“It takes a lifetime to discover Greece, but it only takes an instant to fall in love with her.” Henry Miller 

The longing I had to explore my historic connection to Greece and travel to my ancestral homeland of Kythira came to a head in 2017, with whispers of inspiration from my family. With my son grown up and forging a life of his own, I was freer than I’d been for many years and with less commitments, so I felt it was the year to make my dream a reality. A year later, as good things come to those who wait and with a little help from my friends … I was finally on my way.

On my first day, riding my moped across the island, the scent of wildflowers in the air, every cell in my being was humming with joy. I could feel my grandfather by my side, reminding me to slow down, keep my awareness sharp and enjoy the ride. My grandfather John Andronicus migrated from Mylopotamos to Australia in 1908, and it was his life long consuming passion for coffee that gave rise to the remarkable empire known as Andronicus Coffee. Exploring the island of Kythira revealed deep connections to my ancestry and the purpose of my journey here revealed itself .. to discover my family’s connection to the island, tell my grandfather’s story and share my love of Kythira through my stories and photographs. This island is steeped in history, with its myriad of medieval villages, exuding so much magic and myth. After many years and much work, I recently completed my photobook MYTHICAL KYTHIRA which is soon to be released. 

“Here the light penetrates to the soul, opens the doors and windows of the heart, makes one naked, isolated in a metaphysical bliss which makes everything clear without being known.” Henry Miller

Kythira is a real utopia, away from all the madness of the modern world, it feels incredibly unaffected and authentic where we can feel love, nature and a real sense of freedom. Botticelli’s famous painting of ‘The Birth of Venus’ depicts goddess Aphrodite arriving on the shores of Kythira and soon after being carried to Cyprus by the gentle breezes of the Mediterranean in a huge shell. As Aphrodite became one of the most popular goddesses of ancient mythology, differences emerged in the ways people worshipped her. In Cyprus, she was revered as the goddess of earthly erotic emotions and sexual desires, while in Kythira she was the goddess of spiritual love and divine human relationships.

“In all things of nature there is something of the marvellous.” Aristotle

On the western side of the island sits the magical green pool known as Aphrodite’s Bath. Kythira is home to the Sanctuary of Aphrodite, with the oldest temple dedicated to goddess Aphrodite, dating back to 6th century B.C. Legend states that Aphrodite bathed here, in the crystal clear waters of the green pool. The pristine pool with its turquoise green hue, sits two metres above sea level and is surrounded by steep rocky cliffs, it’s a natural phenomenon. It’s is a rocky forty minute hike from Limnionas to reach the pool on foot, or you can pull up beside it on a boat and clamber over the rocks, it is very magical and worth a visit.

Kythera has totally captured my heart, there is something very magical & peaceful here, I’m smitten by the islands natural beauty. I’d read about the mediterranean sea around the Greek Islands being the clearest water in the world and how true, I could not believe the clarity and the depth of the colours. Three seas meet the shores of Kythira, the Ionian to the west and northwest, the Aegean to the east, and the Mediterranean to the south. The colours of the three seas surrounding the island are majestic emerald, deep green, electric blue and sublime turquoise. Getting underwater is one of my greatest joys, with no currents or deadly creatures to fear here, I feel so safe and free to just swim anywhere. The caves are illuminated by phosphorous, so the light and the colours in there will take your breath away.

To get out on the water is a must, to explore the island from the water is a real treat, with its myriad of isolated beaches, sea caves and endless beauty to discover. Take trip with with Captain Spiros, aboard his famous glass bottom boat to the magnificent Hytra islet, just south of the bay of Kapsali. It is a very rough and rocky islet, famous for its large cave. You can swim and snorkel inside the cave, admiring the colours on the seabed and discovering the wealth of the underwater natural life and Spiros will entertain you with tales of the wondrous cave.

“Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and end of existence.” Aristotle

Water is the wealth of the island and it is a blessing to collect water for drinking from the springs that are so perfectly pure, scattered around the island; Karavas, Amir Alis, Portokalia,  Viaradika and Mitata. Bear in mind the local myth whereby if you drink from the spring near Agia Pelagia, you will fall in love and never be able to leave Kythira. Also the stunning Nereida waterfalls in Mylopotamos, whilst the water is not potable, are treasures to behold, it’s worth taking the short walk from town. My sincerest thanks must go to the heartwarming community of Kythira and to all the friends who have made me feel so welcome over the years, when I’m not there I long to be and when I’m there, my heart is home, I’m so grateful to be part of the fabric of this beautiful island.