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5 stars - I strongly recommend this holiday

 
You need a reasonable level of fitness but it's all fairly flexible and if needed there are ample opportunities for rest breaks. 
Molly and Nigel are very knowledgeable about the local area and it's fascinating history, and like I say, they are adaptable to everyone's needs. 
 
Highlights of the tour include the Byzantine castle visit, the archaeology museum and the ancient city at Vryokastro. But in all honesty all the walks are excellent and very enjoyable and Molly and Nigel are very friendly and adaptable. The beaches are lovely and there is also the opportunity to have a beach massage, as well as plenty opportunities for a swim.
 
Dinner was in a different restaurant each night and most tastes are catered for. It was my one big worry coming here that, as a very picky eater, I wouldn't enjoy the food, however I was pleasantly surprised. Breakfast each morning in Stamati's was greek yoghurt, fruit and toast and very enjoyable. 
 
The Filoxenia rooms where we stayed are bright and airy, very clean and offer a good level of self catering equipment for those on self guided tours who maybe don't want to eat out every night. 
 
I would certainly come back again, and good luck with your own hotel in Dryopida. 
Frank McConnell
Falkirk
Scotland
Posted Date : 20-09-2023

Wonderful trip

I would like to thank you very much for a wonderful trip and showing us the island in an original way. The hotel was very good and deserves a rating of 10/10. The places where we ate dinner were very carefully chosen and the food was great. The routes we hiked were pristine and very picturesque.
Ilona Rejdych
Tychy
Poland
Posted Date : 25-06-2023

A fabulous holiday

Delightful accommodation at the Filoxenia - a stone’s throw from narrow streets full of bars, shops, bakeries, and restaurants.   Typically, walks commenced 09.00 finishing late afternoon, hiking along trails (some overgrown and/or loose rocky terrain) with stops to view places of interest, take in the breathtaking scenery, or spend a short while to sit/swim in small coves.  Altogether, a well-organised, and well-thought out programme with knowledgeable guides.  Highlights: the opportunity to experience a largely unspoiled island free from mass tourism, wonderful local cuisine, spectacular scenery, and walking with like-minded companions.  Will definitely return.

Steve and Michelle Gale
Southampton
England
Posted Date : 22-06-2023

Good mix of hiking

Really enjoyed hiking on Kythnos. A good mix of challenging hiking, optional swimming in beautiful coves, delicious local food. Good accommodation, local informative guides and relaxed atmosphere.
Hope to get back !
Frank Ormsby
Dublin
Ireland
Posted Date : 19-06-2023

Absolutely professional

We all enjoyed Kythnos very much. Panagioti (German-speaking guide) was great and we had a lot of fun walking with him. It was very good hiking with him and absolutely professional. He did his best in organisation and explaining. It couldn`t be a better guide
Ursula
Munich
Germany
Posted Date : 18-05-2023

Serifos - ottimi ristorantini

[English translation follows]

La nostra vacanza a Serifos è stata molto bella:- bei sentieri percorsi
- meravigliose viste mare
- ottimi ristorantini dove abbiamo potuto assaporare la cucina locale
- ottima organizzazione relativa alla logistica
- buona sistemazione negli hotels, tutti puliti e con personale accogliente
Un grazie a NIGEL, la nostra simpatica e competente guida.
Senza di te tutto questo non ci sarebbe stato!!!!!

[ Our holiday in Serifos has been very beautiful - beautiful paths

- marvellous views of the sea

- very good small restaurants where we have tasted the local cuisine

- good organisation of the logistics

- good organisation in the hotels, all clean and with welcoming staff

A thank you to Nigel, our sympathetic and competent guide

Without you it would not have been possible.]

Amelia
Vicenza
Italia
Posted Date : 17-05-2023

Serifos - ben organizzate escursioni

[English translation follows]

Sono Gemma e volevo ringraziarti per il viaggio che hai organizzato a Serifos. Sono stata molto contenta di questo trekking , abbiamo fatto belle escursioni e visitato posti incantevoli.
Le escursioni sono state ben organizzate, ho mangiato molto bene in tutti i ristoranti dove ci hai portati. Gli hotel confortevoli con personale gentile, e ottime colazioni.
Ben organizzate anche le visite dei luoghi come il monastero a Serifos e l’Acropoli ad Atene guidate da personale competente e disponibile.
Con te e con il resto del gruppo sono stata bene e mi sono sentita a mio agio.
Ti ringrazio ancora per la bella vacanza.

[I am Gemma and I wanted to thank you for the tour you have organised to Serifos. I have been very happy with the trekking, we have made beautiful escursions and visited enchanting places.

The escursions have been well-organised, I have eaten very well in all the restaurants you have taken us. The hotels were comfortable with kind staff, and very good breakfasts.

Well-organised also the visits to sites such as the monastery in Serifos and the Acropolis in Athens, guided by competent and available people.

With you and the rest of group I have felt good and was at ease.

Thank you again for the beautiful holiday.]

 

Gemma Lora
Vicenza province
Italia
Posted Date : 17-05-2023

Serifos - bellissimi trek

[English translation follows]

Abbiamo visitato l'isola di Serifos accompagnati da Nigel la nostra guida molto preparata, puntuale e molto simpatica, ci ha portato a vedere l'isola facendo bellissimi trek nei posti più nascosti dell'isola e facendoci assaporare la vera atmosfera degustando i vini propri dell'isola Grazie di tutto Nigel

 

 [We have visited the island of Serifos accompanied by our very well prepared, punctual and friendly guide Nigel. He took us to see the island on very beautiful paths in the most hidden places making us savour the true atmosphere of the island and tasting its own wine. Thanks for everything Nigel.]

 

Mauro Carta
Firenze-Florence
Italia
Posted Date : 17-05-2023

Beautiful scenery

I thoroughly enjoyed my days in Kythnos. We were a motley crew of participants, not all of us up for some arduous walking, but Nigel managed the situation seemingly effortless - I’m sure it wasn’t ! - by accommodating the various needs and offering lifts or organising taxis to shorten some of the walking for the less fit of us.
The walks were splendid, some indeed quite steep upwards as well as downwards and they all showed off some of the most beautiful scenery in Greece.
Such a charming Island it is, unspoilt villages, no nightclubs anywhere, it was bliss!
April provided us with it’s gorgeous spring flowers, strewn all over the hills and along the many footpath we wandered. It was warm but never really too hot and we stopped for breaks and a cool paddle in the sea.
Nigel and our guide Molly were experts in their knowledge of the island, both very kind and patient with us all and I felt in very good hands throughout my entire stay. A big thank you to you both ! 
I would love to come back for some more walking and surely will.
Susan Hauser
West London
England
Posted Date : 15-05-2023

Kythnos pleases self-guided walkers from Headwater

Kythnos is an beautiful island with good walking often along old mule trails/tracks. Unfortunately there is little local interest in maintaining these tracks, so they can be very rough, stony and in one or two places overgrown. Good boots are needed. We found walking poles very useful, and wore long trousers as the foliage can be spiky. Also it is a hilly island with some fairly steep ascents and descents, but the views make it worth while. Although self guided, the support offered by Nigel Tutt, the local rep and only English man on Kythnos, is excellent. He had a guided group at the same time, but we never felt excluded. We stayed at the Hotel Messaria, which is very comfortable and run by a lovely couple, with excellent English spoken by the lady hostess. It is situated next to a small supermarket and opposite a delightful bakery and cafe. There are lots of other small shops / cafes / bars in the village which is mostly pedestrianised.

 

Two retired dentists who booked a premium package with self-guided specialist Headwater
UK
Posted Date : 12-05-2023

Rated, recommended highly by walker from London

Keith Knight has posted a 5-star review on Responsible Travel.

Keith Knight
London
England
Posted Date : 12-05-2023

"Fantastic" says walker in 5 star review

Helen has posted a review on Responsible Travel website.

On Tripadvisor, she writes the tour was well organised and ran smoothly.

Helen Bishton
Leicestershire, England
Posted Date : 12-05-2023

5-star review on Responsible Travel

Rick Chima from Birmingham who came on our 17 April Kythnos tour has posted a 5-star review on Responsible Travel.

Rick Chima
Birmingham
UK
Posted Date : 03-05-2023

Excellent mix of activities

Irish Walker Adrian Larkin posted 5-star reviews on Responsible Travel and Tripadvisor after his autumn Kythnos hiking tour.

Adrian Larkin
Waterford
Ireland
Posted Date : 22-12-2022

Excellent holiday

An excellent holiday, with much to recommend it to walkers. Long trousers are essential for the scrub plants, and walking poles are useful for a few steep and rocky moments.

The days were well-planned and varied. Our leader, Nigel, was confident and accurate in his directions and also adaptable when we asked for a change of itinerary for one day. He has made a large contribution to maintaining the paths and marking them for the enjoyment of others. The island provides a range of places to see, and swimming from fabulous clean beaches at lunchtime was a regular and welcome feature of each day.

The accommodation was very pleasant with spacious, well-equipped rooms. Our host, Katerina, was friendly and helpful and Nigel took on board our every request in translation to her. Each night, we ate in a different restaurant with a good range of delicious local dishes and great fresh fish. Because the restaurants were closing at the end of the season, most of our lunches were picnics bought from the village bakery – the spinach pies are highly recommended.

Culturally, there is much to see: many tiny churches, a castle on a high mountain-side, archaeological sites, a museum, a cave – all of which had stories to accompany them from Nigel, who was very well- informed about the history of the island.

