KYTHIRA

Kythira is an island in Greece lying opposite the south-eastern tip of the Peloponnese peninsula. The island is strategically located between the Greek mainland and Crete, and from ancient times until the mid 19th century was a crossroads of merchants, sailors, and conquerors. As such, it has had a long and varied history and has been influenced by many civilizations and cultures. This is reflected in its architecture (a blend of traditional, Aegean and Venetian elements), as well as the traditions and customs, influenced by centuries of coexistence of the Greek, and Venetian cultures.

According to the myth of Hesiod Kythira was considered to be the island of celestial Aphrodite, the Goddess of love. She is said to have been birthed from sea foam near the island.

The island has maintained a very rich flora and fauna. It is said to have the largest variety of herbs in Greece, with 723 species of plants and trees recorded in the flora of Kythira. The most famous indigenous Kythirian flower is the ‘Sempreviva’ flower (meaning always alive) or Helichrysum orientale  with its beautiful bright yellow colour. Also the orchid family occupies an important place in the already rich floral biodiversity of the island.

The island was home to the herbalist Juliette de Bairacli Levy who was a pioneer of holistic animal health, a prolific writer, and a proud Gypsy. The documentary of her life ‘Juliette of the Herbs’ was filmed on Kythira while Juliette was living there before moving to Switzerland where she passed away at the age of 96.