Cythera

One of the Ionian Islands of Greece, lying between the most southerly point of the Peloponnese and Crete; approximate area 260 sq km/100 sq mi. The capital, at the southern end of the island, is also called Kíthira and its harbour Kapsalion (Greek Kapsáli). Most of the island is a plateau. Fruit, honey, and cheese are exported and grain is grown.

There is a ferry between Cythera and Peiraias. In mythology Cythera was the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite.

In antiquity the Cretans (c. 2000-1450 BC) and the Phoenicians colonized Cythera where they fished for murex, the shellfish from which purple dye is obtained. On the Palaio Kastro mountain is an early temple (possibly dating from the 7th century BC), probably of the cult of Aphrodite, to whom Cythera became sacred.