Overall, we enjoyed the holiday very much. Nigel was a very companionable host and a wonderful interpreter of the island

Maggie from Devon and Louise from Kent
England
Posted Date : 21-10-2022

Beautiful walks

Wonderful Island and also peaceful .
Beautiful walks among the  blossom . 
The Village of Hora is a perfect  base for the best trails.
Thank you very much.
Marta
Bologna
Italy
Posted Date : 24-05-2022

Mixture of unforgettable colours

(English translation follows)
 
Buongiorno con vero piacere rammento i sentieri e i panorami di questa isola solitaria, sapientemente scelti dalla guida Nigel. Una mescolanza di colori e di profumi indimenticabili. La sera ottime cene assaporate in ristoranti diversi, ma scelti con cura. Grazie in attesa di nuovi progetti.
 
(English translation:
 
Good morning with real pleasure I remember the paths and views of this lonely island, wisely chosen by the guide Nigel. A mixture of unforgettable colors and scents. In the evening, excellent dinners savored in different but carefully chosen restaurants. Thanks looking forward to new projects.)
Silvana Limone, 80,
Ivrea, near Turin
Posted Date : 18-05-2022

Wonderful paths and views

(English translation follows)

Bellissimo trekking all’Isola di Kythnos.
Bravissima la nostra guida Nigel che ci ha fatto scoprire sentieri e panorami meravigliosi.
Conosce perfettamente non solo i sentieri, ma anche i punti sosta per caffè, pranzo e relax in spiaggette da sogno.
E poi, cenette squisite in locali caratteristici !!!!

 

(English translation:

Beautiful trek to Kythnos Island.

Our guide Nigel was very good and he made us discover wonderful paths and views.

He knows perfectly not only the paths, but also the stopping points for coffee, lunch and relaxation on dream beaches.

And then, exquisite dinners in characteristic places !!!!)

 

Amelia
Vicenza
Italy
Posted Date : 18-05-2022

All very positive and well-organised

(English translation follows)

Il Trek è stato molto bello e completo.
Ci hai accompagnato in percorsi bellissimi con grande disponibilità.
Compagnia ottima
Location buona
Ristoranti con buon cibo e abbondante
Spero che ci rivedremo in un prossimo Trek.
Tutto molto positivo e ben organizzato
Grazie

(English translation:

The Trek was very beautiful and complete.

You accompanied us on beautiful paths with great availability.

Great company

Good location

Restaurants with good and plentiful food

I hope we will meet again on a next Trek.

All very positive and well organized Thanks

Domenica
Florence
Italy
Posted Date : 18-05-2022

Simply the best

Nigel was waiting for us on arrival at the port & swiftly arranged for taxis to take 6 of us to Filoxenia apartments, our home for the week .
The accommodation was lovely with a mixture of modern & traditional interiors. The owner made us feel very welcome & is well  supported by family members .
Nigel briefed us on our weeks walking & adapted our itinerary to accommodate our varying needs . He was attentive & inclusive considering the interests of all group members . We had 2 keen bird watchers & photographers & all benefited from their shared observations .
The walks were varied, the climbs & views amazing & interspersed with presentations on relevant cultural & historical facts.
We were rewarded with restorative beach/swim/refuelling breaks before returning home for a shower & optional snooze !
Dinner was included at a variety of local restaurants & often preceded with drinks on the terrace.
A FANTASTIC WEEK,new friends,  great value & fabulously lead….I’ve re booked for September.

 

(Sarah travelled with Sunvil Holidays on a tour organised by Kythnos Hiking)

Sarah Fernback
Oxford
England
Posted Date : 17-05-2022

Great trip

It was a great trip and I have told my walking friends about it.... probably only one of them is likely to consider it but I will lend the book so he can look into it a little further
 
The accommodation was good everything that we needed. 
 
The balcony was nice to have as I always think a hotel room is too small and if you have some time to chill no one wants to have to relax by laying on the bed
 
At some stage you said that 'walkers don't want to stay in fancy places'
 
I think that was a slightly sweeping statement and I would have stayed happily in the hotel.
 
When you travel alone you accept that sometimes you have to pay a single supplement and you have the choice to go or not.
 
Stamati did a marvellous job with breakfast ....he is to be recommended and the walk to breakfast wasn't an issue at all
 
Our evening meals were good. Nothing fancy and probably if I am honest, I would usually eat in fancier places but looking around the village with one exception there was nothing smarter.  
 
I am a bit of a foodie and like nice meals so the places were probably 'very Greek'
but apart from Evia I haven't ever been to Greece so I am assuming that.
 
The walks were lovely ..... perhaps the southern end less so.
 
The mileage, as you will recall, was always hugely entertaining but perhaps it was accurate ?and the ups and downs just are harder to measure than flat walks!?
 
Would I do it again.....not next year but I think it was good fun and as I don't ever do 'nothing'
it was perfect for me. 
 
I think the guys were more challenged
 
Good luck with the season and I hope you have a good mix of guests and have a good time yourself. 
 
When we were in Evia we marvelled that our guide was with us from breakfast until the end of the day and you did exactly the same and I am sure that is exhausting day after day.
 
I hope the hotel gets off the ground soon and you enjoy the process of starting a new venture.
 
Alison was a guest from Sunvil Holidays.
Alison
Billericay, Essex
England
Posted Date : 05-05-2022

Strongly recommended

Provided that you enjoy and are fit for several days of fairly strenuous hiking, this is a wonderful holiday at a very reasonable price on a beautiful island in the Western Cyclades which (so far!) remains largely unspoiled and is covered with wild flowers in the spring.

We were accommodated in a very nice and comfortable hotel in the centre of the island’s charming and typically labyrinthine Chora.

Nigel Tutt is an enthusiast for Kythnos and its hiking opportunities; and he provided a detailed programme of daily hikes, visits to places of local interest and excellent dinners at local restaurants which ran very smoothly. He was genial and informative company on all the walks, ensured that everyone was coping and delivered us all unscathed at the end of the holiday.

I strongly recommend this holiday, especially in the spring.

Stephen Suttle
Yeovil
England
Posted Date : 05-05-2022

Easter celebrations were wonderful revelation

Thank you for the hiking last week, I thoroughly enjoyed my second visit to Kythnos at this special time of year. Easter celebrations were a wonderful revelation and I enjoyed the walks which were new to me as well as the ones that I had completed before.

 

Garry travelled with Sunvil Holidays on a tour organised by Kythnos Hiking

Garry Koupparis
Wimborne, Dorset
England
Posted Date : 01-05-2022

Hiking tour lived up to "my hopes"

The Kythnos hikes were a wonderful way of experiencing this beautiful Greek island. The week really lived up to my hopes for unspoilt nature, interesting tours and very diverse and good food. 
We were a group of 7, led by Nigel who knows every path on the island and an easy going, and warm atmosphere was created through the common efforts, the shared meals and Nigel’s leadership. It helped of course that the weather was just ideal with early spring flowers (end of April), warm sunshine and a bit of wind in the last two days. Accommodation is simple but stylish and the rooms even offer facilities for tea or coffee as well as a fridge. I liked the format of organizing ourselves a picnic lunch (local bakery and fruit) and having a dinner in a different restaurant every evening.

The walking itself was probably a bit more demanding than I thought - I found my walking sticks useful especially in the quite steep downhill paths and I feel fitter at the end of the week than at the beginning.

Renate Hauser
Geneva
Switzerland
Posted Date : 01-05-2022

Nature tour lived up to high expectations

We were on the guided Nature Tour of Kythnos Hiking. Booking was straightforward and Nigel was very helpful when we wanted to add on a few extra days in Kythnos at the end of the tour.

David Koutsogiannopoulos was a wonderful expert guide - knowledgeable, friendly and fun to be with. He had a keen eye for flowers and birds we would otherwise have missed. We also learned a lot about the history and culture of the island from Nigel, who was good at adapting the itinerary to make the most of our time. Each day was different but always really interesting.

Kythnos in spring is beautiful – a tapestry of colours and full of birdsong. The walking on this tour was not too demanding, although long trousers and stout shoes are definitely advisable. The going underfoot can be stony and there are plenty of spiky plants around.

We think our visit benefitted the island’s economy. As well as staying and eating locally, we bought cheese direct from the maker – one of the highlights of the holiday.

This was our first post-Covid holiday and it certainly lived up to the high expectations we had of it.

June & David Grimes
Yorkshire
UK
Posted Date : 23-04-2022

Enjoyed the ... hiking immensely

 

I would like to first of all thank you for taking us through the rich history of Kythnos Island. I enjoyed the 6 days of hiking immensely. Molly was a fabulous leader who made sure that we were all getting on ok during the various climbs.

She would start the hike by telling us the route and the things we can expect to see.

I think that The hike is for reasonably fit people and some gradients are quite steep, not for the faint hearted.

I would recommend this to friends.

Frances Brown
High Barnet, North London
England
Posted Date : 02-11-2021

Five star, surpassed expectations

(Review submitted via Responsible Travel:)

 

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Everything about this holiday was memorable! Hiking up the steep hills and swimming in the beautiful clean clear sea was exciting!

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to be flexible as the itinerary may be subject to last minute change (which added to the charm of this holiday for me).

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we stayed at a local establishment,  ate and drank locally and had the benefit of an excellent local guide !

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Surpassed my expectations!

Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

5 *****

Sarah Daniels
St Albans
England
Posted Date : 01-11-2021

Regaled with island anecdotes

I thoroughly enjoyed my week of hiking on Kythnos. Our guide regaled us with island anecdotes and points of history and nature throughout our walks as well which made the walks all the more fun. The walks took us off the beaten path through old donkey trails with stunning views and relaxing swims in tranquil bays to cool off. The island is extremely beautiful and unspoilt with unobstructed views of the sea from every angle it seems! The hiking itself was a comfortable pace with 4-5 hours walking per day which left time for swimming, sight seeing, sampling Greek cuisine and other such activities. The perfect combination for a relaxing trip away from the stress of daily life. I could really disconnect.

