At the foot of the Acropolis is the picturesque district of Anafiotika, a real insider tip that you shouldn't miss.
In this guide we will introduce you to the Anafiotika neighborhood in Athens along with its sights and history.
What Can I Do in Anafiotika?
The small and picturesque district of Anafiotika, a hidden architectural jewel on the north slope of the Acropolis, is one of the most beautiful sights in Athens.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the Greek capital, the quarter, built in the style of a Cycladic village, will delight you with its picturesque appearance, which impresses with its whitewashed stone houses and idyllic gardens.
With its special design, Anafiotika is reminiscent of places like Santorini and Mykonos, which is why walking through the Athenian district can make you feel like you are on a Greek island.
You can wander through the dreamy district, enjoy the incomparable flair of the area and at the same time admire one of the oldest parts of Athens. Narrow winding paths, some of them paved with marble, lead past stacked houses and walled gardens.
Also worth seeing are the many beautiful views that never cease to amaze, as well as the three churches in the area, including the church of Agios Giorgos tou Vracho.
How Do I Get to Anafiotika?
The district of Anafiotika is located on the northern slope of the Acropolis and borders the historic district of Plaka. Though the neighborhood is a bit hidden, it's within walking distance of sights like the Acropolis and Monastiraki Square.
The easiest way to reach Anafiotika from Syntagma Square is to take Metro Line 2 to “Acropoli” and then walk a few minutes.
Those arriving from Piraeus cruise port can go to the nearby Piraeus Metro Station and board the M1 line. A single ticket is sufficient for the 15-minute journey to “Monastiraki” station. From there it is an 11-minute walk to the center of the Anafiotika district.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
The district of Anafiotika is somewhat hidden on the north slope of the Acropolis. It borders the historic district of Plaka, within walking distance to attractions such as the Acropolis and Monastiraki Square.
You can walk to the Anafiotika district from the Acropolis or Monastiraki Square. The easiest way to reach Anafiotika from Syntagma Square is to take Metro Line 2 to “Acropoli” and then walk a few minutes.
Those arriving from the Piraeus cruise port can go to the nearby Piraeus Metro Station and board the M1 line. A single ticket is sufficient for the 15-minute journey to “Monastiraki” station. From there it is an 11-minute walk to the center of the Anafiotika district.
The main season for a beach holiday in Greece lasts from June to September with 30°C during the day. The pre-season begins in mid-April with temperatures above 20°C. The post-season lasts until the end of October, with mostly better weather than the off-season. Athens is a year-round city break destination.
History of Anafiotika
After the Greek War of Independence (1821-1829), many parts of Athens lay in ruins and had to be rebuilt. This also applies to the district of Anafiotika. Masons and craftsmen from the Cyclades, especially from the island of Analfi, settled in the neighborhood and took care of the reconstruction of Anafiotika.
They built the neighborhood in the Cycladic style of their homeland, which gave the neighborhood its current look. Also the current name Anafiotikas derives from Analfi, the home of the craftsmen.
However, since the small houses were not approved, expropriation and the demolition of numerous buildings took place in 1970. Several attempts to demolish the entire settlement followed, but these were postponed until further notice due to protests from the residents.
In the meantime, the district has become a tourist attraction, which could be one of the reasons why the remaining houses and their inhabitants are currently tolerated by the state.