Kithira Airport

Alexandros Onasis Kythira Airport lies on the southeastern coast of Kythira Island, roughly 15 kilometres east of the main town of Chora. It is a single-terminal airport serving the southernmost of the Ionian Islands, handling domestic flights from Athens and seasonal charter traffic. The airport is named after the son of shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, who died in a plane crash, and its runway cuts across a narrow plateau between two hills, with the Ionian Sea visible on approach. Though small, the airport is the primary point of arrival for a majority of visitors to the island.

Getting There

From Chora, the island's capital, the drive to the airport takes about 20 minutes along the main road (EO Kythiron). Taxis are available in Chora and at the airport when flights arrive; the fare to Chora is typically between €20 and €30. Car rentals are a more flexible option — several agencies have desks just outside the arrivals area, but it is wise to book in advance during July and August. There is no public bus service that meets flights, so passengers without private transport should arrange a taxi or transfer. The airport is also reachable from the port of Kythira (Agia Pelagia), 25 minutes north, and from the smaller port of Diakofti, 10 minutes west. A paved road connects all points, though some stretches are narrow and winding. Parking at the airport is free and ample, with a dedicated wheelchair-accessible car park close to the terminal entrance.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Alexandros Onasis Kythira Airport is compact and functional. The single building handles both arrivals and departures on the same floor. Upon entering, passengers find a small check-in hall with two or three counters; during peak summer months queues can form, but the process is generally efficient. A security screening point separates the public area from the departure lounge. The lounge is modest — a handful of plastic seats, a snack bar selling coffee and packaged sandwiches, and a view of the apron through large windows. The airport provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible toilet. A standard toilet is also available. There is no airside duty-free shop; the only retail is the small kiosk before security. On arrival, luggage reclaim is a single carousel that can feel crowded when two flights land within an hour. The baggage area leads directly outside, where taxis and rental car shuttles wait. The terminal is clean and air-conditioned, but passengers should not expect lounges, free Wi-Fi, or extensive dining.

Alexandros Onasis Kythira Airport and Kythira Municipality

Kythira, often called the island of Aphrodite, sits at the crossroads of the Ionian and Aegean Seas. It is the largest island in the Ionian chain south of Zakynthos, yet it remains less developed than its northern neighbours. The airport's existence has transformed the island's accessibility: before it opened in the 1970s, visitors arrived by a long ferry ride from Piraeus or the Peloponnese. Today, flights from Athens (35–40 minutes) connect Kythira to the capital, making weekend trips and island-hopping far easier.

The municipality of Kythira covers the entire island and its offshore islets, with a permanent population of around 4,000. The landscape is rugged — dry stone walls, terraced hillsides, deep gorges, and coves with pebble beaches. The interior is dotted with traditional villages like Kato Chora, Milopotamos, and Potamos, where whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches cling to slopes. The island's history is layered: Minoans, Mycenaeans, Venetians, and Ottomans all left traces. The Venetian fortress in Chora (Kythira Castle) and the medieval settlement of Kato Chora are the island's most significant historic sites. Nature lovers come for the hiking trails through the Palaiopoli valley, the caves at Agia Sofia, and the long sandy beach of Kaladi.

Culturally, Kythira is known for its unique dialect, traditional music, and Easter celebrations. The local cuisine features fresh seafood, goat-based dishes, and the island's own cheese (Kythirian gida). Visitors often comment on the slower pace of life — Kythira is not a party island. It attracts families, couples, and travellers seeking authentic Greek island culture without mass tourism. The airport sees the highest traffic during July and August, with additional charter flights bringing tourists from northern Europe. Outside summer, the schedule thins to one or two daily Olympic Air flights from Athens, and the island quietens significantly. Winter can be rainy and windy, but flights continue as long as the weather permits.

Practical Information

Alexandros Onasis Kythira Airport is open on days when flights operate. Confirmed facilities include a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible car park, standard toilet, and wheelchair-accessible toilet. Public phone: +30 2736 033297. Official website: http://www.ypa.gr/our-airports/kratikos-aerolimenas-ky8hrwn-alejandros-aristoteloys-wnashs-kak8w. There is no ATM in the terminal; the nearest cash points are in Chora and Potamos. Summer flight schedules are busiest on Monday (3 pm) and Tuesday (7 pm), while Wednesday and Thursday peaks are at 2 pm.

One concrete tip: book a taxi or rental car before you land. The airport is isolated, and without pre-arranged transport you may wait a long time, especially in late spring and autumn when flights are infrequent. If you arrive on a summer evening, consider staying overnight in Chora rather than driving to a distant accommodation on unfamiliar mountain roads in the dark.