Anafi island

General info
Anafi is a small authentic Cycladic island, located to the east of the island of Santorini (Thera). It covers 40 square km and has 280 residents approximately.

Its impressive relief is rather mountainous composed by low mountains, hills and sparse wild vegetation. Citrus and olive trees, wheat and thyme from which fine honey is produced, are frequently met on this island. Anafi’s subsoil is rich in mineral and contrary to the rest of the Cycladic islands; it island has plenty of springs and some sulphure ones.  Its amazing golden sandy beaches of transparent waters in blue-green shades which are surrounded by beautiful cliffs, hidden caves and idyllic bays create perfect scenery for those who love nature and serenity.

The inclusion of Anafi in the European network “Natura 2000” and also in the list of the most important birds Greek areas, indicate not only the beauty of its virginal landscape, but also its importance in the wider ecosystem.

Anafi has all the right features to attract visitors who prefer an alternative destination:  α traditional picturesque settlement with white-washed houses, idyllic squares and cobbled streets, footpaths for trekking, magnificent crystalline beaches and α long history that is depicted on the ruins of ancient temples, on the remains of the ancient city, the monasteries, the churches and the delightful chapels that are found on the island.

In recent years, the island has developed tourist infrastructures but always with respect to its own traditional identity. That is to say, several accommodation facilities and choices for entertainment are provided, and you’ll certainly find cosy coffee-bars and a few pubs that stay open till daybreak, however don’t expect a great variety of them.  The greatest asset of Anafi is that offers an opportunity for peaceful, insouciant and relaxing holidays, away from the massive tourism.

Furthermore, its proximity with the cosmopolitan island of Santorini (two hours distance by boat) and its connection with many Cycladic islands, make Anafi a perfect place to begin or continue your exploration of Aegean islands.

Neighbouring islands to Anafi are Santorini and Folegandros.

Historical profile
According to mythology, Anafi is connected with the legend of the Argonauts and the Golden Fleece. On their returning from Colchis, one night and while they were on the open sea, a sudden storm broke out.  The god Apollo, wanted to help Argonauts, emerged from the sea and pointed to them with a beam of light, the island of Anafi (which means “illuminated”), providing thus a safe shelter for them.

First settles of the island are considered to be the Phoenicians, while the Dorians colonized it during the Geometric Period (10th - 8th century BC).

In later centuries, and as the rest of the Cycladic islands, Anafi was dominated by the Romans, Byzantines, Franks and Venetians. In 1537, it came under Ottoman rule and when the Greek War of Independence broke out the people of Anafi fought bravely. The   island was incorporated in the Greek State in 1832.

Villages
Chora (Hora) is the capital of Anafi and the only organized settlement of the island. Built amphitheatrically on a hilltop, Chora offers a spectacular view to the Aegean and also breathtaking sunsets. Thought there is a growing tourist movement, the village is still amazingly unspoiled, preserving all its traditional features:  houses whiter than snow bathed in sunshine, idyllic squares, arched narrow streets, an impressive Venetian castle and lovely windmills constitute the romantic atmosphere of this village.
Here you will find several accommodation facilities and also traditional taverns,    cosy coffee-bars and a few pubs to enjoy yourself.
Chora is ideal for wandering by foot since the access of vehicles is prohibited. 

Near Chora is Kasteli hill, at the top of which ruins of the ancient capital, of the city walls and its cemetery as well as of roman monuments are still saved.
The remarkable Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi (or Panagia Kalamiotisa) was built upon the ruins of the ancient temple of Apollo, parts of which have been integrated to the interior of the Monastery itself.

The mountain Kalamos (hight 480 m) is considered to be the largest monolith after the one of Gibraltar. It has an extraordinary morphology composed by cliffs of impressive formations and unexplored caves. Since there are no roads and thus no human intervention, Kalamos has a rich wild flora and it is a natural shelter for rare species.

Beaches
Anafi has several splendid beaches, with transparent waters ideal for those who seek relaxation in a natural environment. On the southern part of the island the most popular beach is Megalos Roukounas, a long golden sandy beach with blue deep waters.  At a near distance are found the idyllic sandy beaches of Kleisidi with amazing waters and tamarisk trees, of Katsouni, an equally golden sandy beach, ideal for those who appreciate quietness and remoteness.
The Katalymatsa beach is a small beach in unique scenery due to the remains of the ancient port that are still saved there.
On the north eastern part of the island, the beaches are rockier forming caves and cliffs of interesting shapes. The most known beaches are Agios Georgios, and Agios Antonios.

Access
Anafi is connected directly by scheduled trips with Piraeus Port, especially during summer season and also with the island of Santorini (Thera).
There is also regular connection with the islands of Ios, Folegandros, Sikinos, Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Kythnos, Kea and Syros.

Alternatively you can flight to Santorini airport and from there you can get the local boat to Anafi.