Posted by Anafi has around 300 inhabitants and covers an area of 40 km². The island is a good hour’s ferry ride east of Santorini. It is the larger island in the Cyclades that has been least affected by tourism. Only a few ferries call at the island. Until a few years ago, Anafi attracted a special group of dropouts. However, word has gotten around about the “end of the world” attitude to life, and today more visitors come to the island of Anafi, precisely because there is said to be hardly any tourism here. In summer you can now meet several hundred foreign holidaymakers. Nevertheless, the island is still not very touristy compared to other Cyclades islands, even if, as on almost all islands in Greece, dropouts are now in the minority. Anafi is still rightly known for its exceptional hospitality.
Image: Nyomonyo – Fotolia.com
Where is Anafi most beautiful?
Anafi is a quiet and unspoiled island with many beautiful, secluded corners. Here are the most beautiful places:
1.Chora – The picturesque, traditional main village of the island with white houses, narrow streets and great views of the sea. Ideal for a stroll and experiencing the local atmosphere.
2.Kleisidi Beach – A quiet sandy beach surrounded by rocks and with crystal clear water. Perfect for a relaxing day away from the crowds.
3.Monastery of Panagia Kalamiotissa – This remote monastery complex on a hill offers spectacular panoramic views of the island and the sea, especially at sunset.
4.Agios Nikolaos Beach – A small, secluded beach that can only be reached with a short walk. Quiet and ideal for swimming and relaxing.
Important places and sights on the island of Anafi
The port of Agios Nikolaos: Some tavernas, private rooms and travel agencies. Most holidaymakers continue to Chora by bus.
Chora: The main town is probably the most touristy main town in the Cyclades. Chora is beautifully situated above the port in Agios Nikolaos. On foot you can walk up a 2 km long path to Chora, which is 250 m above sea level. The buses run on the road built a few years ago (4 km). There is everything you need: small supermarkets, post office, simple rooms to rent, a doctor and a few taverns. The prices are cheap. You can find a double room for 30-40 euros. But don’t expect luxury or nightlife.
Beaches: East of the port of Agios Nikolaos, a road leads east. The first beach, Klissidi, is the most popular. Wild camping on the beach is still popular, in summer there can be as many as 50 tents. A few taverns and rooms to rent have sprung up on Klissidi Beach in recent years. If you walk or drive further, you will come to the beaches of Megalos Roukounas and Ormos Kalamos, the two most beautiful on Anafi (much quieter than Klissidi).
Zoodochos Pigi: The monastery is probably the most important sight on the island of Anafi. For several years now, there has been a paved road to the Zoodochos Pigi monastery. You can also hike to the monastery. It is one of the most popular hikes. It takes a good two hours from Chora. The biggest religious festival on Anafi takes place every year around September 7th at Zoodochos Pigi.
Overnight stays
Many of the accommodations are simple. In recent years, some better accommodations, mostly smaller private guesthouses and holiday apartments, have opened on the island of Anafi. An overview can be found on Booking.com. However, even on Booking there are only a few hotels and guesthouses. The best is probably the inexpensive Apollon Village Hotel, a few hundred meters from the ferry dock.
You should pay attention to the location of the accommodation on the island. Holiday apartments (apartments or smaller studios) with some kitchen are becoming more and more popular. WLAN (internationally known as WIFI) is also quite an advantage on Anafi, unless you really don’t want to know anything about the rest of the world for a few days. You shouldn’t expect a luxury hotel with a swimming pool etc. in Anafi. It is still more of a dropout island.
Anafiotika in Athens
The island of Anafi is known for the Anafiotika district in Athens. In the 19th century, people from the island of Anafi built a district in the Cycladic style with white houses, blue doors and narrow streets in the middle of the old town of Athens. Anafiotika is now a major tourist attraction in Athens.
Buses on Anafi
The island bus runs about 8 times a day from Chora to Agios Nikolaos and back. A few times a day there are bus connections from the port to the beaches described above to the east.
Ferries to the island of Anafi
In the high season there are now about 5-6 ferry connections per week from Santorini to Anafi. Some of them come from Athens and continue to the island of Astypalea. Outside of the high season there are only 2-3 ferries per week from Santorini and Piraeus (Athens). For several years there has also been a ferry from the company Anek, which connects the island Crete with Anafi 1-2 times a week all year round (as of early 2024).
➔ To book ferries within Greece, we recommend the reputable website Ferryscanner.com
Anafi Island Airport
There is no airport on Anafi Island. You have to take the ferry if you don’t have your own yacht with you.
Top 10 Anafi Island
Small Chora of Anafi
The charming village of Chora towers over the coast. The narrow streets, white houses and the breathtaking view of the sea make it the perfect place for a stroll.
Roukounas Beach
Anafis’ most famous beach offers fine sand, crystal clear water and a relaxed atmosphere. Ideal for nature lovers and campers.
Panagia Kalamiotissa Monastery
Located high up on Mount Kalamos, the monastery offers impressive views of the island. The hiking trail there is strenuous but worthwhile.
Cape Kalamos
A striking highlight of the island: The Rock of Kalamos is the second largest monolith in Europe after Gibraltar and a paradise for hikers.
Katsouni Beach
A quiet, secluded beach with turquoise waters. Ideal for a relaxing swim and sunbathing away from the crowds.
Klisidi Beach
This easily accessible sandy beach is known for its beauty and tranquility. There are a few taverns nearby.
Hiking on Anafi
Anafi is a hiking paradise. There are several routes that lead through unspoiled nature and spectacular landscapes.
Ancient Anafi (Zabouni)
Visit the ruins of the ancient city of Anafi, where remains of temples and mosaics can be seen.
Sunset from Chora
The sunset in Chora is breathtaking and offers unforgettable panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
Traditional Taverns and Cuisine
Try local dishes such as fresh fish, seafood, fava (mashed yellow peas) and the homemade “pasteli” (sesame-honey sweet).
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