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Kithnos, Greece

Kithnos is a top Greeck yacht charter destination. The small, mountainous island of Kithnos is harsh and rocky, but has many pretty bays and curative hot springs. Although there is little vegetation, locals grow olives and make wine. And, the island is unique in the Cyclades with a varied architecture and modern towns.

The island was probably settled by the Driopes in the 12th century BCE, led by Kithnos. Their society, which was well organized, impressed Aristotle. The island’s curative spa springs were known in ancient years and people from surrounding islands would visit in hopes of a healing.

The Macedonians conquered the island in the 4th century BCE and they were followed by the Romans in the 2nd century CE who used the island as a place for exiles. Later, Venetians and Turks ruled.

Hora is the island’s capital and has lovely churches with fine wood-carvings and icons. The Church of Pangia Flambouriani is located in the village of Flambouria, southwest of Kithnos town. According to legend, there are traces from the steps of the Virgin from the beach to the church. Fragrant lilies bloom in the area in the summer.

Inside the monastery of Panagia Kanala, situated near the village of Kanala, is a miraculous icon of the Virgin. It was found in the area of Kanali and according to tradition is the work of Luke the Evangelist. Scholars, however, attribute it to a 15th century folk artist.

Loutra, meaning “baths”, is a small village which has thermal springs reputed for their healing waters since antiquity. The bathhouse still functions and yacht charter visitors may soak in the marble tubs for a small fee.