According to the Kytherian Foundation for Culture & Development (KIPA), Kythera Island has become Greece’s first small island to develop a “via ferrata”, which is a special network of trails that combines hiking with canyoning and climbing.
The news from GTP tells of Kakia Lagada becoming the first via ferrata route funded by KIPA. This trail was selected due to its unmatched beauty and rich cultural heritage, plus the connects with the circular hiking trail M31 (Potamos – Paleochora – Potamos) with M39 (Diakofti – Agia Pelagia) currently under development. The report says the route is currently in the process of being mapped and signposted. According to KIPA:
“With the right infrastructure and in a safe environment, stunning landscapes in canyons and steep slopes become accessible to many people. No technical skills are required, just a moderate fitness level, simple specialized equipment [helmet and a harness], and enthusiasm for action in nature. By expanding the network of trails, canyoning routes, and other outdoor activities, we aim to highlight the island as an ideal destination for adventure tourism.”
“Kythera Canyons”, KIPA, and Outdoor Activities Greece, have developed a management plan and financed the feasibility study for three via ferratas. The final goal is to create a stand-alone integrated network on Kythera Island.
Earlier this year Kythera became the first hiking destination in Europe to apply the international Green Flag Trails system of trail auditing, a sustainability mark being implemented by the World Trails Network, for increating sustainability and marketability of trails around the world.
The island lies just opposite the south-eastern tip of the Peloponnese peninsula and is part of the seven main Ionian Islands traditionally.
Image Credit: Feature image courtesy Jessica Martinetti
