📍Anafi is a small secluded island in the Cyclades, located east of Santorini.
✔ Anafi is an untouched island of pristine beauty and a peaceful ambience, with striking natural landscapes and numerous excellent beaches with crystal-clear waters.
▪️It has ferry connections with Athens and the neighboring island of Santorini, as well as to Crete.
▪️ The island has around 290 inhabitants and two villages: the main town Chora and the port Agios Nikolaos. According to mythology, it sheltered the Argonauts on their journey from Crete to their homeland Ioskos.
▪️Anafi is tranquil and laid-back island without crowds, noise and stress. A hidden paradise of the Aegean that has preserved its authentic traditional appearance and the charm of a quiet, undiscovered place. Completely different compared to neighboring, tourist-developed and world-famous Santorini.
▪️Here the locals do not welcome you as a tourist, but as a friend. Homemade wine, legends shared with dinner, breathtaking sunsets and a starry sky that tells stories. Only warm-hearted conversations, nature and the feeling that you are where you really belong. Anafi isn’t for everyone and that’s exactly what makes it so irresistible.
Authentic Chora
The island’s gem is the picturesque capital of Chora, located amphitheatrically on top of a hill, at an altitude of around 260m.
The first view on striking village as the boat enters the harbor fascinates visitors.
A real pleasure is walking through narrow winding streets with picturesque little churches and white houses adorned with Bougainvillea. Chora exudes charm and tradition that captivates at first sight.
At the top of the hill are the ruins of the Venetian fortress Kastro and the church of Agios Georgios. This location offers a stunning panoramic view of Chora, the island, and the Aegean blue. It is a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset.
An interesting location is the central square, where the small Agios Dimitrios church and the monument to fallen soldiers are located. Locals and tourists gather on the square, and you can enjoy the tranquility and wonderful view of the sea.
At the entrance to the Chora is the Agios Spiridon church from the 17th century. A church of unique architecture with unusual Arabic elements.
A special impression is completed by the traditional tavernas, where the authentic atmosphere is felt alongside delicious local food and lovely music.
Port of Agios Nikolaos
The port where ferries arrive is located in a small bay surrounded by steep rocks, with a few houses and a marina where picturesque fishing boats are moored.
From the port, small boats depart to numerous nearby beaches.
Next to the port is a small sandy beach, which is surrounded by high rocks on one side.
In addition to the asphalt road that connects the port with Chora, which is situated on a hill, there is also a paved path that offers a quicker and easier walk to the port.
Top 10 Anafi beaches
Anafi is a peaceful island with numerous excellent beaches featuring exceptional landscapes and crystal-clear watersm.
Scenic untouched sandy and pebbly beaches for lovers of pristine nature, ideal for swimming and relaxing in tranquility and serenity.
The most beautiful and popular beaches are located on the southern side of the island, accessible by foot or by boat from the port of Agios Nikolaos.
▪ Top 10 Anafi beaches. My recommendation! ⬇
1️⃣ Agioi Anargiroi
2️⃣ Kleisidi
3️⃣ Katsouni
4️⃣ Roukounas
5️⃣ Monastiri
6️⃣ Agios Ioannis
7️⃣ Flamourou
8️⃣ Katalimatsa
9️⃣ Mega Potamos
🔟 Ekso Roukounas
Island tour & Hiking
Anafi is an exceptional island for hiking and walking to numerous beaches, unique landscapes, and historical landmarks. One of the highlights is the outstanding trail in the southeast of the island that leads to the top of Kalamos.
At the foot is the beautiful Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, built in the 19th century on the remains of the ancient temple dedicated to Apollo.
Kalamos
The imposing Kalamos mountain is the second largest monolithic rock in Europe after Gibraltar. Due to its terrifying appearance, some have called it “The scariest rock in Europe”.
A remarkable hiking trail leads to the top of Kalamos, passing through breathtaking natural scenery.
Panagia Kalamiotissa
On top of the impressive rock at a height of 460 meters, there is an important landmark of the island, the monastery of Panagia Kalamiotissa! The beautiful white church from 1715, is one of the most photogenic locations, perched on a steep cliff.
The mystical beauty of the wonderful church simply enchants at first glance. An incredible achievement by people inspired by deep faith and great sacrifice to create this masterpiece!
From this location you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the entire island and the endless blue sea! A divine beauty that takes your breath away!
Kasteli
A special historical site worth visiting and exploring is the ancient city of Anafi on the hill of Kasteli.
Trail number 2 begins from the asphalt road near the ancient port of Agios Ioannis and leads uphill, first to the lovely church of Panagia Dokariou, which features a sarcophagus.