Isabel
Mexico City
Mexico
Posted Date : 22-10-2021

Wonderful walking holiday

We have just returned from a wonderful walking holiday with Nigel and his team on Kythnos and Serifos.The walks were interesting and varied with spectacular scenery and panoramic views.The guides had lots of information on their local areas.We joined up with some fellow walkers and also enjoyed meet-ups in the evenings.I would highly recommend this activity holiday which also includes some downtime to relax and enjoy this unique Greek Island experience.

Kay Heverin
Co. Galway, Ireland
Posted Date : 17-10-2021

Overwhelming experiences, impressions

(Original review in German, English translation follows)
 

Wir hatten eine wunderschöne und sehr abwechslungsreiche Wanderwoche auf Kythnos. Die Organisation war super und obwohl es eigentlich eine individuelle Wanderung war, wurden wir doch stets durch den Tag begleitet, bekamen umfangreiche Informationen zur bevorstehenden Wanderung, den Highlights der Tour und den sonstigen Aktivitäten, wie z.B. eine Pause am Strand zum Baden oder Ausruhen oder eine historische Sehenswürdigkeit auf der Route. Die Mischung aus wandern, genießen und bestaunen war perfekt für einen aktiven, aber dennoch entspannten Urlaub. Das Wanderwegenetz auf der Insel ist wenig erschlossen, deshalb hält der eine oder andere Pfad auch mal eine Überraschung bereit, wie beispielsweise eine Mauer, über die man klettern muss oder ein Behelfsgatter aus Europaletten oder irgendwelchem Unrat, das überwunden werden muss, was das Ganze spannend und teilweise auch amüsant macht. Die Insel ist touristisch wenig erschlossen und daher noch sehr traditionell. Auch das Essen war dank fachkundiger Auswahl der Lokale und Gerichte sehr traditionell und ausgesprochen lecker. Trotz der vergleichsweise wenigen Bewohner und Touristen ist man doch überrascht, wie liebevoll gepflegt und mitunter belebt die Gassen sind. Wir waren überwältigt von den Erlebnissen und Eindrücken und freuen uns, die Insel irgendwann, vielleicht zu einer anderen Jahreszeit, wieder zu besuchen und zu erwandern.

 

(English translation)

 

We had a wonderful and very varied hiking week on Kythnos. The organization was great and although it was actually an individual hike, we were always accompanied through the day, received extensive information about the upcoming hike, the highlights of the tour and other activities, such as a break on the beach for swimming or relaxing or a historical sight on the route. The mixture of hiking, enjoying and marveling was perfect for an active, yet relaxed vacation. The network of hiking trails on the island is poorly developed, which is why one or the other path has a surprise in store, such as a wall that you have to climb over or a makeshift gate made of euro pallets or any rubbish that has to be overcome, which makes it all exciting and sometimes also makes it amusing. The island is not very well developed for tourism and is therefore still very traditional. Thanks to the expert selection of restaurants and dishes, the food was also very traditional and extremely tasty. Despite the comparatively few residents and tourists, one is surprised at how lovingly cared for and sometimes lively the streets are. We were overwhelmed by the experiences and impressions and look forward to visiting and hiking the island again at some point, maybe at a different time of the year.

 

Kristina and Wibke were on an ASI tour organised by Kythnos Hiking.

 

Kristina and Wibke
Stuttgart
Germany
Posted Date : 06-10-2021

An extraordinary, fantastic week

(Original review in French, English translation follows)

 

Une semaine extraordinaire à Kythnos avec Nigel et Molly (jeune guide grecque), mon mari et moi!

Une organisation parfaite de la visite de Sounio, du transfer en ferry à Kythnos et l’installation à notre hôtel.

Tous les jours, de notre bel et très propre hôtel à Hora nous partons en randonnée. Celles-ci nous mènent d’un château à des “secret beach”, de vallées de fleurs oû se cachent des tortues à des chapelles blanches à flanc de collines, de vestiges anciens vers des grandes pentes aux nombreux murêts à escalader. Une vue magnifique sur les îles avoisinnantes et la mer.

Des montées raides, des descentes sur des chemins “tricky”, très caillouteux et pleins de ronces ! Vive les pantalons longs! Quelques arrêts pour reprendre
son souffle et nous repartons de plus belle !

Tout cela commenté en chemin par Nigel concernant la culture, l’historique et la nature de Kythnos.

Le soir fatigués, sales mais tellement heureux de ce que nous avons vu et fiers de nos “exploits”, nous prenons une bonne douche, suivie d’un excellent
souper dans un resto chaque jour différent (découvertes papillaires !) avec Nigel et Molly. Vivement demain pour une nouvelle randonnée !

Merci Nigel et Molly pour cette fantastique semaine.

Juin 2021.

 

(English translation)

 

An extraordinary week in Kythnos with Nigel and Molly (young Greek guide), my husband and I!

Perfect organisation of Sounio [temple visit], ferry transfer to Kythnos and check-in to our hotel.

Every day, from our beautiful and very clean hotel in Hora we go to Trek. The paths lead us from a castle to “secret beaches”: from valleys of flowers where turtles hide, to white chapels on hillsides; from ancient remains to big slopes with many terraces to climb. A magnificent view of the neighbouring islands and the sea. Steep climbs, descents on “tricky” paths, very stony and full of brambles! Long live long trousers! A few stops to catch our breath and we set off again!

All the way Nigel commenting on the culture, history and nature of Kythnos.

In the evening tired, dirty but so happy with what we saw and proud of our "achievements"; we take a good shower, followed by an excellent dinner in a different restaurant each day (tasty discoveries!) with Nigel and Molly. Roll on tomorrow for a new hike!

Thank you Nigel and Molly for a fantastic week.

 

[Christine and Jos travelled on a EuropAventure (www.europaventure.be) tour]

Christine et Jos
Tienen
Belgique
Posted Date : 28-07-2021

Amazing week

Just had the most amazing week hiking on Kythnos with our wonderful guides Nigel and Paniotis. From the lovely guest house, the well planned out interesting hikes, amazing food, stunning beaches, it was an absolutely perfect week. This was my second visit and I loved it so much the first time I came back this year with my partner, Mike who loved it as much as I do. We will be back again as soon as possible. Thank you Nigel and the team for a truly memorable experience.

Anna Hopkins
Bangor
Wales
Posted Date : 23-09-2020

Fabulous holiday

There was a very good choice of routes with variety stunning views and stops for swims. It was great to also include other local activities including wine tasting and visiting caves etc...
 
The handout we received was useful and had rough timings of activities. It was great to receive Nigel and Katerina's walking guide in book form which included helpful walk descriptions and information. Nigel took a flexible approach to each day which was appreciated.
 
In terms of the walking terrain use of long trousers was good advice. The first guide was lovely but did not know the route as well as she might have. This was made difficult by overgrown paths as ours was the first trip since covid. Therefore paths were not clear on some routes but this also made it an adventure. Perhaps better mentoring of guides would be useful by Nigel and Katarina.
 
In terms of obstacles for walking there was nothing which really affected our walks. We navigated a donkey well and climbed over some walls which added to the adventures. 
 
The signposting could be improved to assist new guides.
 
It would be great to add new routes for instance the lighthouse in the north of the island and walks in the South of the island.
 
Nigel was really helpful and flexible. He introduced us to local people he knew which was appreciated. He also took us to his hotel which he is building which was a good personal touch.
 
In terms of group dynamics it might be helpful to be assertive regarding stops for water and rest breaks as well as taking photos etc...as well as ensuring decisions are made as a group all the time which Nigel did his best to do.
 
It would be helpful to give advice regarding taking antihistamines for pollen reactions I had a bad one and would be useful to be forewarned.
 
It was a fabulous holiday and Kythnos is very beautiful I will certainly recommend to friends and hope to return for the opening of Nigel's hotel and more adventures. 
 
[Helen has posted a similar 5-star review on Tripadvisor.]
Helen Liebling
Leamington Spa
England
Posted Date : 11-09-2020

Serifos walks challenging, but very enjoyable

This is our second walking holiday with Nigel and Kythnos Hiking. Despite a cancelled ferry due to mechanical problems, Nigel with his relaxed and calm attitude sorted out a later ferry [to Serifos], accommodation and a couple of days walking on Kythnos whilst awaiting the later ferry.
Serifos is a beautiful island, the accommodation was very good as was the breakfast, lots of choice.  Walks were challenging at times but very enjoyable, great scenery. We visited a local winery, a museum in Chora and a mining museum on the coast, both were interesting. Initially we were a small group of four and then joined up with another 5 who were already on Serifos, enjoyed everybody's company, everyone relaxed, friendly and approachable. Big choice of restaurants all serving good local Greek food.
Sandy & Steve Handley
Leicestershire
England
Posted Date : 04-11-2019

A perfect way to explore Kythnos

We highly recommend that you take this Kythnos Hiking trip! It was a very enjoyable week spent with our fabulous guide, Eirini, and a fellow hiker (now good friend) from Wales. The whole island is spectacular with beautiful vistas at every turn of the trail. The trails were a bit rugged in some places, but worth the effort. Eirini was very considerate of my sore knee and changed some hiking itineraries to accommodate that fact. We swam in the Aegean at deserted beaches, ate great food at local restaurants, laughed, danced and made friends with many cats.  Nigel has certainly created/developed a perfect way to explore Kythnos!

 

Carolyn & Len Ewald
Denver
United States
Posted Date : 31-10-2019

"Absolutely marvellous from start to finish"

 "Where do I start - I have so much to say!
 
