Kythera

Kythera, also spelled Kythira (Greek: Κύθηρα), is a Greek island in the southern Ionian Sea, located off the southeastern coast of the Peloponnese, near Cape Malea. The island lies to the east of Crete and north of Antikythera. It covers an area of about 280 square kilometers and has a population of several thousand residents, with the principal town being Chora (the capital) situated in a hilly interior and overlooking the coast. Other notable settlements include Avlemonas, Diakofti, and Potamos. The coastline includes numerous coves and beaches, connected by a network of scenic roads through olive groves and terraced slopes.

History: The area has been inhabited since ancient times and has experienced periods of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman influence before becoming part of the modern Greek state in the 19th century. The island retains several Venetian fortifications and traditional architecture, especially in Chora, and hosts churches and monasteries reflecting its historical heritage.

Economy and culture: Agriculture, olives, honey, and wine have long been important, while tourism contributes to the economy in recent decades. Kythera attracts visitors with its landscapes, traditional towns, and beaches, as well as hiking routes and cultural events. The nearby Antikythera shipwreck, discovered off the coast to the southeast, is linked historically to the region through the Antikythera Mechanism, an early example of ancient engineering.

See also: Antikythera mechanism; Antikythera (island)