Anafiotika is a picturesque neighborhood of Athens, nestled on the northeast side of the Acropolis. Well hidden, a little secret. White houses with blue windows and small streets. It’s like being on a Greek island !
Walking in Anafiotika
Anafiotika is a very small neighborhood. There are only about forty houses and less than a hundred inhabitants. It is however worth a detour as it is atypical and full of charm.
How to describe Anafiotika ? Very narrow streets, stairs, whitewashed houses, cats running in the streets, green plants and flowers, some wooden signs indicating the direction of the Acropolis.
It really feels like being in the Cyclades. And, for a few moments, we forget that we are in the heart of Athens. Indeed, the area is quiet, peaceful, protected from the tumult of the city.
Take the time to stroll around. Then climb to the top of Stratonos Street which runs along the bottom of the Acropolis. You will then be able to enjoy a superb panorama of Athens : the city stretches out in front of you with Lycabettus Hill in the background. And behind you, the rock of the Acropolis, the fortified walls and the Greek flag flying in the sky. Great !
A little history
The district of Anafiotika takes its name from the island of Anafi. It is a very small Greek island of less than 40km², with a population of about 300 inhabitants. It is located in the Cyclades archipelago, east of Santorini.
In the middle of the 19th century, stonemasons from Anafi came to Athens to work on the reconstruction of the city, which had been partly destroyed during the war of independence and to build, among other things, the palace of King Otto. They settled at the foot of the Acropolis and reproduced the typical architecture of the Cyclades.
How to go to Anafiotika ?
You can get to Anafiotika from the Acropolis or after strolling through the streets of Plaka. It is not easy to find this well-hidden area, which is not signposted at any time. To enter, you have to go through narrow streets that at first glance look like dead ends or private passages.
If you come from Plaka:
- When you are at the Roman agora, take Lisiou Street and then turn right and go up the stairs to Mnisikleous Street (ΟΔΟΣ ΜΝΙΣΙΚΛΕΟΥΣ). At the top of these stairs, you arrive in front of the XENIOS ZEUS tavern (ΞΕΝΙΟΣ ΖΕΥΣ)
- Turn left on Pritaniou Street
- After walking 50 meters, you will arrive at the Agioi Anargyroi Church (which we highly recommend to visit). At this level, turn right and enter Stratonos street
- Go up the stairs, continue in the small alley covered with graffiti and you will finally enter Anafiotika.
A little extra advice
Admire the stone wall and the stairs that go up in front of number 8 of Stratonos Street.
Nothing special at first glance? Yes, it is! Look carefully, you will find a multitude of paintings scattered along the steps or on the stones. Because before, there was here the house of a famous Greek painter, Giorgos Koutlidis.
Lodging in Anafiotika
There are no hotels in Anafiotika because this area is tiny. Nevertheless, there are some Booking accommodations. Here is a selection.
Laure M.
Updated on April 4, 2024