I was a sole traveller to Kythnos and was greeted by the lovely Eirini, my guide. I was in a small group just three including the guide. The couple from Denver, Colorado in my group were amazing and we all got on really well. Our accommodation Filoxenia was really lovely and Katerina the owner was most helpful. Our hikes during the day and tavernas in the evening were all a delightful surprise, hikes and food were excellent. Eirini was the most perfect guide, she was local so was very informative and passionate about the island and culture.
 
Prior to my trip Nigel was absolutely amazing replying to my emails and requests immediately. Nothing was too much trouble!
 
This is the first time I've been away on an organised walking trip and I can say it was absolutely marvellous from start to finish! I fell in love with the island and will definitely return!!!"
 
Mary Evans
Bangor
Wales
Posted Date : 12-10-2019

Northern Irish walker says tour was "brilliant'

Walker Richard Greer from Northern Ireland has put a 5-star review on Responsible Travel where Kythnos Hiking shows off its holidays and said his holiday was "brilliant". The link to the review is https://www.responsibletravel.com/review/?id=17204#29055

Richard Greer
Cookstown
Northern Ireland
Posted Date : 11-10-2019

5-star Responsible Travel review favours Kythnos

Walker Lynda Sather from the U.S. has put a 5-star review on Responsible Travel where Kythnos Hiking shows off its holidays which meet strong community and environmental policies. The link to the review is https://www.responsibletravel.com/review/?id=17204#29055

Lynda Sather
Redmond
United States
Posted Date : 11-10-2019

"Very relaxing, we felt looked after but not herded"

A walker from Scotland has written a 5-star review on her Kythnos hiking holiday on Responsible Travel. Here is the link: https://www.responsibletravel.com/holiday/17204/greece-walking-holiday-kythnos

Catherine McLaren
Stirling
Scotland
Posted Date : 02-10-2019

Extremely good value group holiday

English walker has submitted a strongly favourable review about her six-day hiking tour on Kythnos on TripAdvisor. The link is: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g189429-d11725667-r713893387-Kythnos_Hiking-Kithnos_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html

Sophie Boxall
Hampshire
England
Posted Date : 01-10-2019

Highly Recommended

A Greek walker on one of our recent tours has written a review on TripAdvisor. Here is the link: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g189429-d11725667-r709545620-Kythnos_Hiking-Kithnos_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html

NP
Athens
Posted Date : 01-10-2019

Totally blown away by Kythnos

Just wanted to say a massive ‘Thank You ‘ for the most amazing experience last week. Wow!!! I was totally blown away by the beauty of Kythnos, I am in love with the place! The entire trip from start to finish was faultless, from your help and direction during the planning stages, the help and attention shown by our wonderful guides, the food was incredible, the walks well planned and perfect, I could go on and on..... my only complaint is that it had to come to an end.

Anna Hopkins
Bangor
Wales
Posted Date : 01-10-2019

Perfekter Ort abseits der Massen/Perfect place away from crowds

Kythnos ist der perfekte Ort, um das ursprüngliche Griechenland abseits von Touristenmassen kennenzulernen. Das Wandern ist hier zwar noch eine eher selten ausgeübte Aktivität und die Infrastruktur daher zum Teil noch ausbaufähig, aber mit ein bisschen Abenteuer- und Entdeckergeist, südländischer Gelassenheit und dank der mühevollen Betreuung durch unseren ortsansässigen Partner, findet man sich trotzdem immer wieder gut zurecht.

Die Insel lebt von ihrer Authentizität und die Einheimischen heißen jeden (auch dich!) herzlich Willkommen.

(English translation:)

Kythnos is the perfect place to get to know the original Greece away from tourist crowds. Although hiking is still a rather rarely practiced activity [on Kythnos] and the infrastructure can therefore partially improve, with a bit of adventure and discovery spirit, Mediterranean serenity and thanks to the painstaking care of our local partner, you will always find your way around well.

The island lives from its authenticity and the locals warmly welcome everyone (including you!).

[The full text of Gesa's article in German can be found at https://www.asi-reisen.de/blog/kythnos-reisebericht/.]
 
[Gesa works for our tour operator partner ASI and received a modest discount on her paid-for holiday]
Gesa Schwanke
Innsbruck
Austria
Posted Date : 03-08-2019

Fabulous hiking holiday

One of last week's walkers has written a 5-star review on TripAdvisor about her "Fabulous hiking holiday". Click here to see the full review:

https://www.tripadvisor.it/ShowUserReviews-g189429-d11725667-r680252880-Kythnos_Hiking-Kithnos_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html

Sandra Forrester
London
England
Posted Date : 11-06-2019

Far exceeded expectations

Thank you so much for a wonderful holiday. It far exceeded my expectations. 
 
This holiday offered much more than just hiking. We got a great insight into the way of life on the island both past and present with walks to archeological sites, mining caves, folk museum and flora and fauna of the island and its numerous beautiful churches. I loved the slow pace of life and the peace and quiet with the magnificent secluded beaches for swimming all to ourselves! 
 
The accommodation was excellent and very centrally located. There was a surprise element every evening as to where we dined and the food was very authentic and good variety -the local honey and cheeses are delicious. I also enjoyed the wine tasting of the locally produced wine.
 
Overall I felt that we were very well looked after and got a wonderful sense of the island of Kythnos which is so unspoilt and beautiful.
 
Joan
County Galway
Ireland
Posted Date : 09-06-2019

Absolutely fantastic

English walker Steven Handley has written a 5-star review on Responsible Travel's website about his "absolutely fantastic" hiking holiday on Kythnos. The link to his review is: https://www.responsibletravel.com/review/?id=17204

Steven Handley
Market Harborough
England
Posted Date : 01-06-2019

Beautiful Kythnos island, interesting walks

English walker Julia Morris has written a review for Responsible Travel after a tour on "the beautiful island of Kythnos and the interesting walks". Here is the link to her review:

https://www.responsibletravel.com/review/?id=17204

Julia Morris
Maidenhead
England
Posted Date : 30-04-2019

Great two-centre walking tour

English walker Andrew Newby, one of the first to sample our Serifos tour, has written a review on TripAdvisor about his "Great two-centre walking tour". Here is the link:

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g189429-d11725667-r669887879-Kythnos_Hiking-Kithnos_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html

Andrew Newby
England
Posted Date : 30-04-2019

Eye catching scenery

Kythnos provides walks for both the energetic to the more leisurely walker in eye catching scenery. Those with an interest in spotting birds and plants will not be disappointed. The walks encompass geological, historical and cultural sites of interest.

Our week was an excellent introduction to Kythnos. In addition to the walks, the programme provided the chance to join a local family celebrating a religious fete day and a welcome soaking at a thermal baths. We also enjoyed eating good food in traditional island restaurants. Our hosts at the Messaria Hotel in Chora were very welcoming, the hotel was clean and comfortable and a ‘banquet’ style breakfast was provided every morning!

Thanks to Nigel's excellent knowledge of the island he was able to give us delightful and interesting walks despite the very windy weather conditions. His “Kythnos Hiking Guide" is an invaluable aid to walking on the island. Thanks in no small part to Nigel we had a great week.

Clive and Jill Graham
Andover
England
Posted Date : 24-10-2018

Beautiful countryside with wonderful views

I enjoyed the hiking holiday very much. Kythnos is a beautiful island and Nigel an excellent and knowledgable guide who knows so much about the history of the island. The weather made it difficult to walk some days but he made every effort to ensure that we had a good holiday. We walked whenever possible and if not we went to interesting places like the Byzantine and Folk museums and the Hot Springs and baths. One day we were welcomed into  a family church celebration.
 
I was very pleased with my accommodation at Filoxinia studios. I had a lovely room with a balcony with views over the island.  We went to tavernas in different parts of the island in ths evenings with very good food - good company, good food - brilliant.
 
I enjoyed the walks which I did walking through beautiful countryside with wonderful views and then down to quiet ,sandy beaches and having lunch by the sea. I missed my flight home because of the weather and Nigel helped me a lot in getting me home
 
It was a holiday which I will remember with great pleasure.
Asked not to be named
England
Posted Date : 19-10-2018

Loved the feel of small Greek island

I joined for two days walking and loved the feel of a small Greek island that hasn’t been overrun with tourism — not a cruise ship in sight, bliss! The walks were much more varied than I’d anticipated: down hidden valleys to quiet beaches or uphill to ancient sites that are still being excavated, and little white chapels in the middle of nowhere, through countryside that is still being farmed. The walking was tough enough to merit the beer at the end, or in the middle. The accommodation was very clean, comfortable and friendly. The eating out was a bit limited but it was at the end of the season. ‘Authentically Greek’ might be the best word to describe the whole experience but that gets overused. Best to say it is a place that’s rewarding to explore and that feels like the Greek islands I visited over 40 years ago — except with wi-fi.

Howard Williams
Stillington
England
Posted Date : 17-10-2018

Experience the real Kythnos

I came to Kythnos on my first walking holiday in early September. I had a few things in mind when choosing my trip - a small group of people, solo travellers were welcome, have the chance to meet the local people, and experience everyday life on the island. Kythnos Hiking ticked all the boxes.

Nigel organised absolutely everything from ferry pick ups to walking routes and different restaurants every evening. On a couple of occasions the planned itinerary had to change for reasons out of his control and he seamlessly altered routes etc in his relaxed easy going way. Nothing was a problem.

Our guide Panagiotis has family connections on Kythnos so we really felt we got a great insight into life on the island. Everywhere we went people knew him and his family, they would stop for a chat and talk about island life, show us around their property or offer us food and drink.  Our group had both German and English speakers so Panagiotis was busy speaking 3 languages as well as guiding us along the mule tracks, keeping a pace that suited all of us and encouraging us when the heat and steep hills were getting the better of us. He took it all in his stride and with good humour. You could see how much he enjoyed guiding us on this beautiful island.

