Nanoantennas for visible and infrared radiation can strongly enhance the interaction of light with nanoscale matter by efficiently linking propagating and localized optical fields. This enables applications in nanoscale optics, solar energy, optoelectronics, and ultra-sensing. The review discusses the role of plasmonic resonances in nanoantennas and the impact of nanofabrication parameters. It covers the current state of the field, including established and emerging research areas. The paper begins with an introduction to antenna basics, radiation and near-field effects of time-dependent charge distributions. It then explores the transition from perfect metals to plasmonic materials for optical antennas. The potential of nanoantennas at optical frequencies is discussed, highlighting their ability to localize and enhance optical fields, which is crucial for applications in nonlinear optics, sensing, and solar energy conversion. The review covers classical antenna theory, including reciprocity theorems and the behavior of RF antennas. It discusses the properties of metals at optical frequencies, including the Drude-Sommerfeld model and interband transitions. The comparison of relevant metals (Au, Ag, Al, Cu) is provided, highlighting their dielectric properties and suitability for different spectral regions. The paper then introduces models for describing optical antennas, including single- and two-wire antennas. It discusses the Mie description, mass-and-spring model, and Fabry-Pérot model for plasmon resonances. The properties of isolated optical antennas are analyzed, including their resonant behavior and radiation patterns. The review also covers the fabrication methods of nanoantennas, such as electron-beam lithography, focused-ion beam milling, and nano-imprint lithography. It discusses the experimental geometries of metal optical antennas, including single nanospheres, nanorods, and bow-tie antennas. The paper addresses the characterization of nanoantennas, including elastic and inelastic light scattering, near-field intensity distribution, and emission patterns. It discusses the applications of nanoantennas in scanning near-field optical microscopy, single-photon superemitters, optical tweezing, photovoltaics, and ultrafast optics. The review concludes with a discussion of the future perspectives of nanoantennas, including their potential in quantum communication and plasmonic circuits. The paper emphasizes the importance of nanoantennas in light-matter interaction and their potential for various applications in nanotechnology.Nanoantennas for visible and infrared radiation can strongly enhance the interaction of light with nanoscale matter by efficiently linking propagating and localized optical fields. This enables applications in nanoscale optics, solar energy, optoelectronics, and ultra-sensing. The review discusses the role of plasmonic resonances in nanoantennas and the impact of nanofabrication parameters. It covers the current state of the field, including established and emerging research areas. The paper begins with an introduction to antenna basics, radiation and near-field effects of time-dependent charge distributions. It then explores the transition from perfect metals to plasmonic materials for optical antennas. The potential of nanoantennas at optical frequencies is discussed, highlighting their ability to localize and enhance optical fields, which is crucial for applications in nonlinear optics, sensing, and solar energy conversion. The review covers classical antenna theory, including reciprocity theorems and the behavior of RF antennas. It discusses the properties of metals at optical frequencies, including the Drude-Sommerfeld model and interband transitions. The comparison of relevant metals (Au, Ag, Al, Cu) is provided, highlighting their dielectric properties and suitability for different spectral regions. The paper then introduces models for describing optical antennas, including single- and two-wire antennas. It discusses the Mie description, mass-and-spring model, and Fabry-Pérot model for plasmon resonances. The properties of isolated optical antennas are analyzed, including their resonant behavior and radiation patterns. The review also covers the fabrication methods of nanoantennas, such as electron-beam lithography, focused-ion beam milling, and nano-imprint lithography. It discusses the experimental geometries of metal optical antennas, including single nanospheres, nanorods, and bow-tie antennas. The paper addresses the characterization of nanoantennas, including elastic and inelastic light scattering, near-field intensity distribution, and emission patterns. It discusses the applications of nanoantennas in scanning near-field optical microscopy, single-photon superemitters, optical tweezing, photovoltaics, and ultrafast optics. The review concludes with a discussion of the future perspectives of nanoantennas, including their potential in quantum communication and plasmonic circuits. The paper emphasizes the importance of nanoantennas in light-matter interaction and their potential for various applications in nanotechnology.