WriterCooksGreek: Kythera -Day 1

Under the Kytherian sun!

Porfyrousa, the ferry to Kythera

Aphrodite, the ancient goddess of love, was conceived in the sea foam of the island of Kythera and was carried by the surf to the island of Cyprus where she emerged in all her glory. Kythera, also known as Tserigo, lies off the southern coast of the Peloponnese, an hour's ferry ride from Neapolis. It takes half a day of driving from Athens to the seaport, through the wild landscape of olive groves, vineyards and hilly open spaces. The mountain-range of Taygetos looms in the distance, tall and scraggly and imposing.

A statue at the Neapolis Harbor in honor of the seafarer

Travelling to the islands is a major Greek activity, especially in the summer time and especially during the month of August.

Disembarking

For the past 14 years I have been lucky to spend a few days every August on Kythera. Like many before me I have fallen in love with this unspoiled, not easily accessible island. I'm enamored with it's crystal clean beaches, it's byzantine churches dotted throughout the island, it's wild expanses where thyme and oregano grow, narrow windy roads, it's uniquely tasting foods and above all, it's people.

Come with me on this August's journey and let's swim together in the clearest beaches, taste the sublime food and meet some of the locals.