We all dined as a group in the evening and the food was wonderful everywhere we went. The accommodation in Hora was lovely, looking out over the town square. Each room was large and airy with its own balcony.

What really made this holiday special for me was interacting with the local people everywhere we went - from hotel owner, shop keepers, taxi drivers, farmers. Even if they had as much English as I had Greek - none! There was always a smile, a few words and hand gestures to make you feel welcome. And it's amazing what conversations can be had with a language barrier!! I went to Kythnos to experience Kythnian life and people and boy, did I get that.

Thank you especially to Nigel and Panagiotis for such a great experience 

Noni Law
County Wicklow
Ireland
Posted Date : 12-10-2018

A special experience

English walker Richard Martin and wife Patsy have posted a TripAdvisor review on "a special experience" on Kythnos:

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g189429-d11725667-r623699833-Kythnos_Hiking-Kithnos_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html

Richard Martin
Chippenham
England
Posted Date : 11-10-2018

Fascinating exploration of little known Greek island

My Kythnos Hiking trip was a fascinating exploration of a little-known
Greek island, on foot. I went out of season, so most of the traffic our
group encountered was on six feet, namely farmers and their mules.

Though not long, some walks involved thorny mule tracks (shorts and
sandals not recommended) and some scrambling over rocks. But none of it
was too difficult, and it was worth it to see the places we visited.

Our organiser coped well with varied walking capabilities and a
once-in-60-years storm which halted all island ferries. Not to mention
some gale-force winds.

But all in all I had a great time. Thoroughly forgot about my computer
and social media. Recommended.

Philip Hunt
Brussels
Belgium
Posted Date : 07-10-2018

Very highly recommended

This holiday was fantastic!  Our tour leader, Nigel, really cared that we enjoyed ourselves.  He was very attentive, without smothering us:  this is quite an art! The walks were interesting and varied with us learning and experiencing a lot about Greek culture and the  history of Kythnos.  Our guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about these subjects as well as pointing out various aspects of the local natural environment.   It was a treat to visit a current excavation site with Katerina as our guest guide to share her detailed knowledge of diggings on the island.   As someone new to hiking I was a bit concerned with how I would cope with the distances over consecutive days, but i needed [not to] have been concerned because I received a lot of support and understanding from the tour leader, Nigel, and also from other walkers.  As long as I paced myself I could manage any steep walks and as well as enjoying the views, company and explorations I improved my skills and confidence in hiking.  I really liked how the tour leader discussed the pros and cons of each day's full hike so that as a group we could reach consensus on whether we wanted to hike further or drive back, for example.  That said, you do need to have reasonable fitness to enjoy the hikes.  Since it was hot weather, the daily swim or swims were particularly welcome and helped to refresh us.  The meals were fresh, healthy, generous and tasty: perfect.  It was fun eating at different restaurants around the island and sharing a meal together was a great [way] to get to know each other better.    The accommodation was authentic,  lovely, clean and very conveniently located.  It was great to have a base and take hikes from our base accommodation.   A special bonus was that Nigel very kindly met myself and another hiker at the airport, took us to see the Temple of Poseidon before driving us, and accompanying us on the ferry to Kythnos and transferring us to our accommodation.   I also appreciated having alone time from about 6 to 8pm each day which made a good balance between group time and solo time.  Great value for money and fun.  If I had tried to do these hikes by myself I would have gotten lost, lost motivation to complete them, missed learning relevant and interesting information and would have had pot luck choosing restaurants.   Joining this tour was a brilliant experience with none of those issues.  Very highly recommended.
Julie Guilfoile
Perth
Australia
Posted Date : 10-09-2018

Wonderful time

A walker from England has posted a TripAdvisor review of her "wonderful time" on Kythnos:

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g189429-d11725667-r613593193-Kythnos_Hiking-Kithnos_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html

Christine Preston
Shropshire
England
Posted Date : 04-09-2018

Amazing holiday

A super holiday with excellent hospitality on an island which mixes a traditional Greek way of life with a holiday in the sun. We stayed at the Messaria Hotel in Hora, which was excellent ; the owners ( who spoke English which was helpful) were great hosts and the rooms and the breakfasts were first class.

The holiday guides, Angelos, Katherina and the organiser Nigel Tutt were excellent hosts, allowing us to see many different parts of the island,providing an insight to the history of the island and sampling some of the local produce. We dined with our hosts at various restaurants around the island,with Nigel providing the transportation in his little Fiat.

We considered the walking trails were not for the faint hearted, as there were many ups and downs and the stoney paths needed respect. We were there in the height of summer therefore the heat was also a concern, so water and strategic stops on the walks was a must-which was good for us as it meant we saw many excellent views of the island. Having said that,the walks were carefully planned by Nigel to ensure a swim in a bay was always available at some time every day together with a tasty lunch at a local taverna nearby.

Because of the heat and the terrain we think we walked at a slower pace than we usually do in the U.K., and we certainly reduced the length of the walks as well. However this was just right for us and we thoroughly enjoyed everything about this amazing holiday.

Nicola Dingle
(Nicola was a Sunvil client 23-30 July 2018)
Southend-on-Sea
England
Posted Date : 25-08-2018

An excellent week on the beautiful island of Kythnos

The walks were all very well planned and led by Nigel and [Katerina]. The leaders were very attentive and highly informative adding to the enjoyment of each walk. All the walks ended on a beach where swimming was a welcome rest. There was also the option to take a taxi back rather than walk which suited us on occasion. The trip to the castle ruins and excavations was particularly interesting.
 
The hotel was great with lovely breakfasts.  Nigel organised a variety of evening meals in different places which gave us a true flavour of the island.
 
Thoroughly recommended 5 STARS *****
Peter Thompson
Wokingham
England
Posted Date : 26-07-2018

Highly recommended

South of England walkers Jacky and Tony Storey have put a glowing review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g189429-d11725667-r587263076-Kythnos_Hiking-Kithnos_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html

 

Jacky Storey
Hayling Island
England
Posted Date : 14-06-2018

Wonderful experience ... you won't be disappointed

English walkers Cliff and Sarah Spanswick walked on Kythnos during a nature-themed week and provided this review:

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g189429-d11725667-r586732411-Kythnos_Hiking-Kithnos_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html

 

Cliff and Sarah Spanswick
England
Posted Date : 12-06-2018

Fascinating and enjoyable holiday

London walker Rebecca, who walked with us on Kythnos last week, has posted a 5-star review on Tripadvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g189429-d11725667-r583939893-Kythnos_Hiking-Kithnos_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html

Rebecca S
London
England
Posted Date : 31-05-2018

A great way to discover a great place

Overall rating. 5 out of 5.

We thoroughly enjoyed the hikes and the scenery, the pace and humour with which cultural information was delivered. It’s a great way to discover a great place.
Every trip involved fresh discoveries revealing just how rich the island was in wildlife, history and culture.
There were some good steep climbs and descents on well-preserved mule tracks. While to start with this was a bit of a challenge the walks got easier through the week as we got fitter and the pace slackened with lesser distances to cover. We loved the afternoon beach swims. Your company in the evenings and active knowledge of all there was to know, who was who and doing what added greatly to the experience. There was seldom a moment when we were not actively getting an experience of Kythnos and Greece. We appreciated the birthday dinner and fizz and personal attention.
The food and drink was great and very much local.  And the locals were charming and hospitable.
There was good birdwatching including ravens, marsh harriers, orphan warblers, Sardinian warblers, hoopoes, crested larks to name just a few. 
Would not hesitate to recommend it and would be happy to do the rest of the trails in search of birds and beech martens.

Alastair and Ala Gilroy
Banbury
England
Posted Date : 30-05-2018

Fun hiking, the feel of secret beach swimming, mostly quiet island

An amazing 6 day self-guided hiking experience.

We stayed in Hora, since Dryopida Mansions have not been completed yet. There are a variety of hill hikes that typically lead you through historic donkey paths, past farms and purple valleys, to beaches that are completely empty and private (in May - pre-season). Nigel Tutt's hiking guide and the Kythnos hiking map was very useful in the self-guided hike experience, and pretty accurate as the wind does not leave sign-posts up in some places.
 
More on tripadvisor...

 

Carel
Zurich
Switzerland
Posted Date : 27-05-2018

Energetic and enjoyable tour

Walkers John and Julia Boyle have posted a review on Natural Greece's website after their trip to Kythnos together with a link to the wonderful photos of snakes and lizards they took:

http://www.natural-greece.gr/tours/trekking-trip-for-nature-lovers-on-kythnos-island-greece/#comments

John and Julia Boyle
England
Posted Date : 17-05-2018

Overall recommendation

I enjoyed the holiday very much. The island is very scenic with hilly walks falling away to small beach areas. The daily walks were varied in length, terrain and location but on no occasion did I return feeling that I could not go again the next day. The accommodation was very clean and spacious [the renovations did not impede on my stay]. The evening meals were enjoyable and the tavernas visited very welcoming. Overall I would recommend the holiday.
 
Vivienne Belt
Birmingham
England
Posted Date : 13-05-2018

Italian hikers in stupendous experience

(Original review in Italian; English translation follows)
 
L'organizzazione è stata molto buona non abbiamo avuto nessuna difficoltà di tipo organizativo, i trek e le passeggiate che abbiamo fatto sono state molto belle e spettacolari in punti dell'isola molto panoramici, le guide Dimitra e Katerina sono state molto disponibili e professionali che hanno fatto sì che non abbiamo avuto nessun problema.
Gli alloggi di Atene sia il primo giorno che l'ultimo sono soddisfacenti e a Kythnos molto belle, pulite e accoglienti, i pasti sono stati molto abbondanti e buoni sempre con insalate spiedini e pietanze gustose.
La parte storica e culturale sono state molto interessanti e spiegate bene dalle guide con visite a chiese che nell'isola abbondano, la natura dell'isola in questa stagione è molto viva e verde con fioriture di diverse specie di piante.
Un paragrafo a parte è stata la festa che abbiamo assistito del primo maggio dove abbiamo visto balli provenienti da diverse isole e canti molto interessanti.
 
