My first impression of Kythera was its incredible silences… This island begs you to turn off your digital devices and let it show you its beauty.   I stayed in a large traditional stone house in Paleopoli, The Venus Villa of the Kythera Filoxenes Katoikies properties, www.filoxeneskatoikies.com.  It is surrounded by trees and flowers with a backdrop of the Aegean and a magnificent sunset. The villa is a renovated traditional house, with beamed ceilings and stone arches, a full kitchen and bath, and all modern amenities. Siteseeing, at the Cave of Ag. Sofia (Saint Sofia) should not be missed. It is 60m above sea level and the views of the sea as you walk along a cliff to the cave are spectacular.  At the entrance of the cave is a church dedicated to Saint Sofia with remarkably intact frescoes, preserved by the climate of the cave. They depict Agia Sofia and her three daughters (Love, Faith, Hope)

Another pleasure was Kaladi beach, on the southeast coast. Crystal clear water with a cliff backdrop and rock formations for shade, snorkeling and ocean caves to explore. I loved the fact that the island is not touristy, mostly natives on holiday, which meant the residents showed off their food and culture, and the experience was authentic.

Nighttime at the villa, I lay on the stone ledge of the patio, sipping wine and looking up at an immense starry dome, life is good….