KANALA

Starting at Mesochori Dryopida and taking the main road to the southern villages, we meet Kanala. The area has few residents. Here in the unique pine forest of the island is the church of Panagia Kanala from which the settlement took its name.

The church houses the miraculous icon of Our Lady which according to tradition was found by fishermen floating in the narrow channel between Kythnos and Serifos. The story goes that one night the fishermen were out in their boat fishing and their catch was exceptionally good, so much so in fact that it was difficult to load all the fish. As they gathered their lines, they came close to the rocks and there saw an inexplicable glow coming from the sea. The lines were caught; frightened by the dangers they faced, they requested the help of the Virgin Mary. Their boat was freed, but emboldened they approached the glow. Then suddenly they saw a flame like flash bursting from the bottom and side of a piece of floating wood. Taking the wood from the sea, they saw the image of the Virgin. They brought the image to their village Dryopida and told of the incident. The people of the village were distressed; everyone on the island worshiped the Virgin so they decided to erect the temple her honor near the shore were the icon was found. But their plans changed when apparently Mary appeared in the dream of one of the sleeping fishermen believers and asked that the temple be built at the site it is today. And so it happened. At first, the church was small. In 1869 it was demolished and in its place was built the one that stands today. The image of the Virgin has dimensions of 1m X 0,80 and to all accounts has been identified as the work of the famous painter Emmanuel Skordilis (1575) who hailed from Crete.

Panagia Kanala is the patron protector of the island and is celebrated every year on August 15 and September 8 when the biggest events on the island are accompanied by traditional festivities. During the celebration of Our Lady of Assumption, there is a procession of the image and a representation of her discovery by the fishermen. The Hellenic Navy participates in the celebrations with an honorary contingent and military band. Due to the icon, the region also gathers religious pilgrims.

At Panagia Kanala the Megali Ammo (the large sands) dominates, a long beach of golden sand suitable for families. On the beach there are a number of beach bars serving bathers. Between the peninsula of Kanala and Megali Ammo you will find a small beach with fishing boats called Ammoudaki. On the east side of the peninsula is a picturesque beach with green water and trees, the Antonides.

The region of Kanala has traditional structures with furnished rooms and modern studios and apartments. At the traditional taverns and restaurants you can taste the fine local cuisine of fresh fish and seafood. At the cafes you can enjoy your breakfast, your coffee and your desserts and there is also a bakery. Various shops will cater to your needs.

The absence of nightlife, the settlement is ideal for quiet family vacations.

Transportation is served by local buses on the Merichas-Dryopida-Kanala line.

At the point of the Kanala peninsula is the white church of Saint Calliope with its blue cupola that stands isolated near the sea. The church celebrates on June 8, the feast of Saint Calliope.