Per concludere una stupenda esperienza di trek, natura, cultura e gastronomia.
 
(English translation)
 

The organisation has been very good and we have had no type of organisational difficulty. The treks and the walks that we have done have been very beautiful and spectacular in places on the island which were very panoramic. The guides Dimitra and Katerina have been very available and professional in what they did and so we have had no problem on that front.

The lodging on the first day and the last day in Athens has been very satisfactory and in Kythnos the rooms have been very good, clean and welcoming. The food has been abundant and good, always with salads, meat skewers, and tasty dishes.

The historical and cultural parts of the tour have been very interesting and explained well by the guides, with visits to the abundant churches on the island.

The nature on the island in this season has been very alive and green with various colourful plant species.

A separate paragraph for the festival for the first of May where we were present and have seen dances from different islands and very interesting songs.

To conclude, a stupendous experience of trekking, nature, culture and gastronomy.

 
 
Mauro Carta
Trekking Italia - group leader
Florence
Italy
Posted Date : 12-05-2018

Superb hiking holiday

John Coppock who walked with his son Adam last week has posted a five-star review on Tripadvisor. See more at:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g189429-d11725667-r574913397-Kythnos_Hiking-Kithnos_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html

John Coppock
Delft
The Netherlands
Posted Date : 23-04-2018

Quiet seductive beauty of Kythnos

Leonie Loudon, who walked with us in October 2017, has posted a 5-star review of her holiday on Responsible Travel:

https://www.responsibletravel.com/review/?id=17204

Leonie Loudon
Scotland
Posted Date : 01-04-2018

A must for escaping from stress, hard work loads and crazy city life

Elena L
Posted Date : 12-11-2017

Incredible little island

I have never previously gone on a walking holiday. My walks have been adventure treks at high altitude in the Himalayas and Alps for pleasure yes, but also requiring physical feats of endurance and strength. My friend Elena suggested this walking trip to Kythnos. I think this was her way of provoking and keeping my interest. She made all the arrangements - I just fell in line bringing along some basic light hiking gear and my laptop - I had quite a lot of work to get done. I had the most beautiful week exploring an incredible little island, with the most awesome colors, with a most attentive guide, Nigel. Even at relatively low altitudes - the walks required stamina because the weather was so very hot - but wonderful beaches provided a great way to cool down. I am already looking forward to my trip next year!!

Len
Belgium
Posted Date : 30-10-2017

Kythnos, Athens combination worked well

Firstly Peter & I both really enjoyed the holiday.The combination of Kythnos with Athens worked well.

We thought the holiday was good value for money & appreciated your flexibility - especially with Pete's foot problem.

We liked the accommodation in both locations - convenient & comfortable.

Visiting different locations each evening to eat was good & we enjoyed each of the tavernas. Interestingly Pete's favourite was in Dryopida. I really liked the village of Hora & when more tavernas are open earlier in the season, I would happily have stayed there most evenings. Breakfast at Stamati's was a pleasant start to the day.

The walking was good - I would have enjoyed walking more on some days, but that was hindered by Pete's limitations. It was helpful being pointed in the right direction on the two occasions when I did walk back by myself.

Katerina & Sissy were both good guides & pleasant company.
 
It is the type of holiday I would have arranged independently in the past, but it was more relaxing having it all arranged & obviously we learnt more. Also we would have needed a hirecar or lots of taxis to get to all the places especially in the evenings.
 
We would certainly recommend this holiday to others & would be interested in returning when your hotel is open.
Thank you for all your arrangements & your company.
 
Peter and Jane Batstone
Malvern
England
Posted Date : 26-10-2017

Great Walking Holiday

English walkers have posted a review of their Kythnos Hiking holiday on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g189429-d11725667-Reviews-Kythnos_Hiking-Kithnos_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html

Tony and Rose
Eardisley
England
Posted Date : 08-10-2017

Thoroughly enjoyable

We booked our Kythnos Walking Holiday through Sunvil staying at the wonderful Messaria Hotel in Hora.  The walks were thoroughly enjoyable, especially being guided by people who knew the island so well, i.e. Nigel and Katerina whose knowledge of the ancient sites was awesome.
It was lovely to walk in open countryside on ancient donkey paths and footpaths, even though some were a little more challenging than others due to being overgrown in parts.  All that is required is a reasonable level of fitness.
Special memories were created by the little extras on the way such as meeting a Greek family, known to Katerina, who rushed to pick and wash refreshing bunches of grapes for us.  Most welcome at the end of a long walk.  Also being invited to what was really a private family occasion for the festival at a tiny church in the garden at the home of Katerina's parents where we were made most welcome.  These memories will stay with us.
Being taken to locations other than Hora to start some walks was a joy, plus being transported to other villages on two occasions for the evening meal thus allowing us to enjoy more of the island than we would have seen had we been travelling alone.
Thank you Nigel and Katerina for a lovely experience.
Julia and Trevor Newby
Retford
England
Posted Date : 08-10-2017

Visits to interesting historical sites

Rod and Maureen Longshaw
Newcastle
England
Posted Date : 28-09-2017

Surprisingly good

Generally speaking I've found the holiday surprisingly good and off the beaten track tours. The accommodation and the food were excellent and so were the hikings and the landscape, particularly the fantastic beaches where we went for a swim. Having said that, I'd point out that we could have taken the most of it had it been better planned and organised. The second and the third day were really great but the rest of them sometimes I had the feeling that we were just letting drift the hours away and taking into account that it was only a six day trip, wasting time would be a pity. Be that as it may, I had a great time and a great fun. And well, nothing is perfect and if it was, it would be very boring.

 

Laura Villanova
Barcelona
Posted Date : 28-09-2017

Very good value for money

Kythnos is great for walking but we would have found it difficult to do some of the walks unguided as the trails are not all well marked.  However Katerina and Nigel were both excellent guides; Katerina having excellent local knowledge which she is very keen to share and Nigel being very responsible and concerned for our welfare.  The programme was very full with every opportunity taken to ensure we saw as much as possible of the island's sights and of island life.

Because the trails are not as well maintained as on other islands, it is sensible to walk in long trousers to avoid scratched legs - this can be uncomfortable in the heat.

The swimming on Kythnos is excellent with gently shelving sandy beaches and Nigel ensures you get a chance to swim every day.  The beaches mostly have trees for natural shade.

The local food and wine are very good and we were taken to a variety of tavernas for lunch and dinner.

The walking holiday provided very good value for money.  We think Nigel's hotel will be a good base with even better facilities (especially breakfast) than the Messaria which, while very well appointed, was a little disappointing for breakfast.  The homemade pies and cakes were lovely but not the best fuel for walking and it was a shame the orange juice was from a carton.  A buffet breakfast would be preferable.

All in all, we strongly recommend the walking holiday.

Laura and Neil Gunn
Kings Lynn
England
Posted Date : 25-09-2017

Multiple Kythnos reviews by UK hiker

UK hiker files multiple review on Kythnos, including the hiking, on TripAdvisor.

Click here: https://www.tripadvisor.com/members-citypage/kyriacosk531/g189429

Kyriacos Koupparis
Potters Bar
England
Posted Date : 19-07-2017

What a lovely island!

I took part in many walking tours already, but this was especially fascinating. Enjoyable for me that your island

could keep a charming originality, and so I have seen a virgin nature and met lovely inhabitants everywhere.

Walks, guiding and organization came up to my expectations, and length of the tours and their difficulties have been appropriate.

Though I am only speaking a little English I could follow the explanations of history and excavations given by Katerina and Nigel.

So I enjoyed this week and like to recommend this holiday to other walking friends.

                                                                                                                       

Karin Limpack
Berlin
Germany
Posted Date : 21-06-2017

Walking on wild mule tracks

NIgel [Tutt, manager]was attentive and generous throughout our week's stay. By chance he was on the same ferry, saw our luggage labels and introduced himself. He was generous and attentive, looking after all our needs right up until our final meal together at the port before boarding the ferry to leave Kythnos. 
We really enjoyed our accommodation - the very pretty Filoxenia Studios in Chora - where we had a twin room. Every morning we had breakfast at Stamati's [bar], just a few yards away, which became a real Greek experience, chatting to Stamati and his wife and their two little children and having their delicious homemade pies made from their local cheese. 
The walking is on quite wild mule tracks, rocky and overgrown with dense, prickly vegetation in places, so I strongly recommend sturdy footwear, long trousers and walking poles to push aside the thorny foliage. The terrain is mostly rolling hills, with some steep valleys and numerous dry stone walls, little shade but offering great coastal views. Nigel planned the itinerary so that each day we walked off in a different direction and so explored different parts of the island, coming down to quiet beaches for an optional swim. The walks were semi-guided. Katrina guided us in the mornings. She had great local knowledge and is a qualified surveyor so knew the island like the back of her hand. We also visited a honey farm and joined in a festival at a small country church - all very delightful. We ate with Nigel every evening at different locations around the island sampling fine taverna fare all made from local produce.
Nigel is renovating two neo-classical houses to create a hotel/activity centre in the picturesque village of Dryopida, so we may well be back next year!
Pattie Thornley and Janet Lievesley
Bristol
England
Posted Date : 15-06-2017

Favourite hiking holiday

Our hiking holiday with Kythnos Hiking goes down as one of our favourite hiking holidays. Nigel our host was attentive and flexible allowing us amend our itinerary on the hoof to suit us. 

