Project Description
This is a thrilling route, which offers an enriching overview of southern Kythera. The route ascends from the picturesque bay of Kapsali, passing through the agricultural landscapes of Fyroi area, amidst olive groves, scattered “katounes” (cottages) and the little old monastery of Agios Nikolaos, while enjoying an astonishing view of Chora along the way. An offshoot of the trail leads to the monastery of Agioi Akindynoi. The view from there is literally panoramic. After the picturesque monastery of Agios Ioannis at Agriolies, the trail is heading again towards the South, unfolding typical Mediterranean landscapes, with junipers, heather shrublands and old limekilns. After the small, rural settlement of Kseroniamata, the steep narrow path crosses the ravine from high above, where, after a few meters, one can see the majestic cave of Agia Sofia. Behind the beautiful chapel, visitors can take a short circular walk in the cave. There, the oldest archaeological findings of Kythera were discovered, which attest that the island has been inhabited since 4,000 B.C. After the cool break in the cave, the route ascends to the settlement of Spilies. After weaving between the junipers, the bay of Kapsali reveals from above. There, hanging from the cliff is the old handcrafted stone trail, also known as “Atrapos tis Kapenas”, which ends at Piso Gyalos of Kapsali and closes the loop.
You should carry a headtorch in order to admire the cave of Agia Sofia with great care not only to the stalagmites and stalactites, but also to the living beings that live there, such as bats. Caves are sensitive ecosystems to noise and bright lights (flashlights etc.).
Technical Facts
Trail features
Loop | ✓ |
Family friendly | ✕ |
Swiming possibility | ✓ |
Παράκτια τμήματα | ✕ |
Services
Food | ✕ |
Water | ✕ |
Mini market | ✕ |
Lourantianika – Agios Ioannis Agriolies
It is an alternative route which connects the tiny rural settlement of Lourantianika with the main trail M11. The visitor can enjoy an easy route through the cypress forest of Lourantianika, a landscape that hardly resembles Kythera… Of particular interest is the church of Agios Georgios in the center of the settlement.
Technical Facts
Walking time | 35′ |
Distance | 1,3 km |
Difficulty level | 1/5 |
Technical difficulty | Walk |
Uphill | 99,1 m |
Downhill | 34,9 m |
Highest point | 306 m |
Lowest point | 228 m |
Elevation curve | |
Terrain type | Footpath 18% |
Trail features
Loop | ✕ |
Family friendly | ✓ |
Swiming possibility | ✕ |
Coastal parts | ✕ |
Services
Food | ✕ |
Water | ✕ |
Mini Market | ✕ |
Livadi – Agios Ioannis Agriolies
Trail M11B connects the busy commercial settlement of Livadi to trail M11. The old path towards the district of Vlastianika, passes around the meadow of Livadi and offers beautiful views of productive rural landscapes, until it reaches the dirt road and connects with the rest of the trail.
Technical Facts
Trail features
Loop | ✕ |
Family Friendly | ✓ |
Swiming Possibility | ✕ |
Coastal Parts | ✕ |
Services
Food | ✕ |
Water | ✕ |
Mini Market | ✕ |