The island of Kythnos – Κύθνος lies south-south-east of Kea and is a rocky and mostly barren island of karstic limestone, that is usually covered in an abundance of colourful flowers in the early months of the sailing season.
The coast is much indented – with many beautiful anchorages and ports – and for the most part falls steeply down to the sea. The inhabitants live by farming and fishing, while in antiquity iron was mined on the island.