The first inhabitants of Kythnos are mentioned the ancient Dryopes. The etymology of the name Dryopes comes from the tree “Drys”, and means “the people of Drios”. Dryopes originally lived in the area between the mountains Oiti and Parnassus, a barren land known as Dryopis. They migrated to the south and settled in Evia and the Cyclades.

In the center of the island of Kythnos there was an ancient city with the name Dryopis (today Dryopida, village or Syllakas), while Herodotus attributed the name to the whole of Kythnos, which later acquired its current name from the homonymous leader of the Dryopoi, Kythnos.

It is also called Thermia, at least since the 12th century when it is referred to as the “Diocese of Kea and Thermion”.

This name is due to the hot springs that exist until today in the bay of Loutra.

In the Middle Ages it was called Theramna, later the Turks called it “Hamam antaxi” and finally the Italians called it “Fermina”.

In ancient times, kythnos was founded a thriving Ionic colony by Kestoras and Kelyfos. The ancient Kythnians were also engaged in shipping.

Kythnos was used as a place of exile first by the Romans. It became better known by a terrible pirate named Neron against whom Kalpournios Asprenate attempted a whole campaign during which he arrested and killed the liar-Neron.

The miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary in Kanala is an excellent work of the Cretan school and was painted by the priest Emmanuel Skordilis in 1575.

Every Fifteenth of August in Panagia Kanala takes place the biggest festival in Kythnos with the participation of the navy.