Forget Athens, Visit Greece's Secluded Paradise With Crystal-Clear Water, Fresh Seafood, And Fewer Crowds

Athens has drawn travelers from near and far for centuries. Over 8 million international tourists visited Athens in 2025, and it's clear that interest in this incredible destination isn't waning any time soon. However, if you're looking for a break from the crowds, there are plenty of quieter places to see in Greece that just as captivating as Athens. One such place is Avlemonas, a scenic fishing village on the east side of the island of Kythira, which also happens to be the mythical birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite.

As concerns about overtourism grow in big cities like Athens, a trip to Avlemonas will allow you to experience a more laid-back side of Greece. In 2022, the island of Kythira had just 81,672 visitors. Compared to the 3.4 million annual visitors in Santorini – Greece's most disappointing island, according to some – that's a drop in the bucket. Avlemonas is a small community, making it a true reprieve from the throngs of tourists in Greece's most popular destinations. As a bonus, many of the island's visitors are Greek, making the experience all the more authentic. Kythira is busiest in the summer, so consider planning your visit in the shoulder months of June or September for an even calmer getaway. 

To reach the island, travelers can either take a ferry or catch a flight from Athens. Ferries to Kythira depart twice weekly from the Piraeus Port in Athens, arriving at the island's main port in Diakofti. The journey is six-and-a-half hours, followed by a 15-minute taxi ride from Diakofti to Avlemonas. Flights to the island are only 50 minutes long, but are also limited to one or two per week. Flights leave from the Athens International Airport (ATH) and arrive at Alexandros Onasis Kythira Airport (KIT), around 18 minutes from Avlemonas by car. Both flight and ferry schedules may vary depending on the season. The island does not have public transportation, so visitors must rent a car or rely on taxis to get around.

Beach lovers will find paradise in Kythira, and in Avlemonas, you can wade into crystal-clear waters at a small but beautiful pocket beach in the heart of the village. Encircling the beach are stone paths and steps that lead to the water's edge. Prickly pear cacti dot the cliffs, along with spurts of magenta, pale pink, and white bougainvillea and oleander bushes. Even the entrance to the beach path feels like walking into paradise, with lush green palms growing on either side. "UNBELIEVABLE, literally a natural pool in the middle of the village," one past visitor wrote on Google. "Avlemonas is by all accounts one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kythira."

The stone path around the beach follows the shoreline, passing a row of Cycladic-style buildings with white-washed walls and blue doors. At the end of the path, you can see the Castle of Avlemonas, also known as the Castelo of Agios Nikolaos. The castle ruins can be reached on foot from the pocket beach in just a few minutes. The castle — which operated as a fort — was built in 1725 by the Venetian governor of the Ionian Isles, Francesco Correr, to protect the seaport from occupation by Maltese pirates. The remains of this octagonal fort allow visitors to experience the region's intriguing history firsthand. 

For a proper beach day, head west to the Baths of Helen, Kythira's largest beach. Also known as Paralia Paleopoli, this beach is where Aphrodite is said to have sprung from the sea foam. Here, you will find a sandy and pebbly shoreline with lounge chairs, a beach bar, and warm waters for swimming and snorkeling. 

Kythira is one of those Mediterranean islands that foodies rave about, and for good reason. In fishing villages like Avlemonas, fresh seafood is always easy to find. Avlemonas may not have a wide variety of restaurants, but what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality. One spot worth trying is Psomoladea, a quaint eatery near the beach with an unmissable lime green door. Be prepared test your Greek or have your Google Translate app ready, as this authentic restaurant may not have an English menu. The menu features locally-sourced ingredients, with dishes like sea bass tartare, stone fish cakes, seafood linguine with mussels, shrimp, squid, and grilled fish. "The food here is truly exceptional," reads one Google review. "Every plate reflects genuine passion, creativity, and attention to detail." For seafood lovers, this is the perfect place to refuel after a day spent lazing in the sun and floating in the sea.

Another top-rated restaurant in Avlemonas is Skandeia, about a 32-minute walk or a short drive from the village's center. With over 2,300 reviews on Google at the time of writing, Skandeia is a popular spot. It serves tavern-style food at wooden tables with green checkered tablecloths. One reviewer even said it felt like "driving up to Grandma's house." The menu here mostly consists of typical Greek dishes such as mousaka, Greek salad, and baked lamb. However, you'll also find fresh, locally sourced fish, which varies depending on the catch of the day. Savor every bite on the restaurant's veranda surrounded by greenery.