Kythnos is not one of the most well-known island travel destinations in Greece, but it’s worth a visit, particularly for its 17th-century stone houses, decorated alleyways, and flower stencils. The most famous churches to visit are the Agia Triada, along with the monasteries of Panagia Kanala and St. John the Forerunner.
The architecture of Chora, the island’s main town, is identified by its whitewashed houses and winding external staircases. The narrow stone alleys give the houses a quaint feel. Compared to other islands in the Cyclades, Kythnos has a distinctly Neoclassical touch to its architecture, exemplified by its tile roofs.
The most popular areas for real estate are Driopida, Loutra, and Merichas, the main port.
Each town has a distinctive style, with Chora maintaining a traditional Aegean architectural style, and Dryopida touting its ceramics tradition and distinct tile roofs. One unifying factor of both villages are their myriad alleys, all of which add to the charm of these Greek island villages.
How can I engage with the local community?
Kythnos is known for its soil, which contains a high percentage of clay. It is this clay which has historically been used as a building material and for handicrafts of all kinds. If you visit Kythnos for the first time, you’ll see all sorts of cooking vessels and household objects that testify to this craftsmanship.
If you’re interested in getting your hands dirty (literally), third-generation craftsman Giorgos Georgoulis is based in the center of Chora and offers classes so you can make your own souvenirs.
What about more modern architecture in Kythnos?
One of our favorite developments on the island is by ADD Architecture, an Athens-based architecture studio that creates housing complexes which blend seamlessly with the surrounding scenery. Below is their most recent project in Kythnos.
The architect describes it as “a harmonious coexistence between the natural and the anthropogenic landscape” and each of the 8 units has an unobstructed view of the sea.
Interested in visiting Kythnos?
The Greek island is just a hop and skip away from Piraeus – about 3 hours by boat. It has a total of 99 sandy beaches and all of them are open for swimming. Of the more frequented villages, Loutra Kythnos and Merihas are the best-known first stops, because of their luxury hotels and tourist facilities.
