Kythira Island (Diakofti, Greece)

Kythira Island (aka Kythera, Kithira, Cythera) is located opposite the south-eastern tip of Peloponnese Peninsula (mainland Greece). The island has total area approx 300 km2 (116 mi2) and population around 4,000. Kythira is listed as one of the Heptanese (7 largest Ionian Islands) and belongs to this Greek regional unit (part of Attica region).

The island is strategically positioned between Crete and mainland Greece, thus having a long history with different civilizations and cultures (Venetian, Ottoman, Greek) reflected in its architecture, customs and traditions. Since late-20th century, the island's economy is largely based on tourism. During the peak summer season (late-May through mid-September) island's population often triples due to the influx of tourists.

Island's capital (traditionally for Greece named "Chora") is on the southern coast but has no port. Island's principal port (cruise and ferry) was previously at Agia Pelagia, but was replaced by the new Port Diakofti. Currently, Diakofti serves regularly scheduled ferries linking to Antikythera Island, Crete Island (Chania) and mainland Greece - Piraeus-Athens, Peloponnese (Gythion, Kalamata) and Neapolis-Vatika (Laconia). The harbor of Agia Patrikia (north of Agia Pelagia) is the island's fishing port which also houses a boat repair dock with two launching ramps.

Kythira Island cruise terminal