Environment

The Nature of Kythera

Flora

The island’s climate is Mediterranean, characterized by humid and mild winters and hot and dry summers. The species of flora that thrive in Kythera are resistant to hot summers and to the island’s low altitude. There are approximately 800 types of floral species.  Most of these plants are small shrubs such as spurge (Euphorbia characias), sage (Salvia), […]

Geology

Kythera has an area of 284 km².  It is 29 km long (N-S) and 18 km wide (E-W). The island is part of the same tectonic unit as the area that includes Macedonia, Thessalia, Sterea Hellas, Peloponnese and Crete. Its major features include hills and sheer cliffs.  There is also a valley towards the east. Kythera […]

Kythera’s Springs

The island of Kythera has many springs, most of which are in the central and northern parts of the island.  Some of the springs in the northern area contain minerals.  The most important springs are in Mylopotamos, Mitata, Viaradika, Gonies, Krya Vryssi, Peratis, Ocheles, Petrouni and Karavas. 1. Kaloyerou behind Agios Nikolas 2. Petrouni 3. […]

Sea Fauna

The Sea of Kythera is known for its rich sea flora and the cleanliness of its waters. The sea floor is rocky and steep and waters run very deep. At a mere 40 to 50 nautical miles to the west of the island the sea depth reaches 3,000 to 4,000 m, and southwest of Cape Tainaron the […]

Wildlife

There is little wildlife on Kythera. Most wildlife species can be found in the more deserted areas, such as dells, and in areas where there is a lush plant life. There are mammals, birds, reptiles, invertebrates and others. Some of these species include hedgehogs (erinaceus concolor), small-footed bats (pipistrellus pipistrellus), rabbits (lepus capensis), mice (mus musculus) […]

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