Kythira, the peaceful island that is believed to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, offers many beautiful sights and serene beaches. But it’s also home to unique local products that you won’t want to miss out on trying!
A few of these include wine, thyme honey and Kythira nuts. Here are some of the best places to try them!
Wine
Kythira is a paradise of picturesque beaches, spectacular sights and unique natural landscapes that offer the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities. But the island also has many cultural highlights, from its history as the birthplace of Aphrodite to the architecture found throughout the villages.
The wine produced on Kythira is high quality and comes in a variety of styles to suit any taste. The grape varieties grown on the island include aricaras and roditis which yield rose and white wines, as well as agiorgitiko and kournas which produce dry red wine. The island’s most famous vineyard is located in Mitata.
One of the most popular things to do on a visit to Kythira is to sample the local wine. You can find a number of places to buy local wines including the island’s largest village, Potamos. You can also try the wine at the annual Wine Festival in the month of August. This event is fun for the entire family and offers a great chance to sample a variety of wines and enjoy some live music.
Thyme Honey
If you want to bring a piece of Kythira home with you, look no further than the island’s rich thyme honey. The honey is cold-extracted and never heated or filtered, revealing the natural flavors of thyme and beeswax.
This unique honey is considered some of the finest in the world, due to its high antioxidant activity rating – three to four times higher than other honeys. The thyme honey is a result of the island’s unique beekeeping flora, which is rich in thyme and other herbs.
The thyme honey is available in many shops across the island. It makes a great gift for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life. It’s also a perfect addition to any dessert. The thyme honey is sweet but not overpowering, making it perfect for any dish. The best way to experience thyme honey is to visit the village of Potamos and try it at one of its local cafes or tavernas.
Fatourada
Kythira is home to all sorts of traditional foods. The island produces all kinds of noodles, including a type called trahana and chylopites, as well as spices like oregano and thyme. Moreover, it has several salt marshes. Kythhira also specializes in the production of various liquors, with the best known one being fatourada.
Its inhabitants also produce a unique liqueur based on tsipouro with the peels of two different varieties of oranges. This results in a final product with aromas of citrus, honey and cinnamon cloves.
A visit to Kythira will reveal many interesting elements that make the island stand out from the rest of the Peloponnese and other Ionian islands. For example, a walk along ancient footpaths will reveal charming chapels and secluded beaches. You can also sample a wide array of local culinary specialties, such as handmade olive oil rusks. In addition, the unique way the Kytherians manage public land continues to fascinate visitors. This unique framework was imposed when the island was under British rule. It is reflected in the island’s architecture that combines Greek and Venetian elements.
Rusks
Rusk is a biscuit-like bread that can be baked either once or twice, and it can be sweet or savory. It is an essential food in many cultures throughout the world and is usually dunked into coffee, tea or other drinks. On Kythira, it is a special treat.
Kythira is home to the famous Karavas family bakery, whose rusks are made with the finest ingredients and extra virgin olive oil. These double-baked savory snacks are great for all hours of the day and can be enjoyed plain or with cheese or tomato. They also make an excellent accompaniment for soups and myzithra.
When paired with hard or soft cheeses, olives and cured meats, they can be an alternative to croutons in leafy salads and help thicken soups. These versatile treats also play a supporting role in tsipouro cocktails like the popular faturada or can be used to prepare beef patties (biftekia). A great way to enjoy them is to have them on hand for breakfast, lunch and dinner, or with a cup of hot or cold coffee.
Xynochontros
Kythira is known for its olives and the quality of their oil. Its low acidity and exquisite taste palette rank it among the top 10 Greek olive oils. The systematic cultivation of the tree began on the island under British rule. Koroneiki is the most common variety planted. The local thyme honey is also a must-try and the traditional drink, Fatourada, a blend of tsipouro with cinnamon, is a real indulgence.
There is a special energy in Kythira that makes it stand out from other islands and draws visitors to its shores. Maybe it’s because of the evocative beauty of its nature and the enchanting mythology that surrounds it.
Kythira is a place where one feels at home from the first moment. Its villages have a particular charm that makes them unique and they are all worth visiting. The mountain village of Potamos is particularly alluring, as well as the ruins of ancient Aigeila in Kato Chora. It is also worth catching up with the locals in the cafe of the square, under the plane trees, to hear their stories about Kato Chora and other mystical traditions of Kythira!