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Low-key Kythnos (also known as Kithnos or Thermia) is a series of rolling hills punctuated by stone huts and bisected by ancient walls, green valleys and some wonderful beaches. Port life in Merihas and village life in beautiful Hora and Dryopida remain easygoing, and foreign tourists are few, although the marina at Loutra brings with it an international buzz in summertime. Ease of access from Athens sees Greek travellers filling the island’s beaches on sunny weekends.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Kythnos.
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The island's most famous beach is the exquisite double bay of Kolona, a thin shadeless strip of sand anchoring a small headland to the main island. In summer it gets jam-packed, and the seasonal cafe does a brisk trade. In low season it's a favourite anchorage for yachts; although the road to the spit is often gated when the cafe is closed, you can still access the first beach.
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Located on Cape Kefalos, a 90-minute picturesque ramble northwest from Loutra, these beautifully situated ruins are all that remains of a medieval city of around 5000 people.
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This wide swathe of coarse grey sand is a 30-minute walk north of the harbour. There's a popular beach bar at one end and a tiny church at the other.
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Aprokrousi is a wide strip of gravelly brown sand with a couple of tavernas, a popular beach bar and ample parking.
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Although you can swim in the centre of town, you're better off walking 10 minutes north to this pretty little cove.