General information about the island of Citera
Strengths:
Prices.
Average:
Sea and beaches, points of interest, excursions, crowding, nightlife, fairly suitable for families with children.
Weaknesses:
Connections.
- Capital: Kythira (Chora)
- Population: 3600
- Area: 278 km²
- Port: Diakofti
- Airport: yes
- Public transportation: yes
- Car and motorcycle rental: yes
- Campsites: yes
Citera or Cerigo or Kythera or Kythira (from the Greek Κύθηρα) is the southernmost of the Ionian Islands, located south of the Peloponnese. It can be reached both by sea and by air (National Airport of Kythira). It is only 10 nautical miles from the Peloponnese and 105 nautical miles from Piraeus.
It has an area of 278 km² and a population of about 3,600 inhabitants.
The island is rugged and covered with relatively low mountains; its highest peak is Mount Hermyggaris, just over 500 meters high. Its appearance is more similar to the Cyclades than to the green Ionian Islands. From the interior to the sea, there are numerous wild gorges, and along the coasts, many sea-level caves can be seen.
The island's inhabitants are mainly engaged in livestock farming and agriculture, particularly olive trees, cereals, and vegetables. In addition, excellent honey and beeswax are produced in Kythira.
The capital of the island is the town of Kythira (or Chora), built on a height to escape pirates.
The island's sea is beautiful, particularly its seabed. Kythira has the charm of being the birthplace of Aphrodite (the Greek Venus, goddess of love), according to mythology.
It is a quiet and sparsely populated island (many of its inhabitants have emigrated to Australia). However, in high season, even its beaches become crowded with bathers.
The island's road network is somewhat lacking, and several roads have yet to be paved. Public transportation reaches the main locations on the island. It is also possible to get around by taxi or rent cars and scooters.
