Secured
Hiking Medieval Trails at Kythnos Island
What you'll do
Medieval Trails
Middle Ages had a profound impact on the island of Kythnos. Holidays in Kythnos island give you the opportunity to experience the dark ages of the island by hiking the Medieval Trails of Kythnos. Through this guided tour you will learn about glorious moments of the island and old stories which pass by word of mouth to the new generations.
One of the medieval landmarks of Kythnos is the Castle of Oria (or simply Kastro), located at the medieval capital, which lies on a steep cliff in the northwest of the island. An area with a tremendous view of the Aegean Sea, rich flora and fauna. This place is the center of a unique story which is lost in the depths of the ages with pirates, kings and beautiful princesses.
Activity
Our hiking experience begins above the settlement of Loutra in Kythnos island, giving a magnificent view of the eastern Cyclades. Then we continue uphill following a dirt road until we reach the junction that goes either north to the church of St. George or west to the Castle of Oria.
Further on our trail you may enjoy unique views of the western Aegean sea and the wild beauty of the landscape until you see the impressive steep cliffs where the Castle of Oria is built on. The Castle of Oria was the seat of the Italian feudal family of Gozzadini who dominated the island from 1337 to 1617 as the subordinates of the Venetian Duchy of Naxos. In 1292, Kythnos was plundered by the Catalans while throughout the Venetian and the Ottoman domination, it suffered greatly from pirate raids. Today, only the ruins of fortifying walls and medieval residences are preserved from the old Castle, while only the churches of Keralaousa and Agia Triada are preserved from its 100 churches.
After our guided tour and extensive storytelling at Castle of Oria, the hiking trail continues through the fruit crops of the locals and our experience ends at the port of Loutra.
Middle Ages had a profound impact on the island of Kythnos. Holidays in Kythnos island give you the opportunity to experience the dark ages of the island by hiking the Medieval Trails of Kythnos. Through this guided tour you will learn about glorious moments of the island and old stories which pass by word of mouth to the new generations.
One of the medieval landmarks of Kythnos is the Castle of Oria (or simply Kastro), located at the medieval capital, which lies on a steep cliff in the northwest of the island. An area with a tremendous view of the Aegean Sea, rich flora and fauna. This place is the center of a unique story which is lost in the depths of the ages with pirates, kings and beautiful princesses.
Activity
Our hiking experience begins above the settlement of Loutra in Kythnos island, giving a magnificent view of the eastern Cyclades. Then we continue uphill following a dirt road until we reach the junction that goes either north to the church of St. George or west to the Castle of Oria.
Further on our trail you may enjoy unique views of the western Aegean sea and the wild beauty of the landscape until you see the impressive steep cliffs where the Castle of Oria is built on. The Castle of Oria was the seat of the Italian feudal family of Gozzadini who dominated the island from 1337 to 1617 as the subordinates of the Venetian Duchy of Naxos. In 1292, Kythnos was plundered by the Catalans while throughout the Venetian and the Ottoman domination, it suffered greatly from pirate raids. Today, only the ruins of fortifying walls and medieval residences are preserved from the old Castle, while only the churches of Keralaousa and Agia Triada are preserved from its 100 churches.
After our guided tour and extensive storytelling at Castle of Oria, the hiking trail continues through the fruit crops of the locals and our experience ends at the port of Loutra.
What's included
- Guide
- Tour planning - Sightseeing
- Transfer from the exit point to entry point (if applicable)
- Photographs from the tour
- Liability insurance
- All taxes
What's not provided
- Bottle of water
- Hat
- Sun cream (during summer months)
- Hiking shoes or trainers (open shoes, sandals or flip-flops are unsuitable)
- Hiking backpack and poles (if available)
- Swimwear and beach towels
Where you'll be
Search for a place here:
Can be the address of your main office, or where you start your experiences.