Kythira is an island in the Ionian Sea. It lies southwest of the Laconian peninsula and into the arms of the Aegean and the Cretan Sea. Associated since ancient times with the myth of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, because it is where she came out of the sea at her birth. It is isolated and  thinly populated and has come to represent, in the Greek imagination, a place as far as you can go, often just out of reach, and perhaps never arrived to. For centuries, while naval travel was the only means of transportation, the island possessed a strategic location. Since ancient times, until the mid 19th century, Kythira had been a crossroad for merchants, sailors, and conquerors. As such, it has had a long and varied history and has been influenced by many civilizations and cultures. This is reflected in its architecture (a blend of traditional, Aegean and Venetian elements), as well as the traditions and customs, influenced by centuries of coexistence of the Greek, Venetian, Ottoman and British civilizations as well as its numerous visitors. It is known for its with turquoise seas, beautiful villages, castles, caves and many major attractions. Kythira is not a very cosmopolitan island and remain a natural and quiet destination for relaxing holidays.