Kythira is my favorite kind of Greek island. It’s off the beaten path. It’s rural with plenty of small seaside and countryside villages, and it’s relatively free of tourists.
It’s a place where the ravages of the sun, wind, rain, and sea have created dreamy secluded beaches and at the same time, lonely swathes of barren countryside.
The first time I laid eyes on the island of Kythira, I was struck by endless sight lines of dusty rocks and dry vegetation. I had a surreal feeling that I had landed on another planet. And then, my eyes shifted to expansive views of the Aegean Sea. I no longer noticed or cared about the bland terrain covering the hills and flatlands by the sea.
A treeless, barren landscape leads to the seaside village of Avlemonas.
Sparse vegetation dots the rocky hillside near the church. Anyone know the name of the plant in the photo?
An eye-catching view of the blue Aegean sea from the white-washed church of St. George of the Mountain. Notice how the brown landscape fades into the background.
A grounded shipwreck can be seen from a rocky hillside on the island. Across the bay are the mountains of southeastern Peloponnese, muted by the mist that lingers above the sea.
Carved out of a rocky hillside by natural elements over time is the secluded beach of Kalami.
Inspiration: Elemental.
Capturing Moments 
We are visiting Kythera later this month – can’t wait. Have you seen the news of the catastrophic fires on the west part of the island? It seems to be under control now.
Hi Debi-
Nice! Where do you stay when visiting Kythira? We stay near Avlemonas. I did hear about the fires on the west part of the island. Friends of ours have summer homes on Kythira, so we’ve been in contact with them. I’m glad to hear the fires are now under control. I’m hoping we will visit Kythira in September.
Donna
Mitata – smack in the centre of the island.
Great location!
Lovely pictures but the picture with bell is my favourite.
Thanks! It’s my favorite too.
Looks idyllic
It sure is.
Wow, amazing! I love Greek islands! One of my favorites is Therasia.
Thank you, Vy. The Greek Islands are indeed amazing.
Donna