Getting from Mykonos to Kythira

Kythira occupies a curious position in Greek geography. It sits at the southern tip of the Peloponnese, technically part of the Ionian island group but geographically detached from the rest of them, sitting alone in the sea between the Peloponnese and Crete. That isolation has shaped the island profoundly. It is unhurried, deeply Greek and largely untouched by mass tourism despite being genuinely beautiful. The main village of Chora sits above a Venetian castle with views stretching out to sea in three directions, the interior is full of Byzantine churches and abandoned settlements and the beaches on the eastern coast are excellent and rarely crowded.

Take the ferry

Kythira is served by ferries from Piraeus and from the southern Peloponnese ports of Neapoli and Gythio. From Mykonos the most practical approach by sea is to take a ferry to Piraeus and then catch the ferry south to Kythira from there. The crossing from Piraeus takes around 6 to 7 hours depending on the service. Ferries also run from Neapoli on the Laconian coast which is a shorter crossing of around 1.5 hours if you are already in the southern Peloponnese.

What about flying?

Kythira has its own small airport which makes flying a viable option on this route. The journey goes Mykonos to Athens and then Athens to Kythira, with total travel time around 3 to 4 hours door to door. Flights to Kythira are limited and operated by Olympic Air so check availability early and book as soon as you have your dates confirmed. Outside of peak season the schedule can be sparse.

Your best option

Fly if you can get a seat. The airport makes Kythira far more accessible than its geography might suggest and arriving with a full day ahead of you is the right way to start. Hire a car at the airport, the island requires it, and give yourself at least three days to properly explore. The drive around the island through the villages and down to the beaches on the eastern coast is one of the more enjoyable you will do in Greece.