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A kéktúrázás napja
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Photo: Fivos Tsaravopoulos, Paths of Greece
This short circular walk takes hikers from Kapsali beach to the heights of Agios Ioannis "En Krimno" church and back down throught the backcountry of Kythera island.
This short walk around the picturesque bay of Kapsali unravels more “secrets” of Kythera than one would expect!
Starting from the pier, next to the church of Agios Georgios and the lighthouse, at the low hills which separate the twin bays, the route follows the seaside and then ascends in a northerly direction. From the warm microclimate of the beach (“Kapsali” comes from the verb “kapsalizo”, which means to burn or scorch), the route passes through a cool pine forest, following the old trail, in order to arrive to the sheer rocks of Agios Ioannis En Krimno. It is a unique monastic complex which consists of the cave-church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos, ruined cells where monks used to live and an old guesthouse. According to the local legend, Agios Ioannis Theologos stayed there for some time and conceived the Apocalypse before he travelled to Patmos, to write it. The view from there justifies the inspiration…
Under the shade of pine trees, the path passes by the public campsite and the beautiful chapel of Agios Nikolaos. Moving on from there, the landscape becomes rural with olive groves and fields. An offshoot trail serpentines through a small cedar forest to reach the wild seascapes of Sgouritsi cove, adorned with sharp rocks, cliffs and caves. The brave ones can have a swim in the sea.
The main trail carries on in the arid landscape of Apokleistra, where the lonesome windmill and the miller’s house still stand, indicating that this area was used in the past to a great extend. An important testimony to the use of this trail towards the windmill is also the engraving of Edward Lear (1863) which depicts Kytherian farmers and a loaded donkey, with Kapsali and the Castle of Chora in the backdrop.
At the end of the downslope from the windmill to the sea, lies Lazareto, an impressive building, which was constructed during the British rule, and was used as a quarantine for the seamen disembarking on Kythera.
The route ends up at the starting point with a beautiful coastal walk at the always serene Piso Gialo bay.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileRest stops
Kapsali BeachAgios Ioannis en Krimno Church
Agios Nikolaos Church
Lighthouse of Kapsali
Chapel of Agios Georgios
Safety information
It is advised not to walk alone and to always keep with you a first aid kit.
Tips and suggestions
Take only memories, leave only footprints. Ants and other insects or animals have not yet discovered how to consume plastic. Take all rubbish back with you.
Don’t start a fire if you feel cold. Try walking faster.
Smoking on the trail will not help in anything. Neither you, nor the risk of fire.
Local people are not a tourist sight! If you want to take a picture, kindly ask. They will certainly smile to you!
If you find a door on the trail, pass freely, and leave it as you found it.
Stay on the trail. There is a reason why for many centuries people chose to walk on them and not elsewhere.
Zeidoros Theatre and Art Gallery
Pine Tree forest
Agios Ioannis en Krimno Church
Agios Nikolaos Church
Olive grove on terraces
Juniper Trees
Harbor of Sgouritsi
Stavros (Cross)
Phrygana - Sage
Mylonas' House (The Millkeeper's House)
Apoklistra mill
Pine Tree groups
Lime Kiln Ruins
Old Photo Location
Lazaretto
Kountouriotis Mansion
Vassilis Charos House
Lighthouse of Kapsali
Chapel of Agios Georgios
Kapsali Cannons
Kapsali
Venetian Warehouses
Public transport
To move around while on the island of Kythera you have many options. Either to use your own vehicle, rent a vehicle, travel by bus, or by taxi. For bus schedules you can visit the following link: https://visitkythera.com/en/leoforeia/
Taxi contact details can be found at the following link: https://visitkythera.com/en/taxi/
Directions
Kythera is accessible by ferry from the ports of Piraeus, Gythio and Neapoli. It is also connected by ferry to Kastelli port in Kissamos (Crete) and Antikythera. For itineraries you can click at the following link: http://www.openseas.gr/openseas/en/
Kythera have an airport connected to the Athens and Thessaloniki International Airports. For itineraries you can click the following link: https://www.google.com/flights
Coordinates
Equipment
Hiking boots, hat, sunscreen, long trousers, walking poles are considered essential. A torch, and a well charged mobile phone are also advised.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions