Tiny Kythnos Island Has Thermal Hot Springs and One Seriously Dreamy Beach

Just an hour from Athens, the Greek island of Kythnos is easy to explore and home to one of the most stunning (and empty!) beaches in Greece.

While planning my most recent trip to the Greek Islands, Kythnos wasn’t initially on my radar. 

And then I happened across a photo of Kolona Beach. 

The impossibly narrow stretch of golden sand connects two hillsides and is surrounded by clear, turquoise water on both sides. Let’s just say it’s a stunner. 

In fact, it’s widely ranked as one of the beaches in Greece.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will undoubtedly blow on more flights (it’s a vicious cycle).  All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you. 

Read More: 15 Stunning Beaches in Greece Worth Planning an Entire Trip Around

I knew I had to see it for myself and that’s how Kythnos earned a spot on this year’s Greek island-hopping itinerary.

But when I arrived on Kythnos, I discovered an island that is so much more than just a pretty beach.

Nicknamed the “island of simplicity,” Kythnos really does live up to that name. It’s authentic, unhurried, and full of quiet beauty—whitewashed villages, natural hot springs, and windswept hills dotted with goats and chapels.

It doesn’t have the fame of Santorini or the flash of Mykonos. But that’s exactly what I loved about it.

Kythnos is the kind of place where you can slow down and get a real taste of small-island life in the Cyclades—without elbowing your way through a crowd to do it.

So while I came specifically to see Kolona, I discovered a gem of an island that quickly shot to the top of my favorites list. 

Here’s how to see it for yourself…

How to Get to Kythnos Island

I arrived on Kythnos island the long way, via a 6-hour, multi-stop ferry ride from my last stop on the island of Andros. While that particular journey was scenic and peaceful, it’s definitely not the most efficient option. 

Read More: The Lesser-Known Island of Andros is Home to the Most Picturesque Capital in Greece

Thankfully, Kythnos is actually one of the easiest Cycladic islands to reach from Athens.

From Athens (Lavrio Port)

The most straightforward way to get to Kythnos is by ferry from Lavrio, one of Athens’ smaller ports located about an hour from the city center (and even closer to the airport). There are also a few options from the main ferry port in Piraeus, but they aren’t as frequent. 

The ferry from Lavrio to the port of Merichas (Kythnos’s main port) takes as little as 1 hour and 10 minutes, depending on which ferry you book. 

Several ferries run daily during high season, and the major ferry lines serving this route include SeaJets, Magic Sea, and Hellenic Seaways. 

From Other Cycladic Islands

If you’re island-hopping, you can also reach Kythnos by ferry from several nearby islands, including:

• Kea (90 minutes)
• Serifos (1 hour)
• Sifnos (90 minutes)

Keep in mind that ferry schedules vary widely by season.

Tip: The absolute best site for booking ferries in Greece is FerryHopper.com.

Where to Stay on Kythnos Island

Kythnos has a surprising number of luxury resorts geared to couples, and I’ll get to those in a minute. But for my short 2-night stay, I wanted a convenient, budget-friendly option in the center of town. Especially, since I’m on my own for this stop (no sense booking a lovely suite with a pool when my husband isn’t with me!). 

Tzamaros Studios (Merichas) – I wanted easy access to the ferry and the taxi boat to Kolona, so this simple guesthouse was my pick. Located right in Merichas, it’s just a few steps from the ferry port, tavernas, and the beach.

My room was a lovely one-bedroom suite with a kitchenette and had everything I needed. The owners also run the attached supermarket which was handy as well.

But if you’re looking for romance, spa time, or just want to be closer to Kolona’s golden sands, here are a few of the top hotels on Kythnos:

Eternal Blue Kythnos (Merichas) – If my husband had been with me, we probably would have opted for this hotel instead. Located near town and featuring a lovely pool, the spacious villas here have stunning sea views, full kitchens, and up to 4 bedrooms.

Kythnos Bay Hotel (Loutra) – Located in Loutra, this hotel is close to the island’s famous thermal springs. Rooms feature modern, beachy decor and most have sea views. 

Chora Kythnos Suites Adults Only (Chora) – Located in the center of the island in the main town of Chora, this is one of the best hotels on Kythnos. With a superb pool, smartly-designed chic suites, and attentive staff, this boutique property is a terrific choice. 

YOU the Kolona Concept – Adults Only (Kolona) – This small, luxury boutique property is the only hotel within walking distance of Kolona Beach. All suites here have private balconies with sea views, and many also have private pools. This one is a great choice for couples or beach lovers.

How to Get Around Kythnos

Kythnos is small enough to explore in a few days, but getting around still takes a bit of planning—especially if you want to reach places like Kolona Beach or the thermal springs in Loutra.

For transportation options, my hotel directed me to the “office with the orange sign” overlooking the port, and I was able to get all the information I needed there. 

Water Taxi to Kolona Beach 🚤

The taxi boat runs several times daily in summer and costs just €14 round-trip.

The ride takes about 15 minutes and gives you an amazing view of the beach from the water as you arrive.

