The picturesque Hora is crowned by a medieval castle, which is built on a hilltop and   commands a splendid view of the Cretan Sea and the double bay of Kapsali. At the highest point of the castle stand the famous churches of Panagia Myrtidiotissa, Panagia Orphani, Pantokratoras and Aghios Ioannis. Of particular interest are the paved alleys and churches, the garrison and   command post buildings, the prison, the powder magazine as well as an impressive cistern. The archaeological museum of Hora houses an important collection of earthen pots, urns and sculptures from the archaic and classical period, as well as several coats of arms and coins.

Close by (3 km.) is located Kapsali, seaport of Kythira and one of the main seaside resorts. From Hora the enclosed natural bay of Kapsali, beneath the medieval castle of Hora, looks like a lake. At a short distance from Hora you will find Livadi with its mansions built during the English occupation and the church of Aghios Andreas with its 12th-century frescoes. Not far away from Livadi, in the middle of a magnificent landscape, stands the monastery of Aghia Elessa.

To the west side of the island you will find one of its most beautiful villages, Mylopotamos. The village nestles amid lush vegetation and enjoys an abundance of crystal-clear water. Its name stems from the past, as there were many watermills in the area. Of particular interest is the settlement of Kato Hora, the most historic site of the village. In the area you can admire the Venetian fortress, which is built on the top of the hill. Its gate is decorated with the symbols of the Venetian empire; one important feature is a flying lion holding a Gospel. In the interior you can see the ruins of two-storey houses and a significant number of Byzantine churches.

As you reach the waterfalls, the splendid view will delight you. The water falls in a small, three-metre deep lake called Neraida or Fonissa. The name Fonissa (murderess) is related to a legend according to which two women were fighting on the top of the cliff and at some point one of them pushed down the cliff and killed the other.

West of Mylopotamos, the first stop is the Cave of Aghia Sofia. In the cave's interior you will admire the iconostasis with its beautiful frescoes dating back to the 12th-13th century. The cave's stalactites and stalagmites present a startling palette of colours consisting of various shades of red, white and black.

One of the most renowned fishing villages is Avlemonas, near the beaches of Palaiopoli with Aphrodite's bath and the beautiful Kaladi. At the port's entrance, one can see the ruins of a Venetian fortress. At Avlemonas, near the coast of Kythira, Lord Elgin's ship that transported carvings from the Parthenon frieze was wrecked.

Situated on the north of the island, Potamos is the largest village and a well-known holiday resort. Potamos has a paved square surrounded by pine trees, traditional houses and beautiful country mansions. The Sunday market where locals sell their goods is a lively event.

The village of Karavas, north of Potamos, is famous for its springs of crystal-clear water and abundant vegetation. The area's significant sights are the churches of Agios Haralambos, Agios Prokopios and Panagia Despina. There are also some hot springs. Diakofti, 26 km away from Hora, is the main port of the island

Of particular interest is Palaiohora, the island's Byzantine capital built on the northern part of a steep rock with its 13th-century fortified town. Most of the churches are now destroyed, but the remains remind us of Monenvasia. The location is quite fascinating with splendid views of wild nature. An awe-inspiring view is Faragi, a wide gorge that extends from Lagada to Palaiohora.

Don't miss the chance to visit the Byzantine churches in Mesa Vourgos, the beautiful stone bridge near the Kythira Home for the Elderly, a remnant of the English occupation, Aghios Ioannis chapel in the middle of a pine-clad area commanding a panoramic view of the sea, and finally the church of Aghia Varvara, a wonderful monument with perfect proportions and a typical sample of Monemvasian architecture.

Kythira's beaches are lapped by crystal clear water. Its golden sandy and reddish beaches on the east coast, its steeper coastline on the west where rocky slopes submerge in the sea, are well worth discovering. Fish are plentiful in the island's seas that attract a great number of fishermen. The sea is also ideal for wind surfing.

Among the best beaches for swimming are Kapsali, ideal for sailing as well, Aghia Pelagia, Palaiopoli with its fine sand and Platia Ammos for those in search of cosmopolitan bustle. Halkos, Melidoni, Aghios Nikolas, Likodimou and stunning Kaladi fascinate visitors with their beauty and tranquillity. There are also roads leading to more secluded beaches, like Koufos Gialos, Kalami, Diporos, and Steno Avlaki. Two of the most beautiful beaches are Kobonada, a large sandy beach and Firi Ammos, a long and spacious beach with red pebbles and sand that has been awarded a prize for its cleanliness and natural beauty. For those who love spear-gun fishing, the beach of Vrouleas is worth visiting.