Quick Facts
Location: Central Kythnos, 8 kilometres from Merichas port Elevation: Hilltop, central island Also Known As: Messaria Character: Traditional Cycladic capital with flat roofed whitewashed houses, narrow cobbled lanes, historic churches, and windmills GPS: 37.4090, 24.4310
Is It Worth Visiting
Chora Kythnos (Messaria) is a proper working Cycladic village that has not been reshaped for tourists. The whitewashed houses with painted doors, the stone arched passageways, the windmills on the ridge, and the churches on every corner give it the authentic character that more famous islands have lost. You will hear more Greek than English in the cafes here, and that is part of the appeal. An afternoon wandering the lanes and sitting on the main square with a coffee is a good way to feel the real pace of Kythnos.
Highlights
The Churches
Kythnos has over 130 chapels scattered across the island, and a remarkable number of them sit in or around Chora. The Church of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) is the oldest on the island. The Church of Agios Savvas dates from 1613. The Church of Metamorfosis Sotiros has a notable 17th century iconostasis. Walking the lanes, you will pass small churches every few minutes.
The Windmills
Traditional windmills stand on the ridge above the village, adding to the skyline in the way only Cycladic windmills can. They are no longer in use but are well preserved and make a good landmark for orientation.
Monastery of Panagia Nikous
Less than 1 kilometre on foot from the centre of Chora, this monastery has a history that goes beyond religion. During the Ottoman occupation, a secret Greek school operated in its basement, keeping the language and education alive when both were suppressed.
Street Art and Murals
In recent years, painted murals depicting traditional island scenes have appeared on walls throughout Messaria. They add colour and character to the whitewashed lanes and have become something visitors photograph alongside the architecture.
Getting There
A bus runs from Merichas port to Chora during summer. The ride takes about 15 minutes along a winding road through the hills. A hire car or the Kythnos taxi service are alternatives. Check the Kythnos bus timetable for times and the how to get to Kythnos page for ferry connections from Lavrio and Piraeus.
Map
Where to Eat
The central cobbled lane of Chora has a small commercial strip of about 200 metres with tavernas, cafes, and a bakery. The food is traditional Greek. Try the local pasteli, a sesame and honey sweet that is a Kythnos speciality, traditionally offered at weddings.
Where to Stay
A handful of small hotels and guesthouses sit in and around Chora. Hotel Messaria is designed in the traditional Cycladic style and is centrally located. Accommodation here puts you in the quiet heart of the island, though you will need transport to reach the beaches.
Nearby Beaches
Chora has no beach. The nearest swimming is at Loutra on the northeast coast (thermal springs and a sandy beach) or the beaches near Merichas on the west coast, both reachable by bus or car. Kolona Beach, the famous double sided sand strip, is a short boat ride or drive from Merichas.
Best Time to Visit
June and September offer the best combination of warm weather, quiet lanes, and open tavernas. July and August are warmer but Kythnos stays quiet compared to other islands. The churches and lanes look their best in the soft light of late afternoon.
Explore more of the island in our Kythnos guide, the Kythnos map, and the Kythnos photography guide.
