Anafi sits at the southeastern tip of the Cyclades, beyond Santorini, with nothing between it and the open Aegean. It is one of the least-visited islands in Greece, and that is precisely its appeal.

The Island

Anafi is small — around 38 square kilometres — with a permanent population of fewer than 300 people. The landscape is dominated by the Kalamos monolith, a vast rock rising 460 metres from the sea at the island's eastern end. According to mythology, Apollo raised Anafi from the waves to shelter the Argonauts during a storm, and the island retains something of that mythological, otherworldly quality.

There is one main settlement, Chora, a beautiful whitewashed village perched on a hill above the port of Agios Nikolaos. Life here is simple and unhurried.

Sights and Attractions

The Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi sits at the base of the Kalamos monolith, built on the ruins of an ancient temple to Apollo. The hike to reach it takes around two hours from Chora, passing through wild landscape with extraordinary views. Above the monastery, a further path climbs to the summit of Kalamos — a serious undertaking, but one of the most dramatic walks in the Cyclades.

Chora itself is a delight — small enough to explore in an hour, with a ruined Venetian castle, a handful of tavernas and views over the sea in every direction.

Beaches

Anafi has some exceptional beaches, all wild and undeveloped. Roukounas is the most accessible — a long stretch of sand and pebble below Chora, with clear water and no facilities. Klisidi near the port is smaller and sheltered. Further east, Katsouni and Roukounas are more remote, reachable on foot or by boat.

Eating and Drinking

There are a handful of tavernas in Chora and at the port, serving simple, fresh food. To Steki in Chora is the local favourite — honest mezedes, fresh fish and local wine. Do not expect menus or elaborate choices; eat what is fresh and enjoy it.

How to Get There

Anafi is served by ferry from Piraeus (around 9–10 hours) and from Santorini (around 1.5 hours). Connections are less frequent than on the main Cycladic routes — check schedules carefully and allow flexibility in your plans.

Best For

Anafi is for travellers who have been to Greece many times and want something genuinely different — an island that offers almost nothing except beauty, silence and the feeling of being at the edge of the world. It is not for those who need entertainment or facilities. For those who want to disappear completely, it is close to perfect.

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Thinking about Anafi? Talk to us — we can combine it with Santorini or Folegandros for a Cyclades itinerary that goes well beyond the obvious.