Introduction & General Information

While being an Ionian island, Kythira island resembles more to the Cyclades islands from its architecture and landscape. Kythira is known as the Isle of the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite.

The ancient myth is that when Cronus severed off his father Uranus genitals, he threw them into the sea. They turned into the two rocks rising out of the sea until today, on the eastern coast of the island. Aphrodite rose from the foam created by the genitals and re-emerged in Cyprus, which is why both islands haggle over the goddess's birthplace.

Since the Second World War, most of Kythira's inhabitants have left their island for Athens or Australia, which explains why many of its villages are deserted. Kythira was never a rich island but it used to have an economic and military power. Tourism, even quite low, has brought today a little prosperity to the island.

Since tourism is still quite undeveloped, Kythira still looks like a calm refuge, with astonishing deserted beaches and an unharmed traditional life. The island has 3,000 permanent residents.

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