Avlemonas. Avlemonas is considered one of the most beautiful coastal towns of Kythira. This picturesque fishing village is located in the east of the island, about 20 kilometres northeast of Chora and 25 kilometres southeast of Aghia Pelagia, in the bay of Agios Nikolaos. It lies in a rocky environment where many small coves give a romantic feel to the village. In the beautiful bay are "pool-steps" to make it easier for people to swim here. Avlemonas is a lovely place that is mainly loved by returning tourists who come back year after year! There is a small harbour where many restaurants and bars are.
On a hill, near the village, you can see the ruins of a Venetian castle from the thirteenth century, the Greeks call it "Kastraki" which literally means 'little castle'. Another attraction is the house 'Cavallini' close to the harbour, where you can see an ancient sundial on the outside wall, just above the front door. This building was in the nineteenth century occupied by a Hungarian-Austrian consulate. Outside the village at "Vouni" is the chapel of Agios Georgios. This church was built in the sixth century on top of the ruins of a Minoan settlement. The panoramic view from here over the bay of Agios Nikolaos and Avlemonas is striking. In 1802, in the bay of Agios Nikolaos, a ship sunk. This sunken freighter carried marble statues and other objects on behalf of Lord Elgin. It is suspected that they may still lie on the bottom of the sea.
Near Avlemonas is the largest beach Kythira located, which is the sandy Paleopoli. Here, according to Greek mythology, Aphrodite from the foam of the sea was born. A little further away is the popular beach of Kythira; Kaladi. The beach consists of three small coves which are accessible via 130 stairs.
Text: Yorgos and Wendy Nikolidakis - Revised by Maxine van Hoften Gee