We stayed in Hora in Hotel Messaria, a family run establishment that provides delicious home made food. It proved a perfect base.

Our concerns about the hiking before we got there were totally unfounded. The hikes were strenuous in temperatures of up to 30° but we stopped at a different beach for a swim every lunch time and that was a reinvigorating tonic for a weary hiker. Our guide Caterina, a native of Kythnos took pleasure informing us of the history of the island and was a pleasure to hike along with.

We dined in a different restaurant every night. The most memorable was the wonderful fish meal we enjoyed by the harbour at Merichas after watching a stunning sunset.

In summary, we highly recommend a hiking holiday with Kythnos Hiking in the unspoilt and underdeveloped (in terms of tourism) island of Kythnos.

Kevin and Sheila Harkin
England
Posted Date : 12-06-2017

Mid-May weather perfect for walking

The Kythnos Hiking Holiday fitted perfectly into our longer trip which included other Greek islands and Athens. It contrasted beautifully with the other, more touristy, locations and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. Everyone we met was friendly and we felt very welcome.

As regular walkers we found the walks very interesting and enjoyable. Our guide Katerina was faultless and her knowledgeable descriptions of the various point of interest on the walks added to the enjoyment. The beaches visited were idyllic and, although the water was still cool, we were able to enjoy swimming in the sea. We found the mid-May weather perfect for walking, with green countryside and many flowers in bloom; the trade-off being a cool sea and quiet locations – no problem for us!

Nigel pulled everything together wonderfully and was very helpful (as our Greek is non-existent) especially at meal times.

We would happily recommend this holiday to any reasonably fit walkers; just remember your long trousers to protect your legs against the at times prickly vegetation.

Paul and Janet Shawcross
Grimsby
England
Posted Date : 30-05-2017

Fascinating Kythnos overcomes difficult start

Our holiday didn't get off to the best start as unfortunately the afternoon ferry to Kythnos was cancelled and changed to 5am the next morning. Nigel had made arrangements to stay in the Hotel Saron for the night which was fine. After a early morning for our flight and now for the ferry we felt a bit jaded! Our first walk on Tuesday morning was to be long one and we asked Nigel to amend this to a shorter one and he rearranged the programme to suit us better.
We were made very welcome by the owner of the apartments in Hora and the apartments were well equipped and comfortable. 

We met out guide at 12.00 and set off for our first walk. All was well to start but then the footpath got impassable in places and alternative way had to be found, our short walk turned into four hours, the paths were overgrown and mostly loose stones and lots of spiky plants which made walking harder.
Our other walks were much better and during our stay we went to a castle, caves, archeological excavation of an ancient city and museums, hot spring and some lovely beaches. One of the highlights was a visit to the honey farm which was fascinating.
Apart from the unfortunate start to the week, we enjoyed our time in Kythnos.
I think it would be helpful to mention on the holiday details that the walking is difficult in parts and a stick is advisable and there is little shade to be found. Nigel, although a little vague about details at times, went out of his way to make out holiday enjoyable and also ferried one of our party, who had a knee injury reoccur, to the beaches where we were to finish our walks, so she was able to have a relaxing day.
Hora is a pretty, unspoilt  whitewashed village where we felt very welcome. Kythnos is a very rural, uncommercialized Island which makes a welcome change in this day and age.
We finished our trip with two days relaxing back on the mainland at the Hotel Saron, arranged for us by Nigel, the hotel has a lovely pool and beaches a few minutes away.

Theresa McAninch
England
Posted Date : 21-05-2017

Trekking Italia nell’isola di Kythnos

[English translation follows]

Sono stata una settimana con il gruppo Trekking Italia nell’isola di Kythnos, desideriamo tutti ritornare!

Abbiamo scoperto la realtà dell’isola percorrendo sentieri e antiche mulattieri circondati da splendidi fiori che in questa stagione sono particolarmente presenti in ogni angolo dell’isola. Abbiamo avuto ottime guide che ci hanno condotto con competenza alla scoperta di un ambiente incontaminato. Buono l’alloggio nel delizioso paesino di Hora e abbiamo gustato ottime cene nelle taverne dell’isola.

L’assistenza  di Kythnos Hiking con di Nigel Tutt è stata quotidiana. Bene organizzati i trasporti con i taxi sull’isola e in pulmino sulla terraferma. Siamo rimasti anche soddisfatti della visita dell’Acropoli con Museo ad Atene e di Capo Sunio, tutto molto ben coordinato. Alla Prossima!


[A group from Trekking Italia has spent a week on the island of Kythnos. We all want to return!

We have discovered the reality of the island walking the paths and old mule tracks surrounded by splendid flowers that in this season are particularly present in each corner of the island. We have had excellent guides that have led us competently in the discovery of a pristine environment. Good accommodation in the delightful village of Hora and we have tasted excellent dinners in the island taverna.

The assistance of Kythnos Hiking with Nigel Tutt has been daily. The transport with taxis on the island and in minibus on the mainland has been well-organised. We were also satisfied by the visit to the Acropolis and its museum in Athens and to the ancient site at Cap Sounio. All was well coordinated. Until the next time!]

Angela Petralia
Trekking Italia Firenze
Posted Date : 15-05-2017

Three spring days of hiking on Kythnos

 

I hiked for three days over the Easter holiday, self-guided using the bilingual Kythnos Hiking Guide (Terrain Editions) plus some advice from a helpful guide from Kythnos Hiking (www.kythnoshiking.com).

The first trail was from Aghios Konstantinos, near Dryopida village, to the Flambouria beach. Flambouria is spectacular with beach flowers and the church on a short headland, all making it well worth the trip. The first part of the return to Merichas is a sharp hill but easily do-able.

The second walk to Aghios Ioannis is beautiful across wild countryside, valleys and past many churches. However the coastal route to Aghios Stephanos requires courage and more description than there is in the guidebook. The walk back from Aghios Stephanos is demanding because of its long hill but is satisfying.

The third walk I did to Lefkes beach is easy, though at first I missed the start of the path to Panaghia stou Mathia. It is poorly marked. The beach is a joy but the sea was too rough on my visit for swimming.

All in all a perfect island for hiking: fabulous scenery, nice local people, nature full of flowers and birds, not too demanding trails.

I recommend hiking on Kythnos and hope to go back soon.

Dimitra Kapsimelli
Athens
Greece
Posted Date : 19-04-2017

Americans walk on Kythnos

We loved our trip to Kythnos! Our host Nigel took care of every detail from start to finish - from organizing our ferry tickets, to booking our charming hotel room, to adjusting the program to accommodate our interests. We felt very welcomed. From the moment he met us at the ferry our week was completely care free. With our Greek guide Katerina we explored Kythnos’ Neolithic ruins, a Byzantine castle, a limestone cave, the thermal springs at Loutra and myriad churches. We learned about the flora and fauna as we hiked along back trails, sometimes enjoying wild figs and grapes that lined the trails. Katerina shared stories from childhood summers spent on Kythnos, giving us an insight into life on this authentically Greek island. Evenings included visits to an open-air concert and listening to traditional music in a bar, as well as enjoying delicious, fresh food at different restaurants. All of this came at an unbeatable price – we can’t wait to return. Bravo to Nigel and Katerina!

Monique Rothman and Gaby Siegel
New York
United States
Posted Date : 07-09-2016

Una coppia italiana su Kythnos in agosto

(English translation follows)
 
Siamo una coppia di Genova e siamo stati a Kythnos i primi dieci giorni di agosto.
Siamo stati accolti da Nigel Tutt che con la sua cordialità e professionalità ci ha messi subito a nostro agio.
Abbiamo soggiornato all'albergo Messaria, nel cuore di Hora, capitale di Kythnos; albergo  a gestione famigliare, semplice ma molto carino e ben curato nei dettagli.
Kythnos è un isola a 2 ore e mezza di traghetto da Lavrio, non è molto grande e non offre tante attrazioni turistiche ma ha un grande fascino ed  è piena di spiagge, l'ideale per chi ha voglia di staccare da tutto e di rilassarsi.
È l'isola dei greci e del poco turismo, lontana dalla mondanità delle sue sorelle più alla moda e anche in pieno agosto troverete pochissima gente. È l'isola dei mille sentieri, del trekking e delle chiese: più o meno 365 piccole chiese bianche sparse su tutto il territorio. Impressionante!
Inoltre i suoi abitanti sono molto cordiali ed ospitali, non faticherete a sentirvi a casa. 
La cucina greca, anche su questa piccola isola, vi inebrierà e vi conquisterà con i suoi sapori mediterranei e a rendere tutto ancora più appetitoso sono i prezzi sbalorditivi: con meno di 30 euro in due si mangia e si beve alla grande!
Insomma, andate a Kythnos se potete!
 
[We are a couple from Genoa and we were on Kythnos the first ten days of August.
We were greeted by Nigel Tutt who with his friendliness and professionalism put us at ease immediately.
We stayed at the Hotel Messaria, in the heart of Hora, the capital of Kythnos; a family run hotel, simple but very nice and well appointed.
Kythnos is an island 2 hours by ferry from Lavrio, it is not very big and does not offer many tourist attractions but has great charm and is full of beaches, ideal for those who want to disconnect from everything and relax.
It is the island of the Greeks and of little tourism, far from the worldliness of other more fashionable Cycladic islands; even in August you will find very few people. It is the island of a thousand paths, trekking and churches: more or less 365 small white churches scattered throughout the island territory. Impressive!
In addition, its people are very friendly and hospitable, you are sure to feel at home.
Greek food, even on this small island, will fill and will charm you with its Mediterranean flavours and to make it even more appetising are the staggering prices: for less than 30 euro for two you eat and drink well!
In short, go to Kythnos if you can!]
 
