Antikythera
Antikythera – Travel Guide – Greece | Despite its small size (22 square kilometers), the island of Antikythera offers important archaeological sites and charming landscapes. The remains of the once-fortified city of Aegila, whose origins date back to the 4th century BC, are still preserved. The ancient city can be visited at any time, and from June to September, visitors can observe the work of the Greek Ministry of Culture, which has been directing the excavations for several years. Just recently (August 2004), clay vessels dating from around 3500 BC were discovered. The site also includes the Sanctuary of Apollo at Aegila.
Antikythera gained worldwide fame in 1900 when sponge divers discovered an ancient shipwreck off its coast, dated to 82 BC. Inside the wreck were the statue of the Youth of Antikythera and the Antikythera Mechanism ( the world’s first “computer” ). These artifacts are now on display at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.
Worthwhile destinations on Antikythera include the island’s picturesque chapels, the ruins of old windmills, and the former watermill of Potamos.
At the southern tip of the island is the Apolytares Lighthouse, an architecturally exceptional structure dating from 1926. After 20 years of neglect, the lighthouse was renovated by the Greek Navy and is now supervised by a lighthouse keeper.
In recent years, Antikythera has come to the attention of the Hellenic Ornithological Society, which has transformed the island’s old primary school into Greece’s first birdwatching station. The aim is to observe the approximately 250 different bird species found on Antikythera and the surrounding islands. (Info: www.ornithologiki.gr).
The most important day on Antikythera is August 17th, when the island’s patron saint, Saint Myron, is celebrated. According to tradition, the icon of the saint was found on Antikythera by hunters from Crete sometime between 1423 and 1780, when the island was completely deserted. The veneration of the saint attracts a large number of pilgrims to the island every year on August 16th and 17th, and the saint is commemorated with a traditional Cretan festival.
Antikythera can be reached by regular ferry connections from Piraeus, from the southern Peloponnese (Gythio, Neapoli), from the island of Kythera and from the Cretan ferry port of Kissamos.
Info: F/B Aqua Jewel – F/B Porfyrousa & Kythera Harbor Police: +30 27360 33280
Antikythera is inhabited year-round by approximately 45 people (as of 2001). During the summer months, the population increases to around 500, and during the celebrations honoring the island’s patron saint, Saint Myron, up to 1,000 people are on the island.
Private rooms are available for overnight stays on Antikythera. Due to the limited number of rooms, it is advisable to contact the local council or police station to reserve accommodation before visiting the island. Smaller boats can moor at the sheltered pier in the port of Potamos. Antikythera has a helicopter landing pad, a doctor, and a police station. Drinking water is readily available in the port of Potamos. The island’s road and path network is good.
Kamarela is a unique rocky cove that is ideal for swimming. The beaches of Xiropotamos and Halara are also suitable for swimming.
Useful phone numbers
Rooms & Apartments for Rent
Municipal Hostel: 0030 27360 33004
Sofia: +30 27360 33040 & +30 6977870104 & +30 6938378671
Marika: +30 27360 38146 & +30 6984143996
Kalkanakos: +30 27360 33152 & +30 6944602036
• Municipality of Antikythira
Tel: +30 27360 33004 (Community)
Fax: +30 27360 33471 (Community)
+30 27360 31930 (Secretariat)
• Doctor
Tel & Fax: +30 27360 33213
• Police
Tel & Fax: +30 27360 33767
Websites:
antikythira-enosi.gr
Antikythira Information
