Hiking to Kastro Orias

Follow us on hiking trails leading back in time, connecting the splendor of nature and the human works.

Naturalistic  walks in the land of stone with cultural, environmental and historical  interest take us out to the beauty of the Kythian countryside, enriching  us with images, knowledge and unique experiences. We walk exploring  pristine areas, canyons, caves and idyllic sunset. We visit Byzantine  churches, medieval castles and we rest in picturesque areas to enjoy the  view and take some pictures. Our hikes implemented all year around and  are operated daily.

The Medieval Castle of Orias, the old capital of the island, is waiting  for you to be explored, a great place to watch the sunset, in the  northwest of Kythnos. An area with a tremendous view of the Aegean Sea,  rich flora and fauna. As we hike, we have the chance to admire enormous  caper plants, a famous delicacy in Cyclades. The wild thymian aroma here  is extremely intense and breathtaking. This place is the center of a  unique story which is lost in the depths of the ages with pirates, kings  and beautiful princesses.

Our  hiking experience begins above the settlement of Loutra in Kythnos  island, giving a magnificent view of the eastern Cyclades. Then we  continue uphill following a dirt road until we reach the junction that  goes either north to the church of St. George or west to the Castle of  Orias.

Further on our trail you may enjoy unique views of the western Aegean  sea and the wild beauty of the landscape until you see the impressive  steep cliffs where the Castle of Orias is built on.

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Kastro Orias

The  Castle of Orias was the seat of the Italian feudal family of Gozzadini  who dominated the island from 1337 to 1617 as the subordinates of the  Venetian Duchy of Naxos. In 1292, Kythnos was plundered by the Catalans  while throughout the Venetian and the Ottoman domination, it suffered  greatly from pirate raids. Today, only the ruins of fortifying walls and  medieval residences are preserved from the old Castle, while only the  churches of Keralaousa and Agia Triada are preserved from its 100  churches.

Details

Start time: upon request

Location: Loutra

Period: All year around

Route length: 4 km

Route type: Circular

Group size: 2 –  20 persons

Duration: 3 hours incl. breaks

Ability level: Easy

Suitability: Suitable for all