Kythera Trail M49A

Based at the main village of Karavas this trail narrates the coexistence of man and nature and the way water gives life to all the human activities. Ascending through the neighborhood of Amiralis and passing by Patrikia School, we arrive from the cobbled path to the central square of Karavas, at Marmaro, and the church of Agios Charalampos.

The trail that reaches the settlement of Diakopoulianika, higher, has a wonderful view towards the northern tip of Kythera and the Peloponnese, among pears, oaks and almond trees. The descent to the ravine is stunning against the backdrop of wild forested hills, reaching Loutro.

The rest of the route follows the course of the water in the ravine with tall plane trees, the maples and the chaste trees as well as the horsetails and the wild mint at a lower level. The whole stream is built with walls and terraces, watermills, 8 in total, where together with the micro-dams (“deseis” in the local idiom), comprise a holistic system of traditional water management. Creating “steps” along the stream bed

with small stone dams, freshwater pools are formed. The available water can be then used for irrigating cultivations and watering animals, while at the same time conserving biodiversity and replenishing the aquifer. The dams were restored in September 2020, highlighting the cultural heritage of the area.