At the top of the hill lies the remarkable ancient city of Kasteli, with tombs and sculptures. From this location, you can enjoy a fascinating view of the surrounding landscape, Kalamos mountain and the Aegean blue.
The trail leads further to the small Agios Mamas church, where there is a crossroads. It is possible to continue hiking along this path toward the east, all the way to the Zoodochos Pigi monastery.
Here begins an asphalt road that runs through the interior of the island, all the way to the main town of Chora. Along the way, you pass through nice landscapes and past the small church of Panagia ton Aksion with a wonderful view of the surroundings.
Path number 1 by the sea
One of the exceptional paths goes from the port of Agios Nikolaos along the sea past numerous excellent beaches, heading east all the way to the Zoodochos Pigi Monastery.
The path passes by the following beaches in order: ⤵
Kleisidi beach
A wonderful sandy beach surrounded by high rocks, with soft golden-yellow sand and shallow turquoise-blue transparent water.
Trees on the beach provide shade from the sun, adding extra charm to the stunning scenery.
In the background of the beach there is a beach-bar where you can relax with a drink and enjoy local food.
There are also several accommodation facilities located right on the beach.
Katsouni beach
An excellent sandy beach surrounded by high rocks, with fine sand and crystal-clear water.
It is located next to Kleisidi beach, from which is separated by high cliffs. A path connects the two neighboring beaches.
A few tamarisk trees on the beach offer natural shade. Ideal for relaxing and enjoying in the impressive natural ambience.
Flamourou beach
Next to Katsouni beach, this sandy beach is enclosed by high cliffs and features shallow, crystal-clear water.
It is difficult to access from land, because you have to go through rocks in the water to reach it.
Due to its difficult accessibility, it is quite secluded and perfect for those seeking peace and isolation.
Flamourou 2 beach
On the other side of the high cliff lies this untouched pebble beach, with plenty of stones at the entrance to the water.
Ekso Roukounas beach
A small quiet sandy beach with pebbles and stones at the entrance to the water. There are a few trees on the beach that provide shade.
Roukounas beach
Excellent long sandy beach with turquoise crystal-clear water.
The largest beach on Anafi, it features many tamarisk trees offering plenty of natural shade.
It is a popular and frequently visited beach, especially among campers. Thanks to its size, visitors can still find privacy.
The following are 2 small pristine beaches for lovers of the natural settings and for enjoying in peace and solitude.
Katalimatsa beach
The first is the nice Katalimatsa beach with turquoise-blue transparent water and rocks in the sea, ideal for diving enthusiasts.
Visitors can enjoy in peace and privacy here.
Agios Ioannis beach
A picturesque attractive beach perfect for peace and enjoying an unspoiled setting with interesting colorful rocks around.
The surrounding rocks are ideal for exploration and diving.
A beach made for relaxing in tranquility and serenity.
Mega Potamos beach
After a short coastal hike at a higher elevation, a few untouched and isolated beaches follow.
Mesa Potamos is a pristine beach with a mix of sand and pebbles and transparent clear water.
On one side it is surrounded by rocks and there are a few of trees that provide shade.
The path continues past 2 small pebble beaches, without names shown in the photos.
Agioi Anargiroi beach
A true gem of Anafi is this small divine sandy beach features golden-yellow sand and wonferful blue crystal-clear water!
It is surrounded by rocks, with a scenic chapel on one side, after which the beach is named.
Ideal beach for nature lovers and for enjoyin in the enchanting ambience with a stunning view of the imposing mount Kalamos!
Monastiri beach
A beautiful spacious sandy beach with fine yellow sand and turquoise clear sea.
There are several trees on the beach for protection from the sun. An excellent beach for privacy and seclusion, as it is the furthest from the port.
Prasies beach
Below is this small rocky beach at the foot of Mount Kalamos.
There is also a photo of the inaccessible coastline on the other side of the peninsula where the imposing Mount Kalamos is located.
Western beach
There is an asphalt road leading from the main town of Chora toward the western part of the island.
In that part of Anafi, there are 3 solid isolated rocky beaches.
Kiparissi beach (Kameni Lagada)
The first in the row is a large, isolated rocky beach surrounded by high colorful cliffs.
Great caution is required when entering the water because of the large stones in the water.
Vagia beach
After 1.5 km, there’s a left turn from the main road, and after another 1.5 km of dirt road, you will reach the spacious beach of Vagia.
A rocky beach surrounded by high reddish rocks and with a few trees.
Also, great caution is required for those who wish to swim on this secluded beach.
Prasa beach
A steep path leads to the third picturesque beach surrounded by high dark rocks.
A small secluded beach with pebbles and stones is the best of these three western beaches.
Near the end of the asphalt road and the descent to Prasa beach, there is a beautiful church of Agios Panteleimon.
