Location & Sights
We do not give you just rooms to stay. We give you an environment so you can
experience the best while on a holiday with us.
The island
An island in the heart of the Archipelago, blessed with unique beauties. Mythology wants the island to have surfaced (in Greek, the word Anafi is derived from “anafainetai” which means to arise) from the depths of the Aegean to offer solace to the Argonauts, following a command by the god of music himself, Apollo the Anafian. For centuries, it was a life-saving piece of land in the middle of the sea visited by many travelers. Today, it continues to be a safe haven for those travelers versed in the beauties of the Aegean. Sandy beaches to the south and pebble beaches to the west, tight stone paved streets, white painted houses with abundant gardens, stone domed buildings, the ruins of a Venetian castle and dazzling bright churches by the hillsides. The beauty of the Aegean distilled in a single island.
The “Energy” mountain
The mountain / symbol of the island is Kalamos, also known as the “Anafian monolith”. It is a limestone rock visible from anywhere on the island and is located on the southeast side. It is connected to the rest of the island via a tiny isthmus, while many have seeked its view, as a means to interact with and achieve internal harmony.
The rock is 460 meters high and is the second tallest rock in Europe after the Gibraltar.
Every year on the 7th of September, the Monastery of Virgin Mary the Kalamiotisa, built in 1715 on the ruins of an abandon fortress at the rock’s summit, becomes a gathering point for an amazing celebration.
Today, the area is defined as a peninsula in the pan-European ecological network of protected areas under Natura 2000, given that visitors can see rare species of flora, as well as geomorphologic elements such as a cave with natural troughs and stalactites, which is approachable via a mountain path.
The beaches
Anafi has a some great sandy beaches. The most popular are the one at the south part of the island, as they have nice golden sand and they are protected from the wind. To reach most of the beaches you will have to walk from some point on, as very few have easy access. By the way, there is no organized beach on Anafi.
Agios Nikolaos
This is the beach of the port and the only one with easy access without the need to walk. Despite the port being there, the beach has very clean waters and great golden sand.
Kleidisi
This is a long and wide beach with golden sand and clear water. It has easy access as it is in walking distance from Agios Nikolaos beach.
Katsouni
This is a beautiful beach with nice thin sand but you will have to walk for about 15 minutes to reach it. There you will also see rocks with beautiful colors. It is possible to see nudists here.
Flamourou
You can reach this small sandy beach by a path that starts from Kleisidi. It is next to Katsouni beach.
Roukounas
This is the longest beach of Anafi and also very wide. Roukounas is one of the most popular beaches as has nice thick golden sand with thin pebbles and some trees for those who do not gave umbrellas. It is possible to see nudists and campers here. There is also the Small Roukounas beach near by, with nice white thick sand, where nudism is forbidden.
Katalimatsa
A very small beach where the ancient harbor used to be. The beach is surrounded by red rocks creating a distinct atmosphere.
Megas Potamos
This is not a popular beach, due to the fact that you need to walk to reach it, so it is ideal for those who like to relax alone. It is a sandy beach with a few white pebbles and a great view of Kalamos rock.
Agioi Anargyroi
A beautiful small sandy beach that is surrounded by high rocks. It is named after the small church of Agioi Anargyroi which oversees the beach. The path that leads here from the road is short and smooth. According to a local legend, anyone who swims in these water will soon get married.
Monastiri / Prasies
This is a large beach with thick golden sand and thin pebbles right under Kalamos rock. The bay is called Prasies and the beach is names Monastiri after the monastery that is standing over it. You may find some campers here.
Agios Georgios
There is a back road leading to this beach. Agios Georgios beach has crystal clear green water and rocks, both on the shore and in the sea. It is usually empty, except from August.
Vagia & Kyparisi
Large beaches with big pebbles and rocks in the water in a desolate place surrounded by cliffs. Not an attractive option for most, as all the beaches of west Anafi, but here you can get some privacy.
Livoskopos
Golden sand and cool, crystal clear waters await those few visitors who venture to Livoskopos, to create memories that they will carry with them for years to come. It is located on the North side of the island and can be reached via a path that passes through rough landscape. Ask us.
Attractions On Anafi
Chora
Chora is the only settlement on Anafi and it is definitely the main attraction of the island due to its beauty.
The Dragon-house
At the north side of Kalamos rock, where it is very difficult to reach even from the sea, lies the Drakontospito (house of the dragons). Scientist have not found anything of great interest here, but the impressive 15 meter entrance, the beautiful golden-green coloring of its walls, the stalactites and stalagmites and its dark and deep interior make it a must stop for every visitor. According to local legends if you go all the way in the cave you will end up at an exit at the other side of Kalamos.
Castro (Chora)
At the highest point and at the center of Chora used to lie the Venetian Castle. Its ruins are hardly visible, so the only reason to go there is the fantastic panoramic view.
Archaeological Collection (Chora)
Although there is no Archaeological museum on Anafi, there is an archaeological collection in a small room in Chora (next to the community building). There, apart from the usual exhibits like sculptures, you will get to see some very interesting pictures of the transfer by locals and archaeologists of the relics found at the area of Kasteli. The collection is open only during Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 to 14:00.
Monastery of Zoodohos Pigi
This monastery was built during the 17th century on the ruins of the ancient temple of god Apollo, at the point where the Kalamos peninsula is connected to the rest of Anafi island. During September 7-8th great festivities take place here and some people choose to stay the night of September 7th here and return to Chora in the morning of 8th for the celebrations.
Monastery of Panagia Kalamiotissa
It is built on Kalamos rock and staying there overnight is considered a one-in-a-lifetime experience, as you will also get to see an amazing sun-rise. The temple is small but its exterior design and interior decoration show great interest.
Church of Panagia Dokaris
Here you will find engraved a Roman sarcophagus made of marble.
Kalamos
The monolith of Kalamos is the second largest in the Mediterranean, after that of Gibraltar, and it makes for a stunning and imposing sight that you can not help but stare. It is an ideal place for hikers and climbers you sometimes choose to stay there overnight.
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