Merichas is the port of Kythnos, a small, sheltered harbour on the west coast and the only way onto the island, as Kythnos has no airport. It is one of the closest Cyclades islands to Athens, and fast boats from Lavrio can have you here in little more than an hour, which is why Kythnos is so popular with Athenians at weekends. Merichas itself is a pleasant fishing village turned port, with a small sandy beach beside the quay, tavernas and hotels, and roads leading inland to Chora, the thermal springs of Loutra and the old village of Dryopida. This guide covers Merichas port, getting around Kythnos from the ferry, the ferries to and from the island and tips for your arrival.
Kythnos port at a glance
Merichas is the only port on Kythnos, about 6.5 to 7 km from Chora, with fast ferries to Lavrio near Athens in as little as 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Location: Merichas, on the west coast of Kythnos
- Main ferry route: Lavrio, 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, all year
- Bus: links Merichas with Chora, Loutra, Dryopida and Kanala
- Taxi: about 15 to 20 euros to Chora and 20 to 25 euros to Loutra
- Airport: none, the island is reached by sea from Lavrio or Piraeus
Where Is Kythnos Port?
The port is at Merichas, in a bay on the west coast that sailors have used for centuries. It appears on a 16th century map under the name Merza, and by the 19th century it was known as a safe harbour with its own pottery kilns. The modern port was built in the 1970s and enlarged in the 2000s, and Merichas is now the second largest village on Kythnos after Chora, with a small beach, a beach bar, tavernas and places to stay right beside the quay.
Chora, also called Messaria, is about 6.5 to 7 km inland to the north east. Dryopida is about 7 km away, Loutra about 11 km and Kanala in the south a little further.
Getting Around Kythnos From Merichas Port
Bus
- Chora, Loutra, Dryopida, Kanala
- Limited timetable
- Check times locally
- Best on a budget
Taxi
- Based at Merichas port
- Only a few drivers
- Call ahead
- Best with luggage
Hire car
- Collect on arrival
- Or bring your own from Lavrio
- Best way to see the island
- Best for beaches
Walk
- Hotels in Merichas
- Beach beside the quay
- Old paths across the island
- Best for Merichas stays
Bus From Merichas Port
The island bus links Merichas with Chora, the spa village of Loutra, Dryopida and the seaside area around Kanala. Services are limited, especially outside the summer, and timetables change, so always check at the kiosk by the port or with your accommodation. Our Kythnos bus timetable shows the routes.
Taxis at Kythnos Port
The island’s taxis are based at Merichas port, but there are only a few of them, and finding one away from the port is almost impossible. Call ahead, especially for an early ferry or a late night return from dinner in Chora. One of the main numbers is +30 694 580 0278. See our Kythnos taxi guide for all the drivers.
| From Merichas port to | Distance | Taxi fare |
|---|---|---|
| Chora | About 6.5 to 7 km | About 15 to 20 euros |
| Dryopida | About 7 km | About 15 to 20 euros |
| Loutra | About 11 km | About 20 to 25 euros |
| Kanala | In the south | About 25 to 30 euros |
Many visitors from Athens bring their own car on the ferry from Lavrio, and a car is the easiest way to reach the beaches. Our guide to getting around Kythnos covers every option.
Ferries From Kythnos Port
The busiest route is to Lavrio, the port south east of Athens, with frequent sailings all year run by companies including Seajets, Blue Star Ferries, Triton Ferries and Goutos Lines. Kythnos is also on the western Cyclades line, with ferries on to Serifos, Sifnos and Milos.
| Kythnos to | Journey time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lavrio (Athens) | 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes | Frequent, all year |
| Milos | 1 hour 15 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes | Western Cyclades line |
| Serifos and Sifnos | Short crossings | On the same western Cyclades ferries |
| Paros | Around 3 hours 50 minutes to 5 hours 30 minutes | Often with a change |
| Andros | About 6 hours 15 minutes | Occasional, multi stop route |
| Naxos | About 6 hours 45 minutes to 7 hours | Occasional, when running |
| Piraeus (Athens) | Longer than from Lavrio | Fewer sailings |
See our guides on how to get to Kythnos, the Lavrio port guide and getting from Athens to the Cyclades. If you are flying in from abroad, Athens Airport is about 30 minutes by taxi from Lavrio.
Things to Do Near Merichas Port
If you have time before or after your ferry, the beach beside the quay is good for a swim, and the famous sandbar beach of Kolona is not far away by boat or car. Further afield, soak in the natural hot springs at Loutra, where warm water mixes with the sea in rock pools, or visit Dryopida and the Katafyki Cave, the largest cave in the Cyclades. For more ideas, see our guides to things to do in Kythnos, the best beaches in Kythnos and the best villages in Kythnos.
Facilities at Merichas Port
| Facility | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Ticket offices | Ferry agency offices near the quay |
| Food and drink | Tavernas, cafés and a beach bar around the harbour |
| Taxis | Based at the port, but only a few |
| Car hire | Offices in Merichas |
| Beach | A small sandy beach right beside the port |
| Places to stay | Hotels and rooms in Merichas, see where to stay in Kythnos |
Tips for Using Kythnos Port
- Sail from Lavrio. It is much quicker than Piraeus, and close to Athens Airport.
- Book ahead for summer weekends. Kythnos is very popular with Athenians, and Friday and Sunday boats fill up, especially for cars.
- Call a taxi before you arrive. There are only a few drivers on the island.
- Check bus times locally. The timetable is limited and changes, so ask at the port kiosk.
- Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early. Merichas is small, but cars need time to board.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kythnos Port
What is the port of Kythnos called?
The port of Kythnos is Merichas, on the west coast of the island. It is the only ferry port on Kythnos.
How do I get from Athens to Kythnos?
The quickest way is the ferry from Lavrio, south east of Athens, which takes 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes. Some ferries also run from Piraeus, but they take longer.
How far is Merichas from Chora?
Chora, also called Messaria, is about 6.5 to 7 km from Merichas, around 10 minutes by car. A taxi costs about 15 to 20 euros.
How far is Merichas from Loutra?
Loutra is about 11 km from Merichas, around 20 minutes by car. A taxi costs about 20 to 25 euros.
Is there a bus from Kythnos port?
Yes. Buses link Merichas with Chora, Loutra, Dryopida and Kanala, but the timetable is limited, so check the latest times at the port kiosk or with your accommodation.
Does Kythnos have an airport?
No. Kythnos has no airport. Most visitors fly to Athens and take the ferry from Lavrio, which is about 30 minutes by taxi from Athens Airport.
How long is the ferry from Lavrio to Kythnos?
The fastest ferries take about 1 hour 15 minutes, while conventional ferries take up to about 2 hours 30 minutes.
How long is the ferry from Kythnos to Milos?
High speed ferries take about 1 hour 15 minutes and conventional ferries up to about 3 hours 30 minutes.
Can I take a car to Kythnos?
Yes. Car ferries run from Lavrio, and many visitors from Athens bring their own car. Book ahead for summer weekends.
Is there a beach at Kythnos port?
Yes. Merichas has a small sandy beach right beside the port, with a beach bar and tavernas.
How early should I arrive at Kythnos port?
Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your ferry, and a little earlier if you are taking a car.
Final Thoughts
Merichas is an easy, friendly port and the gateway to one of the most relaxed islands in the Cyclades. Take the fast ferry from Lavrio, call a taxi or bring a car, and you can be soaking in the hot springs at Loutra the same afternoon. Book ahead for summer weekends, when half of Athens seems to have the same idea. Before you travel, take a look at our guide to the Kythnos weather, our Kythnos map and our guide to photography in Kythnos.
