Nestled on the edge of the Aegean Sea, between Crete and the Peloponnese, lies Antikitera, a small Greek island with just 20 inhabitants, free from hustle and bustle. The island is ideal for tourists seeking peace and nature, with picturesque beaches, rich flora and fauna, and historical caves.

The population is aging and small, but local authorities and the church are trying to attract new families to settle. Residents describe their island as a "terrestrial paradise," a place of absolute peace and quiet that is increasingly attracting tourists.

Life on the isolated island of Antikitera is not always easy. During winter, supply ships often cannot dock due to rough seas, leaving residents without basic supplies.

Almost everything needed for the small population arrives by boat, from food to fuel for the few vehicles on the island.

- Sometimes, when the sea is turbulent, it's impossible to reach the port, says Panayotis Pavlakis, the petty officer of the supply ferry.

For the people who live on Antikitera, all the difficulties are worth it. They describe their island as a true terrestrial paradise.

- There is no other place in the world where you can find such absolute peace and quiet, says Janis Cinakos, a retired general of the Greek Air Force, who now spends most of his time on Antikitera.

Due to an aging population, the village has dwindled to just 20 permanent residents. The school, which was closed for 24 years, reopened last year after a young family with children moved in. To increase the number of residents, local authorities are collaborating with the Orthodox Church to launch a campaign to attract new families to settle on the island and start life in this isolated corner of Greece.

There is only one kafeneion, a traditional Greek café, which serves as both a store and the main gathering place for the inhabitants throughout the year. Visitors have a small hostel with 15 rooms at their disposal. During the summer, Antikitera comes alive again as the descendants of islanders return from distant countries, especially Australia, where many residents emigrated in the mid-20th century.

A small number of tourists from Greece and abroad choose Antikitera as a destination for a completely peaceful and secluded getaway. The island is characterized by wild nature, low hills, rich flora and fauna, picturesque village chapels, and caves. Numerous ancient trails enable long walks and exploration of untouched nature.

Lonely sandy and rocky beaches, ideal for those seeking a complete escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, are the main attractions. The most famous among them are Xeropotamos and Kamarila, located near the port and the main village, Potamos.

The history of Antikitera stretches deep into the past. It is believed that the first inhabitants were the Dolopes, followed by the Dryopes and Cretans. Romans exiled unruly subjects to the island, and in later centuries, Antikitera served as a pirate haven. Despite its isolation and natural beauty, the island is best known for two exceptional archaeological discoveries from the 20th century.

At the beginning of the last century, divers searching for treasure found two treasures of world history in the waters off Antikitera: the famous bronze statue "Youth of Antikitera" from around 340 BCE and the Antikythera mechanism, an ancient device for astronomical and calendar purposes.