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Kythira is an island in Greece lying opposite the south-eastern tip of the Peloponnese peninsula.
There are archaeological remains from the Helladic period, contemporary with the Minoans. There is archaeological evidence of Kythiran trade as far as Egypt and Mesopotamia. In Ancient Greek mythology, Kythira was considered to be the island of celestial Aphrodite, the Goddess of love,
The archaic Greek city of Kythira was at Scandea on Avlemonas; its ruins have been excavated. Its acropolis, now Palicastro (Palaeocastron, "Old Fort"), has the temple of Aphrodite Ourania, who may well represent a Phoenician cult of Astarte.
During the Venetian domination the island was known as Cerigo.
Barbary pirates ranged across the Mediterranean waters, raiding ships, coasts and islands, taking booty and slaves for the Barbary slave trade. Kythira was at the mercy of Barbary pirates due to its strategic location in the Mediterrean.
The capital, Chora, is located on the southern part of the island.
The popular season usually begins with the Greek holiday of Pentecost at the end of May, and lasts until the middle of September.
During July and August, several traditional dances will be held in various villages. These dances usually attract the majority of the island's population, the biggest of which are the festival of 'Panagia' in Potamos on 15 August, and the wine festival in Mitata on the first Friday and Saturday of August.
Mentor crashed into the rocks of Cape Avelemonas and sank into the sea
Just outside the harbor of Avlemonas, at 20 meters depth, a group from the Institute of Marine Archaeology found in 1980 an ancient shipwreck!
On the Kythera island the most characteristic monument is the castle of Chora!
The “Eye of Crete” as it was also called due to its strategic position, providing the observance of ships on three seas simultaneously – the Ionian, Aegean and Cretan.
The Cave of Agia Sofia was named in accordance with the local tradition saying that the saint’s body was found there
A few kilometers away from the picturesque village of Milopotamos, the Cave of Agia Sofia.
The skerry Chytra, Sempreviva and the haven for seals near the harbor of Kapsali Kythera.
At a short distance across the harbor of Kapsali there is one of the most impressive parts of the island Kythera. Is the skerry of Chytra or else Avgo (egg).
The icon of Panaghia Mirtidiotissa is the island’s most precious relic and the patron of all Kytherians.
It is the largest monastery in Kythera! Located in the area of Mirtidia in the west of the island.