 
Mara, Ugo
Genoa
Italy
Posted Date : 07-09-2016

Hiking on Kythnos Island, what an amazing experience!

Both myself and my mother really enjoyed hiking on the island via the donkey trails or the little links between villages and beaches. Having two people to show us around was also extra special.

We had a lovely stay at our hotel with no bad reviews around. I just noticed that while staying with our friend Kostas and while on the mainland that people indicate that one should not flush the toilet paper due to the small pipe size. Our hotel didn’t have this notice and we can flush paper on our side of the world. So perhaps that is something you should please inform people about just in case they unintentionally cause a block pipe.

The walks itself, as mentioned above was lovely. Swimming on a different beach every day was amazing and the occasional oleander forest was also exceptional. The routes were well marked and with the guide you also supplied, I’m sure I’ll be able to walk some of the trails again by myself if I come again.  I didn’t really have any issues with the marking of the trail, but perhaps a white painted footprint on a rock here and there can also indicate to people which way to walk. These can be used along with the small route numbers.  It would also be amazing to be able to explore some of the old mining caves in the future.

The evening activities were great, especially the festival in Driopida. While on the island we really got to experience local food, which was delicious by the way. While on the mainland most places gave us western food to choose from.  It was good for us to look at the menu and recognize something we had on the island and knowing it is worth ordering other than the western food. Our free evening when the waiter tried to understand that we wanted meatballs is also a memory which is going to stay with us for a while and the fish dinner was also very delicious.  I saw the octopus drying at the restaurants while we were walking there and someone did ask us if we had fried octopus, so I gather that it is also a delicacy when at the ocean. Perhaps next time I’ll try that.

You and Katerina’s knowledge of the island was exceptional and we really liked learning more about the places we visited or saw while walking. One or two of the highlights was the archeological site we visited and the castle was also a great spot. I look forward to more hikes becoming available to the other side of the island.

Until we go there again,

Liesl and Bets van Dalen
Johannesburg
South Africa
Posted Date : 12-08-2016

A great guided break on Kythnos, Athens

We spent two days in Athens due to the Seamen's strike. At short notice, Nigel Tutt found us a charming hotel, centrally located, and organised a very enjoyable walk in the National Park which included a good meal at a mountain Refuge.
Being escorted on arrival from the airport to & from all destinations throughout the holiday was greatly appreciated.
In Athens, an arranged guided tour gave depth & interest to the city.
We were delighted by Kythnos. There was surprisingly varied flora & fauna ( May ) and with the island's topology, dry stone walls, historical sites, lush green valleys, sandy beaches & coves, the island retains a sense of being its own place, unsullied by excess tourism. Equally so in the two main villages of Hora & Dryopida. The latter with a small folk museum showing how recent the past can seem. The walks were expertly guided by Katerina Filippa; the accommodation, food & hospitality were first rate.
It was a very full five days, leaving many vivid, lingering impressions. We wish Nigel Tutt well for developing his hotel in Dryopida and we are confident he will not be short of guests as Kythnos' attractions become more widely known. We hope to return.

Oliver Rugen, Felicity Page, London
Posted Date : 03-06-2016

Ancient path

walking up an ancient path ..... picking grapes, figs and pomegranates to the right and the left ....  reaching the summit .... soothed by a gentle gust of wind and then strolling downhill toward a golden - and uncrowded - beach .... and that's just a small part of hiking across Kythnos ......

Bruce Barnard
Cambridge
England
Posted Date : 15-09-2015

Great week in Kythnos

The first thing to say is that Kythnos was much better than we were prepared for it to be. It is a really beautiful island, with a vibrant traditional way of life which has disappeared on many better known islands.

It has more or less everything you would want from a Greek island. Varied scenery soaring to ancient hilltop forts and plunging to verdant valleys. Scores of great little beaches. Wild flowers galore, including copious lupin-like sea squills in autumn. Friendly and charming people. Delicious food and wine. Skilled local musicians.

Two special features: more than a hundred tiny Greek orthodox chapels scattered across every valley and patterned dry stone walls round many fields, often with big upright flat stones giving the impression of windows in the walls.

Tour leader Nigel Tutt has definitely done the right thing in selecting Kythnos as the location to develop his hotel

The walks are full of interest with beautiful views all the way, despite sometimes off-putting instructions like 'turn right at petrol station' or 'straight down past power station'.

The walking schedule is chock-full of action and it is helpful to be a bit nimble but if you find yourself flagging, as we did one day, one of the island's taxi drivers will be happy to come and whip you back to the hotel.

The track of old iron mine railway we walked along to reach the beach where Giorgios picked us up was the flattest path we encountered on the whole island but also one of the thorniest. Ouch! Our calves took quite a few scratches.

Mine very British host Nigel was very helpful in trying to meet all our requests but the star of the show was undoubtedly Katerina Filippa, leader of the guided walks. Joint author with Nigel of the book of Kythnos hiking trails, Katerina comes from a leading Kythnos family and is an expert on the history, wildlife and culture of the island.

A 20-minute session for 6 euros in the spa at Loutra will ease your aching limbs and leave your skin soft for several days. The spa is now low key though the warm mineral waters were once so famous that Kythnians have the alternative name of Thermians.

The island's tavernas offer dishes to suit all tastes – whether you prefer meat, fish or vegetarian options.

Work is yet to start on Nigel's hotel – what an eyesore at the moment – but the Hotel Mesaria in Hora was a fine substitute, providing us with a smart room, comfortable beds gushing hot shower and views over the meadows below from the spacious balcony.

All in all, a memorable week and we'll definitely be coming back when Nigel's hotel is open, though that might present us with one small problem – we won't be able to get to Stamati's bar in Hora for breakfast. Let's hope Hotel Galatas will provide equally good spanakopita and fresh fruit with yoghourt...

Andrew Newby
London
Britain
Posted Date : 01-10-2015

Orias Castle walk

(Testimonial in Italian; English translation follows)
 
La più grande emozione che ho avuto a Kithnos è la camminata fino al castello di Orias. Un posto di una bellezza travolgente. Un incanto assoluto. Nigel mi ha portato per un antica mulattiera tra le pietre ed i profumi delle erbe aromatiche e mi ha fatto scoprire le rovine del castello bizantino. Da lassù solo il vento e l'egeo che si apre con le isole davanti.
Nigel è una guida perfetta. Mi ha accompagnato a scoprire la bellezza di kithnos con amore, tranquillità e poesia. Nigel ha scoperto tutti i luoghi più belli dell'isola, conosce le tradizioni e lascia il tempo durante il cammino di guardare, ascoltare il grido dei falchi, il fischio del vento tra le montagne, sentire la forza del luogo. Dalla cima del castello si ascoltano i millenni passati, arrivano le voci e le immagini di tutti gli uomini e donne che passarano e vissero su queste rocce. Un luogo epico.
Nigel ha anche scritto un bellissimo libro sui sentieri dell'isola e conosce  le feste, la musica i balli e può portarti a delle feste tradizionali ancora autentiche.
Sono molto felice di averlo incontrato, Nigel è la guida perfetta perchè ama l'isola e sente la poesia. Ama la gente del posto e cerca con il suo lavoro di conservare la bellezza e l'autenticità dell'isola.
Consiglio a tutti di chiamarlo per fare una camminata con lui!
 
(English translation)
 
The biggest emotion I had at Kythnos was the walk up the Castle Orias. A place of overwhelming beauty. An absolute charm. Nigel (guide) took me along an old mule track between stones and the smells of aromatic herbs in order to discover the ruins of the Byzantine castle. Up there there is only the wind and the Aegean Sea in front of other islands.
 
Nigel is the perfect guide. He accompanied me in order to discover the beauty of Kythnos with love, calm and poetry. Nigel has discovered all the most beautiful places on the island, knows the traditions and leaves time during the walk to look, listen to the cries of falcons, the whistle of the wind between the mountains, and to feel the character of the island. From the top of the castle you listen to the thousands who have passed the place, you hear the voices and images of all the men and women who have passed these rocks and lived there. It is an epic place.
 
Nigel has also written a beautiful book about the trails on the island and knows the festivals, the music, the dances, and can take you to some authentic traditional celebrations.
 
I am very happy to have met him. Nigel is the perfect guide because he loves the island and feels its poetry. He loves the people and is looking with his work to conserve the beauty and authenticity of the island.
 
I advise you to call him and do a hike with him!
 

 

Elisabetta Mari
Florence
Italy
Posted Date : 31-08-2015

Three trails

 

    I walked three of the routes outlined in the Kythnos Hiking Guide and thoroughly enjoyed every one.

    The route from Loutra to the Orias castle is fiddly at the start, going along the mule track, but is well worth the effort when you get to near the castle. The views across the fields to the spectacular castle headland and the sea below is fantastic. The castle itself is ruined but contains an interesting old church with a Byzantine fresco.

    The route to Aghios Ioannis is long and arduous but rewarded by the nature and farming on the way and the outstanding isolated beaches when you get to the coast. Perfect for a quick dip before lunch in neighbouring Aghios Stephanos and the fine food at the Kantris taverna behind the beach. One of the best restaurants on the island in my view. And I certainly needed some sustenance before the tough hill ahead back to the Hora. Fortunately it is not too long.

    On another day, I walked back from Kanala to Dryopida, on at least part of the trail in the guidebook. I love that walk not just for the easy countryside you pass but also because of the beautiful views across the Aegean to the neighbouring islands. On a clear day you can see Paros probably, plus all those other islands nearer to Kythnos.

Michael Newson
Brussels
Posted Date : 15-07-2015