No pre-booking is needed. After stopping in the office, they directed me down to the port and I bought my return ticket directly from the captain at the dock.

Boats depart from the main port and drop you off right at the base of the sandbar. I highly recommend this option if you’re just visiting Kolona for the day—it’s stress-free, affordable, and a fun way to arrive.

Renting a Car 🚗

On my second day, I returned to the “orange sign office” and rented a car to explore more of the island—and I’m so glad I did.

The roads on Kythnos are in great shape (especially compared to some of the other Cycladic islands), driving is straightforward, and traffic was non-existent, even during high season.

Just a heads-up: some roads to remote beaches (like Kolona) turn into dirt near the end, so always check with your rental company before venturing off-road.

Local Buses 🚌

There’s a basic public bus system that connects Merichas, Chora, Loutra, and a few inland stops.

Schedules are limited, especially outside of July and August, so it’s not ideal for beach-hopping or time-sensitive plans. But it works for simple village-to-village travel if you’re on a budget.

On Foot 🥾

If you’re staying near Merichas or Loutra, you can explore parts of the coast on foot or hike inland paths shaded by pine forests. Just be ready for hills and bring sun protection.

Best Things to Do on Kythnos Island

For a small island, Kythnos packs in a surprising variety of experiences—especially if you love beaches and hot springs. 

Visit the Iconic Beach of Kolona

There are a handful of famous beaches in Greece that define the country’s dominance when it comes to dazzling beaches. Elafonisi on Crete, Lalaria on Skiathos, and Sarakiniko on Milos are just a few that come to mind.

Kolona also deserves a spot on that list.

It was the whole reason I added Kythnos Island to my Cyclades itinerary—and it lived up to the hype.

Kolona Beach is one of the most unique beaches in Greece: a narrow strip of golden sand connecting the main island to a rocky islet, with clear Aegean water on both sides. 

Kolona Beach was the reason I came to Kythnos, so I took the easy (and scenic) route: a water taxi from Merichas —easy, scenic, and no stress about the dirt road.

When I arrived, I was surprised to see that this fairly famous beach was practically empty. Even at 2:00pm in the afternoon in July.

There were a few sailboats and yachts anchored offshore but, aside from that, just a handful of other beachgoers. I practically had the place to myself for the afternoon and it was amazing.

But be warned, there is no shade anywhere here. So come prepared.

Bring everything you need (water, snacks, sun protection)—there are no services once you arrive. There is one taverna, but it wasn’t open when I visited. 

Early morning or late afternoon visits are best if you want to avoid the unrelenting mid-day sun. All in all, this beach alone was well worth adding Kythnos to my itinerary.

But wait, there’s more…

Soak in the Hot Springs at Loutra

The other main tourist attraction on Kythnos is Loutra, home to the island’s hot springs. It’s just a 20-minute drive from Merichas, so on my second day, I rented a car to check it out.  

The relaxed seaside village on the island’s northeast coast is known for its thermal springs but it’s charming enough to rate a visit on its own. Cafes and shops line the waterfront and a small marina anchors one end while the beach and hot springs make up the other.

There’s a large, free parking lot at the entrance to town just a few steps from the beach and hot springs.

You’ll easily spot the narrow, rushing stream flowing toward the ocean where rocks have been arranged to separate the thermal waters from the cooler sea.

The contrast between the hot mineral water and the cool ocean is absolute bliss. When I arrived, just a few local kids were enjoying the springs splashing back and forth between the warm waters and the sea.

Aside from that, the town seemed mostly deserted. Despite the fact that it was July during peak tourist season.

Explore Katafiki Cave

Hidden near the village of Dryopida, Katafiki Cave is one of the largest caves in Greece—and it’s not nearly as well known as it should be.

Historically used as a shelter, mine, and even a gathering place, it’s a 17th-century natural wonder. With stalactites, underground chambers, and historic mining tunnels, it’s a fun place to explore.

Visit the Churches of Kythnos

You’ll see whitewashed chapels all over the island (130 of them, to be exact!), but Panagia Kanala stands out.

It’s home to a revered icon of the Virgin Mary believed to have been found at sea—making her the spiritual protector of the island. The church is built overlooking a bay, with shaded courtyards and peaceful views. It’s also a major pilgrimage site during festivals in August.

Why add Kythnos to your itinerary?

Kythnos wasn’t the flashiest stop on my island-hopping itinerary—and honestly, that’s exactly what I loved about it.

This is the island of simplicity, where your days are filled with swims in clear water on a famous (yet empty!) beach, walks through quiet seaside villages, and soaks in natural hot springs.

But simplicity doesn’t mean boring.

Between the jaw-dropping beauty of Kolona Beach and the soothing thermal springs in Loutra, Kythnos delivers a kind of low-key magic that’s hard to manufacture.

It’s close to Athens, easy to explore, and full of quiet places that make you feel like you’ve discovered a secret.

So add Kythnos to your Greek Islands itinerary, you won’t regret it!

Looking for more fabulous Greek Islands to visit? Start here:

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