Kythira Antikythira Island

Location: Antikythira

Antikythira (or Cerigotto or Cecerigo) is a tiny island southeast of Kythira and northwest of Chania. In 2019, the permanent population did not exceed 25 inhabitants. In summer, it gets livelier with tourists who come to the island, but still, this number doesn't surpass 300 or 400 people.

Despite its small size, Antikythira has a long history. The most famous reason why the island is known is the Antikythera mechanism. The "first computer of mankind" as it is called, was created during the Hellenistic period, more specifically between 150 BC and 100 BC. It was used to find the exact position of the moon and the sun, perhaps some planets too, and predicted lunar and solar eclipses. It was recovered in 1901 by sponge divers from Simi from a shipwreck that occurred between 60 BC and 70 BC. Today, it is displayed at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.

Traces of Minoan settlements have been discovered on the island, with the connection to Crete being strong throughout history in general. Since 300 BC, Antikythira had been continuously threatened by pirates, who destroyed it many times. It was re-inhabited in the Roman Era and, in 1204 AD, the Venetians took over and built a small garrison to control the naval passage from the West to the East. The island soon became a refuge for Greek Revolutionists from Crete and the Peloponnese, who fought against the Ottomans.

After the fall of the Republic of Venice in 1797, Antikythira was left unattended without having a government. In 1815, it was added to English sovereignty, but in 1864 it became part of Greece along with the other Ionian Islands. During World War II, Antikythira was controlled first by the Italians and then by the Germans.
Following the Greek Civil War and until 1964, the island received political exiles, mainly communists. In the 1960s and 1970s, most of its inhabitants moved to Australia and America in search of a better life, but still, keep strong relations with their homeland.

Development didn't start until the 1980s when electricity was installed and water storages were built on the island. At the end of the 1990s, the harbor was expanded and a small shelter for the fishing boats was constructed.

Today, Antikythira bases its economy on fishing. The roads are paved and a heliport serves the emergencies of the inhabitants. Tourism is not developed yet and only a few rooms to rent can be found. The most important settlement is Potamos, where you can also find a police station and a doctor.
You will find lovely small beaches to swim around the island, such as Xeropotamos Beach, close to the ancient fortified town of Kastro and the remains of the temple of Apollo. The Lighthouse of Antikythira is another interesting sight, built on the southern tip of the island.

The most known festival in Antikythera is the name day of Agios Myronas, on August 17th, who is the island's patron saint.

This small island can be accessed by ferry from Kythira in 2 hours, from Piraeus Port (Athens) in 9 hours, from Gythio (Peloponnese) in 5 hours, or from Kissamos (Crete) in 2 hours.

The photo is from www.wikipedia.org