Exploring the mines and caves of Kythnos island

Already since ancient times, Kythnos was known for its mines. Characteristic attractions are the ancient copper mining mines at the Skouries site and the artificial arcades at Katafiki cave for iron mining.

Modern mining activity flourished after the middle of the 19th century and has left characteristic facilities and buildings scattered on the island of Kythnos.

The minerals mined in Kythnos include iron, copper, lead, and manganese and some of these were used as raw materials for the creation of paints.

Activity

Our path starts from the left side of Lefkes beach. There dominates the large bridge used by the crews to unload the iron ore onto the ships. Just before the bridge, we find the entrance to the mine galleries, hidden behind the intense vegetation.

Our tour continues inside the galleries. There, walking in complete darkness, with the help of flashlights, the various types of ore of the Kythnaic land can be distinguished. Inside the ancient arcades, we find in a trench the most important source of drinking water, Archaia, which, as its name indicates, has been known since ancient times.

Continuing our walk, we come out of the arcades and see the most untouched and isolated beach of Kythnos, the beach of Sifni with the strange mineral colors of its sand. Re-entering deeper into the galleries we find the tracks from the ore trains of the mining and we walk parallel to them in the stream of the mine.

Our activity ends again at Lefkes beach where we can enjoy a refreshing swim.

Important information

• Implementation period: All year round (after consultation)
• Start time 09:00am
• Route length: 2km underground
• Route type: Circular
• Activity time with breaks: about 2 hours
• Degree of difficulty: Moderate
• Suitability: Suitable for all / Relatively good physical condition required. Not recommended for people with claustrophobia.
• 90% of the route is underground but without altitude differences.
• A minimum of 4 participants is required for the implementation of the activity. In the event that the required number of participants is not reached or due to adverse weather conditions or technical difficulties, we have the right to postpone or cancel the activity.