Kythira Chytra Islet

Location: Chytra

Chytra (or Avgo) is an islet surrounded by waters reminiscent of a swimming pool! This small piece of land sitting lonely opposite Kapsali is one of Kythira’s most stunning natural attractions.

A sea cave on the south side of the islet is the most majestic spot for swimming, as the sun’s rays enhance the clarity and color of the stunning turquoise waters. At the end of the cave is a seal haven, and if you are lucky you may even encounter one!

Except for seals, Chytra is also a haven for other rare species of fauna and flora.
On the islet’s rugged terrain grows the Sempreviva flower, Kythira’s “traditional” flower, collected only by experienced islanders due to the difficult-to-access locations where it grows. This distinctive yellow flower takes its name from the conjunction of two Italian words, sempre (always) and viva (the participle of the verb “vivere”, meaning “to live”) and, indeed, its name is English is “Everlasting Flower”. In Greek, it is called elichrysos.
In addition, black-headed hawks, a rare and protected bird species, nest on the cliffs of Chytra.

Since it is an islet, visitors of Kythira can only visit Chytra by sea. One can do this either by private vessel or boat from Kapsali.