Tips to enjoying a Kytherian Summer

TIPS FOR ENJOYING A KYTHERIAN SUMMER by Kalie Zervos

Here are some tips designed to assist you in making the most of what our island has to offer.

Before starting I suggest you pick up a copy of the free Kythera Summer Edition newspaper available from shops and cafes around the island.

Getting Around

•Best way to get around is by car. Kythera’s road network is good however to access many places and beaches be prepared to drive on dirt tracks.
• A bus service is available from Agia Pelagia to Kapsali during summer, check with store owners for timetables as it is not a frequent service.

Mobile phone reception and Internet Cafes and Wireless hotspots

•International mobile phones will operate on roaming networks in most parts of the island. For cheaper phone calls to Greek numbers you can purchase a Greek SIM from the OTE shop and the Sehos electrical goods store in Potamos or at the Sehos and Germanos stores in Livadi. Take your passport with you, as all Greek mobile phone numbers are required by law to be registered. If you have an existing Greek number that was not registered before the 31st July 2010, it will no longer work, Recharge cards for the Cosmote, Wind and Vodafone networks may be purchased at the Kiosk (Periptero) in Potamos, post offices, and selected souvenir shops around the island.

•Internet Cafes are found in the main towns (ask locals for specific shops offering the service)
•In 2010 the majority of towns on the island were serviced with broadband internet cabling, so many more hotels, and rooms for rent will now have internet connectivity.
•If you have your own laptop or iPAD there are several towns around Kythera, such as Potamos, Agia Pelagia, and Hora that are Wi Fi hotspots.

Beaches

•The bulk of Kythera’s beaches are located along the east coast, with various coves and inlets sprawled around the island. Accessing most beaches is easy, however be prepared to rough it on dirt tracks to reach the most spectacular ones.
•As there is little or no shade at most beaches, be prepared to supply you own shade, water and food.
•Please remember to take any rubbish with you when you leave.
•The best beach for children is Diakofti with white sandy shores and clear blue shallow water. Agia Pelagia Kapsali Limiona and Platea Amos are also suitable for families as there are food outlets located on or near the beach.

Weather Tips

•Kythera is known for being windy. If you prefer to swim in still waters here is a list of beaches that are best depending upon which way the wind is blowing:-
o Northerly wind (Vorgias) – Kapsali, Halkos,Melidoni, Likodimou and Limiona
o Southerly wind (Notias)- Limiona, Likodimou and all east coast beaches except Paleopoli.
o Westerly wind – all beaches except Likodimou and Limiona
o Easterly Wind- Halkos, Melidoni, Kapsali, Liomiona and Likodimou

•Nights can get quite cool and damp. Always carry a jacket and your mosquito cream if you are prone to getting bitten.

Festivals and Dances

•Cultural festivals and dances take place throughout late July and all of August and some of September. Keep an eye out for notices posted on shop windows, street poles and trees around the island. Most will be written in Greek so ask the locals to translate them for you.
•The place to be on Sunday mornings is Potamos. Locals and tourist merge to meet up with friends over a coffee or to buy fresh local produce, arts and crafts and jewellery from the bazaar. Parking is available in the free council parking lot.

Exploring Kythera

Some of the best sights are only reached on foot. Wear comfortable walking, sensible clothes, sunscreen and a hat and always carry water. Here are some sights not to be missed:-
•Venetian castles – Hora, Kato Hora (great to watch the subset) ,and Avlemona
•Caves – Agia Sophia Milopotamos which are opened most mornings in August and Agia Sophia Kalamos open all the time.
•Paleohora- The deserted town of Agios Demetrios ransacked in 1537. Access is restricted due the unstableness of the buildings, however restoration works have commenced. Best time to visit is late in the afternoon.
•Waterfall known as Neraida located below Milopotamos.
•Natural Springs – Karava, Viaradika, Mitata and Galani.
•Monasteries– Mirtidiotissa, Agios Theodoros, Agia Elesa, Agia Moni. (Wear modest clothing when visiting monastries).
•Achaeological dig site at Paleokastro during July and take part in the dig as a volunteer for the day.

With a map and Kythera Summer Edition at your side I encourage you to explore the enchanting isle that is Kythera. Enjoy!