Antikythera
11th - 14th August
Group
Skill level
Price
Duration
3 days
+
Webinar
Max
10 people
220 €
All skill
levels
The Workshop
Join us for a 3-day astrophotography workshop on the remote island of Antikythera, Greece, one of the most untouched and light-pollution-free locations in the Mediterranean. With its raw landscapes, deep silence, and pristine night skies, Antikythera offers a rare setting where nature and cosmos meet without distraction.
This small island, home to just 17 permanent residents, holds a remarkable place in history as the site where the Antikythera Mechanism, the world’s oldest known analog computer, was discovered. Today, it continues its connection to science with the development of the new PANGEA Observatory (Antikythera Geoscience and Climate Change Observatory), further establishing the island as a unique point between past discovery and future research.
Over the course of the workshop, you’ll develop a strong understanding of astrophotography through a combination of guided theory and hands-on experience. As night falls, we’ll explore some of the island’s most striking locations, from dramatic coastal cliffs to the secluded lighthouse of Apolytares, capturing the Milky Way and the night sky under truly exceptional conditions.
During the workshop, we’ll also introduce you to the fundamentals of post-processing, helping you shape your images into compelling final results. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this experience blends creative learning with the raw beauty, isolation, and timeless atmosphere of Antikythera.
Itinerary
Day 1 | 11/8
Arrival on the island with two route options:
from Neapoli port (14:00 - 18:15)
from Gythio port (16:00 - 20:20)
The first evening is dedicated to transition, a relaxed introduction among the group and with the island’s residents, through local stories, shared moments, and a first sense of Antikythera’s unique atmosphere.
Day 2 | 12/8
Daytime: We explore the Castle of Antikythera, followed by a swim at the Xyropotamos beach.
Lunch at Stratos’ Corner.
In the afternoon, an introductory seminar will guide you through the fundamentals of astrophotography, covering camera settings, essential equipment, shooting techniques, and effective session planning.
Night Time: As night falls, we head to Kamarela beach, an imposing, wild landscape where darkness reveals the sky in its full intensity. Our first night shooting session begins.
Day 3 | 13/8
Daytime: Morning swim at Kamarela beach and lunch at Myronas Tavern.
We then move into an editing session, introducing the fundamentals of post-processing and how to transform your captures into refined final images with depth and detail.
Night Time: After a short drive, we hike to the iconic Apolytares Lighthouse (approx. 30 minutes / 1.8 km). In this remote and untouched setting, we photograph beneath a sky entirely free of light pollution.
Day 4 | 14/8
Morning departure (10:35) to Gythio.
Webinar – Advanced Editing Techniques
To complement the workshop, you’ll get access to an additional online session focused on advanced editing techniques.
We’ll cover deeper Photoshop workflows, noise reduction and stacking, exposure blending (sky + foreground), color grading the Milky Way, and gradient removal.
What to bring
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DSLR / Mirrorless camera
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Tripod
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Wide-angle lens f/2.8 and faster
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Spare batteries
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SD cards
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Intervalometer (external or internal)
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Star tracker (optional)
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Headlamp
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Laptop
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Hiking shoes
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Bug Repellent
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Food and snacks
Workshop
Info
Workshop price
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The total cost for the 3-day astrophotography workshop, including two in-depth lectures and one online webinar, is €220.
What’s Included
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All educational sessions (theory, shooting, and editing)
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Guided hike to the Apolytares Lighthouse
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One-on-one guidance during shooting sessions
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Post-processing instruction (Lightroom, Photoshop, stacking, etc.)
What’s Not Included
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Travel to and from Antikythera
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Accommodation and meals
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Personal insurance or gear rental
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Personal expenses
Accomodation
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Due to the island’s remote character, accommodation is limited and not typically listed online. Through my connection with local residents, I can personally assist you in arranging your stay and recommend the most suitable options available. Accommodation rates remain very reasonable, offering excellent value for such a rare and remote destination.
Travel to Antikythera
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Reaching Antikythera is part of the experience. The island is accessible by ferry, with routes connecting from Neapoli and Gythio. For this workshop, we coordinate our arrival to travel together as a group, creating a shared start to the experience:
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from Neapoli (14:00 – 18:15)
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from Gythio (16:00 – 20:20)
Car to the island
Antikythera is a small island, and bringing your own vehicle is not essential. Following prior communication, and subject to availability, it may be possible to arrange shared transport, allowing you to leave your car in Gythio and travel as a foot passenger.
Healthcare
Antikythera is equipped with a local medical clinic and a resident doctor, ensuring basic healthcare services are available on the island throughout your stay.
Terms & Conditions
1. Booking and Payment
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A non-refundable deposit of €50 is required to secure your spot.
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The remaining balance must be paid at least 14 days before the workshop.
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Payments can be made via bank transfer/iris or cash.
2. Cancellations and Refunds
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Cancellations made by participants more than 14 days before the workshop start date will receive a refund.
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Cancellations made less than 14 days before the workshop are non-refundable.
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If the workshop is cancelled by the organizer (e.g. due to weather, illness, or insufficient participants), a full refund will be issued. No additional compensation will be offered.
3. Participant Responsibilities
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Participants are responsible for bringing their own equipment unless otherwise arranged.
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A basic understanding of camera operation is recommended.
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Participants should be physically fit enough to complete easy hikes over uneven terrain.
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All participants are expected to follow safety instructions and respect the environment.
4. Weather and Conditions
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Astrophotography depends on weather conditions. While every effort will be made to maximize shooting opportunities, clear skies cannot be guaranteed.
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In case of poor weather, indoor sessions, editing tutorials, and alternative photographic activities will be arranged.
5. Liability
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The organizer is not liable for any personal injury, equipment loss/damage, or other incidents during the workshop.
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Participants are advised to carry travel and gear insurance.