Antikythera is a Greek island with a population of 45 people and a land mass of 20 sq. km, its coastline is 24 km, 38 km south-east of Kythera,is the most remote island in the aegean sea and definitely one for the recluses. The island was fortified by the Venetians in 1207, but piracy remained a huge problem for the inhabitants; today these are mainly descended from Cretan colonists who settled here in 1792.

The island became famous when a Roman ship on its way from Pergamon, found by sponge divers in 1900 on 40-55 m depth. Additional diving in the '70s by Cousteau. Finds are displayed in Athens National Museum, e.g.  a  bronze statue of a young man and the famous mechanism of Antikythera.The Antikythera mechanism, as it is now known, was originally housed in a wooden box about the size of a shoebox, with dials on the outside and a complex assembly of bronze gear wheels within. X-ray photographs of the fragments, in which around 30 separate gears can be distinguished, led the late Derek Price, a science historian at Yale University, to conclude that the device was an astronomical computer capable of predicting the positions of the sun and moon in the zodiac on any given date. A new analysis, though, suggests that the device was cleverer than Price thought, and reinforces the evidence for his theory of an ancient Greek tradition of complex mechanical technology.

It has one settlement  named Potamos,one doctor,one police officer. There  is  no  bank or post office. Visitors can find a cafe and two restaurants. Antikythira fascinates visitors with its wild beauty. This small island is an oasis of tranquillity, an ideal destination for those who seek moments of absolute relaxation far away from big cities.Despite an increase in visitors, the tourist industry has not been developed. There are few homes for rent and efforts are being made to increase accommodations facilities.

How to get there

From Piraeus you can take the line Piraeus -Peloponnese -Kasteli to Kythira and Antikythira. The trip lasts 12 hours and 30'. The island is also served by ferry from Kasteli with the line Kasteli -Antikythira - Kythira -  Gythio. You can also reach Antikythira by ferry from Neapoli.For more information you can call ( code 27360 ) 33287 or 33767

Sightseeing

Of particular interest is the ancient Aegila, at Polykastro, 1.5 km from Potamos. You can also visit the ruins of the ancient settlement walls dating back to the classical era. A beach ideal for swimming is Xeropotamos where you can enjoy the tranquillity and peacefulness of the landscape. You can reach the beach from Potamos either after a 30-minute walk or in 5 minutes time by boat. You can also swim to Kamarella and Halara.The island celebrates its holy martyr and patron saint Myronas on August 17 with a big feast. The number of visitors rises up to eight hundred.

© 2004 Αντικύθηρα