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Anafi

The Gibraltar of the Aegean — a mysterious monolith on the route of the Argonauts

圣尼古拉斯 (Shèng Nígǔlāsī)
6–10h from Piraeus
卡拉莫斯 460米
Peace and quiet
Hiking

How to get there See the map

Culture

History & heritage

The island's very name was born of myth: when the Argonauts, returning from Colchis, were endangered by a terrible storm in the night, Apollo cast his arrow and made an island "appear" out of the sea for them to find shelter — Anafi. In gratitude they founded a sanctuary to Apollo Aiglitis, whose worship the island kept alive for centuries.

In antiquity Anafi was a small but organized Doric city, with an acropolis at the site of Kasteli and the important sanctuary of Apollo Aiglitis at the foot of Kalamos. During the Hellenistic period it came for a time under the influence of the Ptolemies of Egypt, while remains of walls, sarcophagi and temples attest to continuous life through the Roman and early Christian periods.

After the Byzantine period, the island was incorporated into the Duchy of the Aegean founded by Marco Sanudo in the 13th century, and passed into the hands of Venetian families; from that era survive the ruins of the castle above Chora. In 1537 Anafi, like the rest of the Cyclades, was subjugated to the Ottoman Empire, yet retained its isolated, agricultural character.

The island was incorporated into the Greek state after the Revolution of 1821. In more recent times, the renowned builders of Anafi built, in Athens beneath the Acropolis, the picturesque neighborhood of Anafiotika, carrying over their island's architecture. During the same period, Anafi's isolation made it a place of political exile, while today its economy relies on small-scale farming, livestock and gentle, alternative tourism seeking its serenity.

Explore

Sights & Trails

Monasteries, castles, ancient towns and hiking routes.

Monastery of Panagia Kalamiotissa

Anafi's most important pilgrimage site, with an old monastery at the foot and a newer one perched on the very summit of Kalamos. The climb rewards with a breathtaking view over all the Cyclades, and every year it fills with pilgrims for the feast of the Virgin.

Kalamos

The enormous solid limestone rock (about 460m), one of the largest monoliths in the Mediterranean, towering at the island's eastern tip — Anafi's landmark and a destination for hikers.

Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi

The historic monastery at the foot of Kalamos, built upon the ruins of the ancient temple of Apollo Aiglitis. Ancient marble fragments can be seen embedded in its walls, testimony to the continuity of worship at the same sacred site.

Sanctuary of Apollo Aiglitis

The remains of the ancient sanctuary that, according to myth, the Argonauts founded in honor of Apollo who "revealed" the island to them. The Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi was later built upon it.

Kasteli (Ancient Anafi)

The hill above Chora and Roukounas, where the ancient city of Anafi once stood. Sections of walls, sarcophagi, carved tombs and scattered architectural remains from Hellenistic and Roman times survive.

Chora & Medieval Castle

The snow-white capital with its vaulted houses and cobbled lanes, crowned at its summit by the ruins of the Venetian castle — a reminder of the era of the Duchy of the Aegean.

Katalimatsa

The site of Anafi's ancient harbor, on the southern coast, with rock-cut tombs and traces of the island's ancient maritime life.

Old paths of Anafi

The network of traditional cobbled paths connecting Chora with the beaches, the chapels and Kalamos — a living heritage and the best way to get to know the island.

Countryside chapels

Dozens of snow-white chapels scattered across the countryside, such as Agioi Anargyroi and Agios Nikolaos, set the rhythm of Anafi's religious and communal life.

Pyrgi Castle

The ruins of a medieval tower-castle on the southwestern side of the island, a lookout against pirate raids with views over the open sea.

Drakontospilo (Dragon Cave)

A cave with stalactites and stalagmites in the island's interior, wrapped in legends of dragons — one of Anafi's hidden natural wonders.

Vigla Peak

The highest point of Anafi (584 m), where traces of medieval beacon towers survive — a spot with panoramic views over the whole island and the Aegean.

Archaeological Collection

Anafi's archaeological collection, with sculptures, inscriptions and finds from the ancient city at Kasteli and the sanctuary of Apollo Aigletis.

Local flavour

IN THE SOUTHEASTERN PART OF THE CYCLADES, the small and barren Anafi with fewer than 300 inhabitants remains a forgotten paradise in every respect. It takes some effort and sometimes trouble for visitors to reach the island, as the routes and schedules of the remote line are not the most convenient. However, any inconvenience is worth it, as you are rewarded from the very first moment. Its isolation has served as a ark of a culture that on other islands with more tourism tends to disappear. Here, at the bakery that also functions as a post office, you will find zaforista rusks, bread, pies, and sweets; at the grocery store, local olives, pickles, and cheeses; and at the tavernas, fresh fish, handmade pasta, vegetables from the garden, and aromatic fruits.

Businesses

Find what you need

Accommodation, restaurants, activities and local products of the island.

Locations come live from the official Cyclades business directory.

住宿

TA PLAGIA

Anafi

Κτισμένα στο πιο ρομαντικό μέρος της χώρας της Ανάφης με θέα το Αιγαίο, τα δωμάτιά μας ΤΑ ΠΛΑΓΙΑ προσφέρουν ένα……

住宿

Ypseli Anafi's Hive

Anafi

YPSELI Η αιγαιοπελαγίτικη λέξη για την κυψέλη. Γι’ αυτό το μικρό δημιούργημα που συμβολίζει την προκοπή, την προσπάθεια, τη συνεργασία,……

住宿

ΠΑΡΑΔΕΙΣΟΣ

Anafi

Καλώς ήρθατε στα δωμάτια Παράδεισος Ανάφη Τα Δωμάτια Παράδεισος Ανάφη βρίσκονται στο κέντρο του χωριού! Εύκολη πρόσβαση από τη στάση……

住宿

DREAM STUDIOS

Anafi

Το Anafi Dream Studios σας καλωσορίζει στο πανέμορφο νησί της Ανάφης. Βρισκόμαστε στη δυτική πλευρά της Χώρας στην περιοχή Σιμάδια.……

住宿

Gavalas Studios

Anafi

Σας καλωσορίζουμε στα Gavalas Studios στην Ανάφη μόλις λίγα χιλιόμετρα από το λιμάνι και τη Χώρα. Η τοποθεσία, η φιλοξενία,……

住宿

VILLA GALINI

Anafi

Φτάνοντας κανείς στην Ανάφη, μέσα στη Χώρα, συναντά τα ολοκαίνουργια δωμάτια Βίλα Γαλήνη. Το συγκρότημα αποτελείται από studios που παρέχουν……

住宿

ΤΗΣ ΜΑΡΓΑΡΙΤΑΣ

Anafi

Τα δωμάτια της Μαργαρίτας βρίσκονται 30μ από την παραλία «Κλεισίδι», μία από τις ωραιότερες παραλίες της Ανάφης. Είναι δίκλινα, έχουν……

住宿