Kythira - Aphrodite's Other Island - continued
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Larger towns on Kythira have a number of nightclubs, primarily catering to the Greek visitors but fun for other visitors as well.
Aphrodite shares the island with another sacred female, the black Virgin known as Panaghia Myrtidiotissa. Myrtidiotissa, "goddess of the myrtle", was one of Aphrodite's own names, acquired when, Eve-like, she grabbed some myrtle branches to cover her nakedness on arriving at the island. The current religious story states that a shepherd heard a voice calling to him from a myrtle bush. He went to it and discovered the dark-faced icon of the Virgin (another one of Aphrodite's titles, however contradictory). This mysterious icon is renowned for its healing powers and is a local pilgrimage stop for the people of Kythera. Each year, starting on the second day of Orthodox Easter, the icon makes a "pilgrimage" of its own, when it is taken from the monastery in Hora to visit the rest of the villages over the next twenty-five days. There are various religious celebrations at stops along its route.
Kythera is not over-run with hotels, though there are a few and visitors can also find lodging in B&B-like apartment buildings.
How to Visit Kythira:
Kythira can be reached by "Flying Dolphin" hydrofoil from Piraeus, or by ferry boat. Be aware that the route is often windy; high winds can halt the Dolphins.
Unlike many other islands of the same size, Kythira does not have a municipal bus service, and many locations will require hiring a car or taxi to visit them.
Kythira has an airport and can be reached from Athens and some other islands.
Compare airfares to Greece here: Find Greek Airfares
