, while inside an impressive display of stalactites and stalagmites unfolds in unique colours. The cave has a total area of 2,000 sq m, of which 200 sq m are accessible to visitors.
The cave of Kalamos, also dedicated to Agia Sophia, is another archaeological treasure of Kythera. It lies in the settlement of Spilies, within a ravine, and its entrance is a picturesque little church. Beyond its impressive stalactite formations, the cave is of enormous historical interest, as finds from the 6th millennium BC were discovered there, constituting the earliest evidence of human life on the island. Locals also say - though this has not been confirmed - that it communicates underground with the cave of Mylopotamos.
The island’s impressive underground world also includes places that served over time as refuges of worship, such as the imposing cave church of Agia Pelagia at Feloti, with clay basins collecting water from the roof, the cave of Agios Pavlos in Kapsali and the small shrine of Agia Sophia in Agia Pelagia.
The cave of Choustis at Diakofti bears traces of human presence from 4000 BC and once served both as a sanctuary and as a hiding place from pirate raids.
Kythera’s coastlines also host sea caves of rare beauty, foremost among them the Cave of Chytra, where the deep-blue waters resemble a natural swimming pool and the seabed is a refuge for seals. Do not miss the chance to explore the equally impressive caves at Fyri Ammos of Kalamos, with their enormous vaults and hidden inner beaches, as well as Fokospilia to the west, by boat or kayak.
The best-known attraction of Kythera - and one of its most atmospheric - is the cave of Agia Sophia at Mylopotamos, which combines natural beauty with religious tradition. At its entrance you will admire rare 13th-century wall paintings and a newer chapel, while inside an impressive display of stalactites and stalagmites unfolds in unique colours. The cave has a total area of 2,000 sq m, of which 200 sq m are accessible to visitors.
The cave of Kalamos, also dedicated to Agia Sophia, is another archaeological treasure of Kythera. It lies in the settlement of Spilies, within a ravine, and its entrance is a picturesque little church. Beyond its impressive stalactite formations, the cave is of enormous historical interest, as finds from the 6th millennium BC were discovered there, constituting the earliest evidence of human life on the island. Locals also say - though this has not been confirmed - that it communicates underground with the cave of Mylopotamos.
The island’s impressive underground world also includes places that served over time as refuges of worship, such as the imposing cave church of Agia Pelagia at Feloti, with clay basins collecting water from the roof, the cave of Agios Pavlos in Kapsali and the small shrine of Agia Sophia in Agia Pelagia.
The cave of Choustis at Diakofti bears traces of human presence from 4000 BC and once served both as a sanctuary and as a hiding place from pirate raids.
Kythera’s coastlines also host sea caves of rare beauty, foremost among them the Cave of Chytra, where the deep-blue waters resemble a natural swimming pool and the seabed is a refuge for seals. Do not miss the chance to explore the equally impressive caves at Fyri Ammos of Kalamos, with their enormous vaults and hidden inner beaches, as well as Fokospilia to the west, by boat or kayak.
