Most visitors to Athens explore the Parthenon, the bustling Plaka district, or the cafés of Monastiraki Square. But tucked quietly on the northern slope of the Acropolis is a neighborhood that feels like it belongs on a Cycladic island rather than in the capital. Anafiotika is a tiny cluster of whitewashed houses, narrow lanes, and flowering courtyards — a village within the city.

Built in the 19th century by craftsmen from the island of Anafi, who came to Athens to work on King Otto’s palace, this neighborhood became their home away from home. They recreated the architecture of their island, cube-shaped houses, flat roofs, and bright blue shutters, giving Athens a taste of the Aegean right beneath its ancient citadel.

Daily Life in Anafiotika

Anafiotika is small, just a few dozen houses, but it feels timeless. Cats nap on stone steps, laundry flutters between balconies, and bougainvillea spills across whitewashed walls. The alleys are so narrow that cars can’t enter; you wander on foot, often brushing past potted herbs and painted doors.

Unlike the busy streets of Plaka below, Anafiotika is calm. Locals greet each other at their doorways, and the air carries the scent of jasmine in spring. It’s a reminder that Athens isn’t only monuments, it’s also a city of neighborhoods where history and everyday life blend seamlessly.

What Not to Miss

• Cycladic-Style Houses
  The main draw of Anafiotika is simply walking its maze of white cube-like houses, decorated with blue shutters and colorful pots, just like on the islands.

• Views of Athens
  From stairways and rooftops, the city spreads out below you. On clear days, you can see as far as Mount Lycabettus and even the sea.

• Hidden Chapels
  Look for the tiny churches of Agios Georgios tou Vrachou and Agios Symeon, both tucked into the rock of the Acropolis slope. They’ve been part of local life for centuries.

• Painted Doors and Murals
  Residents take pride in their homes, painting doors in bright colors and sometimes decorating walls with small murals or island motifs.

• Quiet Courtyards
  Many homes hide small courtyards shaded by vines. If you’re lucky, a local may invite you in for a glimpse of life behind the walls.

Eating Around Anafiotika

Anafiotika itself is residential, with no restaurants inside the neighborhood, but just steps away in Plaka and around Monastiraki, you’ll find plenty of options.

For Traditional Flavors

• Taverna Saita
  A long-standing Plaka favorite, known for souvlaki, moussaka, and tables that spill onto the street.

• Scholarhio
  Serves meze-style plates in a cozy setting. Try dolmades, grilled halloumi, or lamb with herbs.

For Coffee and Atmosphere

• Café Melina
  Named after actress Melina Mercouri, this café blends old Athens charm with relaxed vibes.

• Little Kook (Psyrri area, a short walk away)
  For something whimsical, this themed café offers elaborate sweets in a fairy-tale-like atmosphere.

Stay Connected While You Explore

Finding Anafiotika’s tiny alleys can be tricky, part of its charm is how hidden it is. With the Greece JetSet eSIM, you’ll have instant data to help you navigate without the hassle of buying a local SIM card.

• Use GPS to find the right staircases leading up from Plaka.

• Look up the story of Anafiotika’s island craftsmen while standing on its lanes.

• Share a photo of a blue-shuttered house framed by bougainvillea with friends back home.

With a reliable connection, you can lose yourself in Anafiotika’s charm without ever feeling lost.