Kythera is found in southern Greece, between the Peloponnese and Crete, is one of the Ionian Islands and has been inhabited at least from the end of the 6th century BCE. According to the Theogony of Hesiod, an epic poem that describes the lineage of the gods of Greek mythology, Aphrodite was born from the spume of the sea off Kythera, and as Ourania (sky goddess) she was a protector of love and pure romance, and whose main place of worship was Kythera.
From ancient times until the mid-19th century, the island was a crossroads for merchants, sailors, and conquerors. As such, it has had a long and varied history and has been influenced by many civilizations and cultures. This is reflected in its architecture, which manifests a blend of traditional, Aegean and Venetian elements, as well as in its traditions and customs, which show the influence of centuries of Greek, and Venetian coexistence.
Gastronomy
During your stay on the island, try the heady fatourada, the liqueur made from tsipouro and cinnamon cloves, and flavored with tangerine, orange or apricot, and of course do not forget to buy a jar of the famous thyme honey of Kythera.
As for the sweets, the almond-macaroon rozedes are the traditional dessert of Kythera, as well as the pastitseto, and the budino.
Make sure you don’t leave without first trying their famous ladopaximdi (olive oil rusks)!
Photo: sunvil.co.uk
