Portokalia Spring

The storied spring of Karavas. It is a reference point in the collective memory of Karavites. It is a point for rest, recreation, dance and feast for the local community, but also important as it offers the precious water. The route from Amirgiali to Portokalia is the most famous part of the ravine, where one can find the characteristic blue dragonflies at every step. This area of the spring consists of the plateau and the built bench, donated by the well-known family Dilaveris, as well as facilities for the cauldron andthe distillation of the local “tsipoura” (raki). The plane tree embraces the spring and refreshes the groups that visit the spring. In the past, however, according to the tradition, there was a giant orange tree, which produced thousands of oranges every year and had a trunk so large that it took 4-5 people to embrace it. Around 1930, the orange tree dried up by a heavy winter or was swept away by the raging river after bad weather. Not only did it give its name to the spring and was praised in local songs, but also remained as the emblem of all Karavas and the diaspora. The Water here is considered one of the best in Kythera. Like the water in the springs of Maggana, higher in the ravine, it is also “iron water”, due to the presence of iron salts in the rocks from which it comes out. The water of Kytherian springs has been studied by chemists since the end of the 19th century. Previously, people with anemia and other ailments were advised to drink water from these sources.