Charming secret neighborhood in Athens – Photo walks Athens

If you decide to spend more time on the mainland in Greece Athens will be your go to city. There are so many wonderful walks to explore on a trip to Athens and this delightful island inspired neighborhood is one of my favourites.

Anafiotica

You would be forgiven for thinking that you had just arrived on a Greek island but this island style neighborhood is actually  located  in the historical area of Plaka at the foothills of the Acropolis.

The island style architecture with its white washed houses were built in the 1800s by workers who came to Athens from Anafi. Anafi is an island in the Cyclades and this is why the area is  named  Anafiotika which means little Anafi. The workers  were brought by King Otto to perform renovations on his palace and they captured the essence of their own home and island in their properties built in this area.

The neighborhood still retains a strong sense of pride and aesthetic, especially since many of the residents descend from the original families who arrived in the area in the 1800’s. Today there are around 45 of the original houses left along the quaint little island style streets. The locals often pop out of their home to greet visitors with “Kali Mera” translated literally means “Good day”.

Doorway in Anafiotika

Access to the Parthanon

Garden home in Anafiotika

Plants thrive in Anafiotika

Traditional Greek window irons

View of Anafiotika

whitewashed streets in Anafiotika

signs to the entrance of the Parthanon

Original homes in Anafiotika

wondow shutters on all the whitewashed homes

Small gardens in all the homes in Anafiotika

historic homes in Anafiotika

The Chruch at the entrance to Anafiotika

Typical garden decor in greek island style homes

A island style home in Athens

Although this area is very close to the tourist area at the foothills of the  acropolis it seems relatively undiscovered and is generally not full of tourists. The area  does not home the tourist shops found around the streets of Plaka.

Anafiotika is the perfect spot to take some instagram shots. Anafiotika is strictly residential so if you do find yourself wondering these idyllic streets please respect the local occupants too.

I do offer this area on my  Athens photo walks  and if you would like further information please do contact me.

Safe Travels!

Sandra X