Antikythera

Antikythera is a small island ideal for complete relaxation in your vacation. Located in the south of the Peloponnese, the island has beautiful beaches and impressive landscapes. On this page, you can find useful information about holidays in Antikythera, activities, accommodation and ferry schedules. Book cheap ferry tickets online at Ferryhopper with just 4 clicks!

Ferry arriving at the port of Potamos in Antikythera

Vacation in Antikythera

Antikythera or Tsirigoto is located south of the Peloponnese, in the passage between Kythira and Crete. The main village and port is Potamos.

The island has about 40 permanent residents and it has maintained its authentic character throughout the years.

The peaceful vibes of Antikythera are everything you need if you want to enjoy quiet moments in nature and recharge your batteries away from the crowds, on a low budget.

The island is world-famous for the Antikythera mechanism, a complex ancient instrument for astronomical observations, which was found in a shipwreck off the island coast.

How to get to Antikythera

You can easily get to Antikythera by ferry from the neighboring island of Kythira, or from the port of Kissamos in Crete.

There are also regular ferry crossings to Antikythera from the port of Piraeus and the ports of the south Peloponnese (Gythio or Neapolis).

What to do in Antikythera

In Antikythera, you can enjoy the simplicity of the island life, eat good food and swim in crystal clear waters.

The island has several monuments and sights of historical interest and it's also great for hiking.

The accessible beaches of Antikythera are only a few but they have impressive waters for swimming and snorkeling.

Beaches in Antikythera

The landscape of Antikythera has many steep wild rocks so the island has few accessible beaches, which, however, will impress you with their pristine beauty.

You can swim in:

• Xiropotamos
• Halara
• Kamarela

The beach of Kamarela is about 30 minutes walk from the village of Potamos and is consider one of the most impressive parts of the island, with turquoise crystal-clear waters and steep cliffs. Do not forget your mask!

The impressive bay of Kamarela on the island's east coast

Sightseeing and activities in Antikythera

Antikythera is a quiet island that offers opportunities for activities and exploration. Discover the sights and natural beauties of Antikythera by walking, and get to know the history of the place.

Here's a list of our suggestions for Antikythera:

• Hiking trail to the Lighthouse of Apolytara: The historic lighthouse is located at the southern tip of the island and was built in 1926. The wild natural landscape with a marvelous view of the sea in the background is something you will hardly forget! Before you start the trail - which lasts about 1.5 hours and requires suitable shoes - it is advisable to seek advice from locals.
• Bird watching: Due to the island's location, many bird species stop in Antikythera to rest before continuing their journey to Africa or Europe. The Hellenic Ornithological Society has set up a monitoring station for the migratory flow of birds - one of the most important in the Mediterranean - which you can also observe and admire.
• Visit the "Castle": The most impressive archeological site of the island. The fortified city of the Hellenistic period is located above the bay of Xiropotamos. The ancient city is saved almost completely and in some places, the walls are kept at a height of 6 meters.
• Panigiri of Agios Myronas: On the 16th and 17th of August take place the celebrations for the patron saint of the island. At the panigiri you will have the opportunity to listen to traditional Cretan music, to eat delicious Cretan pilaf with goat meat and homemade bread by the women of the island, baked in a traditional wood-fired oven.
• Sports activities: Near the port, there is a basketball and volleyball court, where you can play with your friends.

The wild beauty of Xiropotamos beach

Food in Antikythera

On the island, there are 2 tavernas that serve traditional delicacies and fresh fish.

A traditional dish of Antikythera is the wild goat, which is delicious and you should definitely try if you are a meat eater!

Villages in Antikythera

The largest village on the island is Potamos, where most of the residents live.

The second-largest village is Galaniana and is located inland. This is where you can find the church of Agios Myronas.

Useful information for Antikythera

Antikythera has limited tourist infrastructures, as the locals maintain a more traditional way of life. In the port of Potamos, you will find the only shops on the island: a mini market, a kafeneio, and 2 tavernas. There is no bank or ATM.

The island has a road network, but not a gas station. The island has good mobile coverage by all Greek networks.

In terms of accommodation, in Antikythera, you can find some rooms to let and a municipal guest house. It is highly recommended that you book your accommodation on the island in advance. You can find some contact numbers for rooms in Antikythera below.

The locals are hospitable to campers, as long as they respect the environment and the residents.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Antikythera

Some useful numbers for your holidays in Antikythera:

• Municipality of Antikythera and the Municipal Guest House:+30 2736033004
• Antikythera Police Station: +30 2736033767
• Sofia Rooms: +30 2736033040, 6977870104
• Marika Rooms: +30 2736038146, 6984143996
• Kalkanakos Rooms: +30 2736033152, 6944602036
• Argiro Rooms: +30 2105019511, 6942063349
• Yiannis Rooms: +30 2736038038, 6942 259116
• Fragias Rooms: 6945 468847
• Myron Rooms: 6970 887223
• Information on ferry routes from Piraeus: 14541
• Neapolis Port Authority: +30 2734022228
• Gythio Port Authority: +30 2733022262
• Kissamos Port Authority: +30 2822022024

Transportation in Antikythera

Since the size of the island is just 20 km², you can go to most places on foot.

Ports in Antikythera

The port of Antikythera is Potamos, which is also the main village of the island. It's located on the north coast of the island.

Fishing boats and the ferry platform at the port of Potamos

Island hopping from Antikythera

From Antikythera, you can easily travel by ferry to Kythira as well as Crete.

The available ferry connections from Antikythera are:

• Antikythira - Kythira: The route runs about 4 times a week. The journey takes from 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the ferry type.
• Antikythera - Kissamos (Chania): The ferry connection from Antikythera to Crete is served twice a week and the journey by ferry takes about 1.5 hours.

You can find all the available ferry schedules and routes from Antikythera on our Map of ferries.

Antikythera ferry: Schedules and tickets

You can get to Antikythera by ferry from mainland Greece. Ferries to Antikythera depart from the port of Piraeus, as well as from the ports of Neapolis and Gythio in the Peloponnese.

Here are some more specific information about the ferry routes:

• Piraeus - Antikythera: The ferry crossing runs about once a week and the trip lasts around 9 hours.
• Neapolis - Antikythera: The ferry route is served twice a week and the duration of the ferry ride is approximately 4 hours.
• Gythio - Antikythera: The ferry route runs twice a week and the ferry trip duration is a bit more than 4 hours.

Beautiful sunset at the port of Antikythera

Where to book ferry tickets online to Antikythera

On Ferryhopper you can book your ferry ticket to Antikythera online with just 4 clicks! Compare all schedules, companies, types of ferry and prices and book your ferry trip at no extra cost.