Kythnos Hiking

Hiking Trails in Kythnos

The Cycladic island of Kythnos is highly recommended for hiking, thanks to its plethora and variety of trails. Hikers will find signposted and non-signposted routes that pass by archaeological sites or other points of interest, offer splendid sea views, or end up on beaches.

Below are some designated trails that one can follow on the island.
We recommend that hikers carry enough water, take the necessary sun protection measures and wear shoes suitable for hiking. For the longer trails, it is best to bring food and basic first aid supplies.

Routes from Chora

Chora is the capital of the island and the starting point of many much-walked paths.

• Trail 1a: Chora - Loutra

This is an old trail that can be walked even by children, as its route is descending. It starts from the Town Hall Square and the nature of the road changes type depending on the area.
Length: 3.7 kilometers
Duration: Around 1 hour

• Trail 4: Chora - Agios Ioannis

This trail leads to the serene Agios Ioannis Beach. Those who follow it have the chance to see the Monastery of Panagia Nikous, another chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and a small church of Agios Georgios (Saint George) before relaxing or swimming in the azure waters of Agios Ioannis.
Length: 5.8 kilometers
Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes

• Trail 5: Chora - Agios Stefanos

Trail 5 starts from Kythnos Town Hall and traverses Chora, then heading towards Panagia Nikous. Soon after, the asphalt stops and an old, paved, path starts. Before reaching Agios Stefanos, you will meet a chapel.
Length: 4 kilometers
Duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes

• Trail 9: Chora - Apokrousi

This is an easy, downhill route, starting from the Town Hall and terminating at the popular Apokrousi Beach. During hiking, wanders will encounter quaint chapels.
Length: 4.9 kilometers
Duration: 1 hour and 20 minutes

• Chora - Kakovolos - Kolona

The final trail from Chora is among the most challenging on the island. It is quite long and the terrain changes a couple of times during it.
Length: N/A
Duration: N/A

Routes from Driopida

Driopida is one of the largest villages in Kythnos and has been connected with other important areas via paths for centuries.

• Trail 2: Driopida - Lefkes

According to hikers, this is one of the best routes on the island, as it approaches several points of interest and is relatively easy so anyone can walk it. It starts from the central square of the village and passes by Katafiki Cave and several churches and ends in Lefkes Beach.
Length: 2.9 kilometers
Duration: 50 minutes

• Trail 3: Driopida - Kanala

This trail is full of spots relating to history and culture! It has a downward slope, so it is not hard to follow, yet it's quite long. Like Trail 2, it starts from the central square of Driopida and passes by Katafiki Cave and many small churches. Afterward, the trail reaches Kalo Livadi, the beach of Antonides, and terminates in the village of Kanala, close to Panagia Kanala Church.
Length: 7.2 kilometers
Duration: 2 hours and 10 minutes

• Trail 7: Driopida - Episkopi

The route starts from the western entrance of Driopida. The trail is a bit uphill at the start, then becomes flat, and finally starts descending to Episkopi Beach.
Length: 3.9 kilometers
Duration: 2 hours and 20 minutes

Routes from beaches

As there are hiking trails starting from beaches, hiking enthusiasts have the opportunity to combine a walking tour with a refreshing swim in the cool waters of Kythnos!

• Trail 1b: Loutra - Oria Castle

This is the continuation of Trail 1a but can start directly from Loutra. Before arriving at the castle, one passes by small quaint churches, such as Agios Filippos, Agios Athanasios and Agios Georgios. Due to the location of the castle, amazing views of the Aegean and Kea accompany the exploration of the remains.
Length: 3.6 kilometers
Duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes

• Trail 4a: Agios Stefanos - Agios Ioannis

This trail connects trails 4 and 5. It involves changing many small roads and paths, which are not challenging at all. Since hikers walk close to the sea, the Aegean breeze accompanies them throughout their mini adventure.
Length: 1.9 kilometers
Duration: 50 minutes

• Trail 8: Flampouria - Merichas

Trail 8 starts from the port in Merichas and continues towards the old path to Flampouria. After reaching the bay and the church of Panagia Flampouriani, the trail goes uphill until it reaches the altitude of the ridge.
Length: 6.1 kilometers
Duration: 2 hours and 20 minutes

• Trail 9a: Apokrousi - Kolona

This is the trail connecting two of the most renowned beaches in Kythnos, Apokrousi and Kolona.
Length: 2.4 kilometers
Duration: Around 1 hour

Other routes

• Trail 1c: Oria Castle - Loutra

This is the recommended return route from the castle of Oria, following a different path than that of Trail 1b. Starting from Oria, you walk the 1b Trail until the point where you have the path following the gully. There, instead of going right, you follow the dirt road and meet another path leading to the beach. That way you can pass by the limited vague remains of the Mesolithic Maroulas settlement.
Length: 4.2 kilometers
Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes

• Trail 6c: Vryokastro

An alternation of the trail connecting Chora with Episkopi. In reality, it is the road that used to connect the old settlements of Kythnos with the ancient worshipping space of Vryokastro, which became a fortress at some point. It is a very clear trail that ends close to the peak. The route starts from the col of Vryokastro Hill.
Length: N/A
Duration: N/A

• Kakovoulos Mines Trail

Kakovoulos mines were of major importance for the economy during past centuries and the area where they lie is quite isolated with low vegetation. This route starts from the same spot as Trail 1a and hikers pass by a couple of lovely churches until reaching Kakovoulos.
Length: 15 kilometers
Duration: 3 hours and 45 minutes