I'm planning a first trip to Greece in 2027 for my name day in late November. While I want some of the historical places to see, I also am hoping to see the island of Kythera, which is were my mom's family is from. For the first trip I only have a week vacation, but it's a start.
I don't really want high party noisy places.
Thanks,
Katarine
In Kythira, in late November, around the time of Saint Catherine’s Day, you certainly won’t find any "high party noisy place."
In fact, you wouldn’t find that even in the middle of August; it’s simply not the kind of place Kythira is. (For context, I spent a week on the island 3 years ago , we traveled there from Athènes via the Peloponnese, taking a ferry from the port of Neapoli with a rental car, but that would take far too much time for your trip.
Since you only have one week, the best option is to take a flight from Athens to Kythira with Aegean-Olympic or Sky Express. Note that there may not be daily flights in November.
Your mother’s family might have Australian roots, as there was a massive exodus from Kythira to Australia during the 20th century.
You might find this site interesting:
https://www.kythera-family.net/index.php/en
The general tourism website:
You will need a car on Kythira, bus service is extremely limited (if not non-existent in November), and the island is quite large.
Therefore, I suggest checking flight availability to Kythira first. Flights generally depart in the late morning or early afternoon. This might mean spending your first night in Athens if you cannot catch a connecting flight upon your arrival in Greece.
Athens is packed with historical sites, but as for how you could easily see historical sites and travel to Kythira within a single week, I don’t really see how that’s reasonably possible. You would have to limit your stay in Kythira to a maximum of 3 nights, which amounts to only two full days. Whether that’s enough for a return to your family roots, that’s for you to decide.
I appreciate the information. I know for a fact that we do not have Australian roots. I have a document which goes back generations and tracking individuals from Kythera to the US.
I will definitely consider flying from Athens. However, considering my time frame, I may have to wait for another trip.
ευχαριστώ πολύ
I can highly recommend Kythira as it's one of my top favorite Greek Islands.
Not overly geared toward tourism, numerous villages, beaches, archeological/historic sites, great food and most of the villages are small enough not to get lost in.
I stayed in Potamos and it's a great town especially with it's Sunday Farmer's Market.
Not a party island, not hordes of tourists especially late November.
I would recommend contacting Pyrgos House for wonderful authentic Greek accommodations and more info.
I loved the island so much I am consider a second trip for next April.
I did a trip report on "another" forum if you want to read and see my photos.
