The Anafi of the few inhabitants and the virgin beauty is waiting for you to discover it. Next to the popular Santorini, Anafi remains a destination for a few and select visitors.
Its name comes from the ancient Greek verb “anafanomai” and this is because the legend wants the god Apollo to illuminate the island to lead the Argonauts who fought with the wild waves of the sea.
A ray of light and shelter remains to this day Anafi for those who seek tranquility, carefreeness and contact with nature on vacation.
The only organized settlement on the island is Chora, picturesque and built amphitheatrically on the ruins of a Venetian castle.
There you will find accommodation, taverns and bars that operate until the morning during the summer months.
The Cycladic architecture with the white houses and the blue windows bathed in the Aegean sun and the smell of the flowery courtyards dominates in Anafi Town.
The simple lifestyle, the home cooked food and the hospitable inhabitants will make you feel familiar from the first moment you wander its alleys.
The beaches of Anafi are the ideal place for relaxation. Crystal clear waters and untouched sandy beaches.
In Katsouni you will find coolness and shade under the tamarisk trees, in Kleisidi, in the Bay of Agios Nikolaos you can enjoy local delicacies in the taverns while if you are more daring choose to follow the small paths that lead to the beaches of Flamouros and Livoskopou.
The most famous beach of the island is Roukounas, a choice of many campers and its continuation is Katalimatsa, a small rocky beach with archaeological interest.
Do not be late, visit Anafi before others discover this hidden treasure of the Cyclades!
Activities
- Anafi is suitable for hiking enthusiasts. You can walk almost the whole island on foot through its paths that lead to chapels and monasteries, beaches, archeological sites and especially to places with magnificent sea views. If you want to see one of the most beautiful sunsets, we suggest you follow the route that leads to Palia Panagia Kalamiotissa in Kalamos!
- To discover the most beautiful but inaccessible beaches of the island, make the tour of Anafi by boat. You will be enchanted by the crystal clear waters and the wild landscape culminating in the passage through Kalamos, the highest monolith of the eastern Mediterranean.
- In the monolith of Kalamos, the opportunity is given to experienced climbers and climbers to follow the engraved route that leads to the monastery of Palia Panagia Kalamiotissa. Equip yourself with patience and good mood and you will live a unique experience!
- If you want to have fun and party at the sound of island songs do not forget to visit the festival of the “Argonauts” in Chora on August 15 or the festival of Zoodochos Pigi on September 7-8.
Sights
- At the eastern end of Anafi is Kalamos, a giant rock. Many argue that if you do not see or if you do not go up to Kalamos it is as if you have not gone to Anafi. How else to say it?
- It is the must see of the island. Mount Kalamos is the second tallest monolith in Europe after Gibraltar and is included in the Natura 2000 Protected Areas. meters dominates Panagia Kalamiotissa since 1715.
- If you can bear it, we suggest you to spend the night on the mountain in the precinct of Kalamiotissa. And do not be afraid, in August you will find company, sleep under the clear sky of Anafi and in the morning before taking the road back you will enjoy the most beautiful sunrise.
- You will find the architectural identity of Anafi in the cobbled alleys and the colorful touches that complement the otherwise Cycladic style. If you have visited Athens and walked in the picturesque Anafiotika, on the outskirts of the Acropolis you will notice the connection directly.
- A special feature of Anafi is the “houses”, the farmhouses of the locals with the large ovens where the “pavlos” were made, the barley Anafioti rusks.
In Anafi you will taste delicious local recipes and local products. The wild saffron (yolk) that grows in Anafi gives a different flavor to cheese bread.
You will enjoy the garlic balls, Anafioti pasta, with tomato sauce, garlic and cheese in the taverns, while if you like soups, we recommend the pies, pasta in goat’s milk soup.
The cuisine of Anafioti is dominated by local cheeses and honey. Try Melitera (cheese pies with mizithra), Gemista (sweet dish with walnuts and honey) and Koufeto (honey with almonds).
Meat also has its honor. Koulouridia, local sausages, Lagaro, salted and Tsiladia, thick with spices are special preparations with local meats. If you still like the treasures of the sea, the Anafiotiko lobster spaghetti will not disappoint you!
