Kythnos
Thermal springs, empty beaches, and the magical Kolona
Kythnos is the first Cycladic island you reach from the Athens Riviera, yet it remains one of the least visited. It has no airport, one main ferry link, and a population of just 1,500. The draw: 99 beaches, ancient thermal springs that have drawn bathers for 2,000 years, and an absolutely pristine double-ended beach at Kolona that looks photoshopped.
2-day itinerary for Kythnos
Day 1: Chora & Thermal Springs
- 10:00 · Merichas (port)
Small ferry port with a horseshoe sandy beach and tavernas on the waterfront. - 11:30 · Chora (Messaria)
Main inland village — maze of narrow whitewashed lanes. Walk the main artery end-to-end. - 13:00 · Katafyki Cave
Old iron mine turned geological attraction. Short guided tours in summer. - 17:00 · Loutra Thermal Baths
Ancient thermal springs (52°C) — bathed in since antiquity, housed in a 19th-century spa hotel. Day passes available. - 20:30 · Dinner — Karnagio
Friendly taverna on the Loutra waterfront. Fresh fish straight from the pier.
Day 2: Kolona & Beaches
- 10:00 · Kolona Beach
The famous double beach — a sand spit connecting the main island to the tiny Agios Loukas islet. Swim in two sides at once. Arrive early to beat the crowds. - 13:00 · Apokrousi Beach
Larger sandy bay adjacent to Kolona. Usually less crowded, still gorgeous. - 16:00 · Dryopida
Red-tiled roofs (unusual in the Cyclades) and a tiny folk museum. Lunch at one of the two village tavernas.
Top beaches of Kythnos
Kolona
Kythnos' icon beach. A narrow white sandbar connecting the island to a small rocky islet — you can swim simultaneously on two different sides.
- Type
- Fine white sand
- Length
- 150 m sandbar
- Depth
- Shallow on both sides
- Facing
- Double-sided
- Facilities
- One canteen in summer, no umbrellas
Apokrousi
Longer sandy beach right next to Kolona. More space, still very blue water.
- Type
- Fine sand
- Length
- 400 m
- Depth
- Gradual
- Facing
- Northwest
- Facilities
- Beach bar, umbrellas
Episkopi
Long sandy south coast beach. Local favorite, calm water, great for children.
- Type
- Sand
- Length
- 300 m
- Depth
- Shallow
- Facing
- South — protected
- Facilities
- Taverna, rooms