Antikythera is famous for the complex ancient device used for astronomical observation. This small island fascinates visitors with its wild beauty.
The largest village on the island is Potamos. It is also where you will find the church of Agios Myronas. The northern part of the island has a few sand beaches.
1. Hotels
The most famous island in the Aegean Sea is a Greek paradise and one that’s trying to attract new residents. This remote island, which sits next to Kythera and is only a 45-minute flight from Athens, currently has just twenty residents living on it. To boost this tiny population, the local diocese and the Greek Orthodox Church are sponsoring families to move there, with the first family having arrived last year. The families who choose to make the move will receive housing, land, and a stipend of 500 euros per month for three years. This may not seem like a big incentive, but it’s certainly better than nothing at all.
With the exception of a few rooms that can be rented in the port village of Potamos, there aren’t many accommodation options on Antikythera. However, a hotel is under construction on the island, so the future looks bright for those who want to explore this historic island.
In the meantime, visitors can rent a car or scooter to drive around the island and enjoy the natural beauty of its low hills, secluded beaches, and picturesque country chapels. The island is a haven for those looking for quiet relaxation, and its flora and fauna offer a wide range of hiking opportunities. It’s also a great spot for loners and romantic couples who are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
There are no restaurants on the island, so visitors will have to bring their own food and water supplies if they decide to stay for more than a few days. But it’s still a beautiful and peaceful island to visit, and the locals are very welcoming to people who come to stay. Antikythera is also home to several secluded beaches, including Xiropotamos, Halara, and Kamarela. Swimming and relaxing on the beach are the perfect way to spend your time on this hidden gem of an island.
2. Apartments
Antikythera is a beautiful island that hasn’t seen any major development. It’s a place that is loved by travelers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern day life. It’s a perfect destination for those who are looking to enjoy nature and explore its many historic sites.
The island was first inhabited over 3500 years ago and archaeological excavations have found traces of the Minoan civilization here. Later it was a base for Cilician pirates (4th century BC to 67 BC) and it also came under the influence of the Roman and Venetian empires. The most famous landmark on the island is the remains of a fortress that was built by the pirates in the 4th century BC. You can visit it as well as other ancient buildings like churches and windmills on the island. The beach Xiropotamos is another popular spot where you can take a refreshing swim in the sea or enjoy a relaxing sunbath. The lighthouse of Apolitara is another must-visit attraction on the island which offers a scenic view of the surrounding sea. The island is also home to many migratory birds which are protected by the Hellenic Ornithological Society.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, you can rent an apartment on the island and live there for a few days or weeks. The locals are very hospitable and they will be happy to host you as long as you respect their way of life. You can find many apartments on Airbnb for a decent price and there are also a few hostels available on the island.
You can also choose to stay in the small town of Potamos, where you can dine at traditional taverns and see how the locals live. The city also has a few shops where you can purchase food and other necessities. The island is also a great place for hikers, as it has many trails with stunning views. There are also some important religious sites that you can visit on the island, such as the Temple of Agios Myronos and the Church of Prophet Elias on the mountain of Galaniana.
3. Hostels
A Greek island that feels like a hidden treasure, tiny Antikythera is a calming escape from the crowds. It’s a place to explore the ancient temples and churches, go hiking, or just sit and relax by the sea. Many visitors fall in love with the quiet, authentic nature of this island and return year after year. Some have even decided to move there for good.
The best place to stay in Antikythera is the port and main village of Potamos. The island’s size means that you can get around easily on foot, with the longest paved street only 4 kilometers long. However, renting a car is still recommended so that you can enjoy your time on the island at your own pace and visit all the interesting places.
There are a few accommodation options on the island, including hotels and hostels. The hotels are generally small and family-run, but they all offer great service and a cozy atmosphere. You can find more information about each hotel on their websites. There is also an Airbnb home on the island, which is a great option for travelers looking for a more personal experience.
Antikythera is a tiny island, and it is currently inhabited by just 20 residents. However, it is looking to attract new residents with a special program that offers housing and land as well as an allowance of 500 euros a month for three years. While Greek families are given priority, the program is open to all nationalities. So far, four families have moved to the island as part of this initiative.
The island’s history is fascinating, and there are a variety of sights to see. The Antikythera mechanism, a mechanical astronomical computer that was discovered by sponge divers in 1901, is one of the most famous. Other historic sites include the remains of a pirate fort, which can be seen from a cliff in the north of the island, as well as the lighthouse at Apolytara, which dates back to 1926. Nature lovers will be happy to hear that Antikythera is also a major stop on the migratory path for many different species of birds, making it a great place for birdwatching.
4. Campsites
Small and remote, Antikythera is a paradise for those looking to unwind in nature. This Peloponnese island is home to a tiny human population and massive numbers of birds. In fact, the Hellenic Ornithological Society has established a monitoring station on the island because of the large numbers of migratory birds that pass through it on their way to and from Africa. There is also a pirate fort on the island dating back to the 4th century BC and it’s the largest nesting site of Eleonora’s falcons in all of Greece. The tiny island of Antikythera is also world famous for a shipwreck that revealed the Antikythera mechanism, arguably mankind’s oldest computer.
With a few sand beaches and impressive water, it’s easy to spend a day on Antikythera relaxing in a natural environment. The island is rich in ancient sites of historical interest, secret caves and trekking paths and you can also visit one of the few surviving lighthouses on the Greek mainland. However, the island is best experienced with good company. Whether you are here for a few days or longer, Antikythera will be a place that will stay in your heart forever.
As the empty ferry approaches the pier, you can feel that there’s something special about this place. It’s quiet and peaceful as you disembark, and the locals are friendly and welcoming. In fact, the island’s population is in decline and the residents are seeking to attract younger families to relocate here. If you are thinking of moving to this little island, the locals will help you settle in and even offer you housing and land for free!
If you want to experience the magic of this beautiful hidden gem, book your ferry ticket on Ferryhopper. You can choose from a number of routes to Antikythera, including ones from Kythira and the ports in the south Peloponnese. Don’t forget to bring a good book and some snacks!