#feelhellas_kythera

KYTHERA ISLAND
THE ISLAND OF THE THREE SEAS
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GEOGRAPHY
Kythera or Tsirigo belong geographically to the Eptanese Islands complex and administratively fall under the Attica Region. They are located south of the Peloponnese and north of western Crete, watered by the Myrtle sea to the east, the Ionian sea to the west and the Cretan sea to the south. The island has an area of ​​277 square kilometers. It consists of low mountains, with the highest being Mermiggaris with an altitude of 550 meters, steep coasts, meadows with rich vegetation and many running waters that end in small and large beaches. The climate of the island is temperate with mild winter and summer with increased humidity which creates favorable conditions for the flora and fauna of the island. It is noteworthy that the largest variety of herbs in Greece has been recorded on the island. In addition, the island is a key stop for migratory birds on their journey south to warmer climates. The population of Kythira is currently around 4050 inhabitants. The main occupations of the inhabitants are agriculture, animal husbandry, fishing and tourism.
HISTORY
According to mythology, Kythera is the island where Aphrodite was born. However, its history is enriched thanks to the many historical monuments from different time periods. The island has been inhabited since at least the 6th millennium BC, according to a vase found in the cave of Agia Sophia. Settlements increase during the 3rd millennium BC. when the Minoans influenced the island, as evidenced by the Minoan summit sanctuary, unique in the Greek area. Then, the island was inhabited until the end of the Mycenaean period (2nd millennium BC). Then, in the 15th century the Phoenicians colonize Kythera, while in the 12th century, the Dorians occupy it. Subsequently, the beginning of the 1st millennium is a dark period for the island, however important Byzantine monuments were found there such as the state of Paleochora, the first capital of the island, the Venetian castles of Chora and Mylopotamos, important churches such as Agios Petros in the Araios and Agios Dimitrios in Pourkos.
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In the 10th century the island was inhabited by Monemvasians. However, with the Fourth Crusade the Latin Crusaders captured Kythera and named the island "Tsirigo". In 1207 the island was given as a gift to the family of the Venetian adventurer Marco Venieri, who claimed that they had rights to the island because: "The name Venieri comes from the Latin Venus meaning Aphrodite. Subsequently, in 1530 the Venetians took all the powers from the Venetians and organized the island into fiefdoms. A few years later, Barbarossa, a native of Mytilene and chief admiral in the fleet of Suleiman the Magnificent, raids the island, committing plunder, murder and destruction. Subsequently, in 1798 the French captured Kythera, which finally joined Greece in 1864.
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ROUTE PLANNER

HOW TO GET THERE

The island of Kythira is connected to the port of Piraeus with a journey time of 6.5 hours. At the same time, it is also connected by ferry to the port of Neapolis in Gytheio Peloponnese and the route lasts 2.5 hours.

HOW TO GET AROUND

In Kythera you can move with your private vehicle, taxis, line busses but also on foot.

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