Antikythera

Antikythera is a very remote, isolated island ideal for complete relaxation. Located in the south of the Peloponnese, the island has beautiful beaches, impressive landscapes and a rich history.

On this Ferryhopper page, you can find useful information about your holidays in Antikythera, its best beaches and sights, as well as food and villages. Check out all the available ferry routes from/to Antikythera and book your ferry tickets online, with no hidden fees!

The picturesque village of Potamos with traditional white houses

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. It’s a great destination for anyone who wants to discover rare, wild beauty, enjoy total peace in nature and recharge their 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 retrieved from a shipwreck off the island’s 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).

You can find more information about Antikythera ferry schedules and tickets below.

What to do in Antikythera

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

The several sites of historical interest, hidden caves, trekking paths, as well as the rich flora and fauna in Antikythera make it a great island for spending a day surrounded by an untouched environment.

The accessible beaches of Antikythera are only a few but they have impressive waters for swimming and snorkeling. The rich sea of Antikythera also offers unique experiences for anyone who enjoys fishing.

Beaches in Antikythera

The landscape of Antikythera has many steep wild rocks, so it has few accessible beaches with sand. Some of the most pristine ones with crystal-clear waters and tranquil surroundings are located to the north of the island.

The most popular Antikythera beaches where you can enjoy a swim or a relaxing sunbath are:

• Xeropotamos: it’s one of the few sand beaches on the island surrounded by verdant rocks.
• Halara: also known as Potamos, you will discover this beach to the left of the port. It is a narrow stretch of sand and pebbles that provides the ideal setting for soaking up the magical tranquility of this remote island.
• Kamarela: about a 30 minute walk from the village of Potamos, it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches of the island, with turquoise crystal-clear waters and sculpted rock formations. Do not forget to bring your mask!

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

Sightseeing and activities in Antikythera

Antikythera is a fascinating island whose history is long and intriguing despite its small size. From castle ruins to abandoned lighthouses, it offers several opportunities for activities and exploration. Discover the best sights and natural wonders of Antikythera on foot and get to know the history of the quietest spot on the Aegean.

We recommend the following must-see attractions in Antikythera:

• The church of Agios Mironas, 4 km away from Potamos, it’s built next to a cave with water
• The Lighthouse of Apolytara, it’s 23 m tall and was built in 1926
• The Castle (or Kastro), the most impressive archeological site of the island is located east of the port
• The Prophet Elias, on the mountain of Galaniana offering breathtaking views of the island

As far as activities go, bird watching is really popular. 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.

In addition, if you’re feeling adventurous follow the path that leads to the lighthouse of Apolitara. The 5 km hiking trail can be covered in about 2 hours from the settlement Galaniana.

The wild beauty of Xiropotamos beach

Nightlife in Antikythera

As you can probably imagine, there’s no crazy nightlife in Antikythera. Its laid-back, romantic ambiance is where its true charm lies. This island is most well-known for its cultural events.

The most important day of the year for Antikythera is the Festival of the Patron Saint of Agios Mironas, on the 16th and 17th of August. 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, baked in a traditional wood-fired oven.

One thing is certain: you will bring out the best of Antikythera by bringing good company with you. 

Food in Antikythera

On the island, there are just a few tavernas that serve traditional delicacies and fresh fish. A traditional dish of Antikythera is the wild goat.

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. Other villages scattered on the north part of the island that are worth visiting are Harhalania and Katsaneviana.

Useful information about 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 taverns and mini markets. Moreover, the island has a road network, but not a gas station.

In terms of accommodation, there are apartments and rooms to let in various spots in Antikythera. Due to limited availability, however, it is highly recommended that you book accommodation in advance.

In addition, 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:

• Neapolis Port Authority: +302734022228
• Gythio Port Authority: +302733022262
• Kissamos Port Authority: +302822022024

Transportation in Antikythera

Since the size of the island is just 20 km², you can go to most places on foot. In fact, the longest paved street is only 4 km.

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. Apart from a few rental rooms and tavernas, there aren't many amenities in this area. 

Colorful fishing boats and turquoise sea waters in the little port of Potamos village in Antikythera

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:

• Antikythera - Kythira ferry: the route runs up to 5 times a week. The journey takes from around 2 to 2.5 hours depending on the ferry type.
• Antikythera - Kissamos (Chania) ferry: the ferry connection from Antikythera to Kissamos in Crete is served twice a week and the journey by ferry takes about 2 hours.

On Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries, you can easily organize your island-hopping adventure in Greece. Find all ferry routes from Antikythera, see ferry schedules and book cheap ferry tickets!

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 Neapoli and Gythio in the Peloponnese.

Here is some more info about the ferry routes:

• Piraeus - Antikythera ferry: the ferry crossing usually runs once a week and the trip lasts around 8.5 hours.
• Neapolis - Antikythera ferry: the ferry route is served twice a week and the duration of the ferry ride is approximately 4 hours.
• Gythio - Antikythera ferry: the ferry route runs once a week and the ferry trip duration is almost 5 hours.

Beautiful sunset at the port of Antikythera

Book your ferry tickets to Antikythera online

On Ferryhopper, you can find all ferry schedules and book cheap ferry tickets to Antikythera in just a few steps. Check available routes to the Ionian Islands, compare prices and companies, and find the ferry that suits you best!