Discover Cyclades
Discover Cyclades
Plan your trip to Anafi, Greece: Kalamos (Europe's tallest sea monolith), a cliff monastery, empty beaches and solitude, plus how to get there by ferry.
A remote paradise of golden beaches, towering monoliths, and absolute freedom
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Anafi's a remote, traditional Cyclades island with a towering volcanic monolith, crystal-clear beaches, and a peaceful car-free Chora. Reached in 7 to 8 hours by a ferry to Anafi from Piraeus, Anafi island, Greece is one of the least-touristed spots in the country, perfect for complete relaxation and total disconnection.
Anafi's the most remote and least developed island in the Cyclades, lying 22 nautical miles east of Santorini at the very edge of the archipelago. Since there are no paved roads beyond the port-to-Chora route, no nightlife, and fewer than 300 permanent residents, it offers a travel experience that feels closer to the 1970s than the modern age.
The island's dominated by the monumental Kalamos rock, a 460-meter limestone monolith that rises from the eastern tip of the island, rivaling Gibraltar in sheer dramatic presence. At its summit sits the Monastery of Kalamiotissa, which you can reach by a challenging two-hour hike. Below Kalamos, some of the finest and emptiest beaches in the entire Aegean stretch for hundreds of meters of golden sand.
Anafi attracts a particular kind of traveler: someone who craves solitude, pristine nature, and the freedom of an island where shoes are optional and schedules are irrelevant. Your biggest decision of the day is which empty beach to call your own. If you're seeking the antithesis of Mykonos or Santorini, Anafi's your island.
Anafi's where the Cyclades whisper their final secret: paradise needs nothing but sand, sea, and silence.
Anafi offers distinct neighborhoods for every trip style. Compare areas and live rates on our Anafi hotels page or the detailed where to stay in Anafi guide.
Handpicked hotels with exceptional reviews and local character.
Detailed breakdowns of every neighborhood and village.
Expert Recommendation
"For the first-time visitor, staying in the main Chora provides the best balance of accessibility and atmosphere."
According to Greek mythology, Anafi was raised from the sea by the god Apollo to provide shelter to the Argonauts during a terrible storm. The god Apollo shot an arrow of light that illuminated the island in the darkness, giving it its name from "anafaino" (meaning to reveal or appear).
The island was sacred to Apollo Aegletes (Apollo of the Radiance). A major temple complex stood near present-day Kalamos, drawing pilgrims from across the Aegean. The Monastery of Kalamiotissa was built using ancient temple stones, and you can still see archaeological remains of the sanctuary there today.
After the devastating 1956 earthquake that flattened much of Santorini, workers from Anafi traveled to help rebuild. Many settled there permanently, creating the "Anafiotika" neighborhood beneath the Acropolis in Athens. It's a cluster of whitewashed houses built by homesick Anafiots in the style of their island village.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Anafi became a legendary destination for free campers and alternative travelers seeking liberation from mainstream society. While organized camping has replaced wild camping, the island retains its free-spirited atmosphere and attracts those seeking an unconventional island experience.
Explore the heart of Anafi
Anafi's tiny capital clings to a hilltop above the port. It's a cluster of whitewashed cube houses, blue-domed churches, and winding footpaths. With just a handful of tavernas, a couple of shops, and a kafeneio, Chora is quintessential Cycladic village life at its most authentic.
The ruins of the ancient Venetian castle of Kastelli sit on a rocky promontory between Chora and the port, offering some of the best views on the island. The remains of medieval walls and a small church mark this strategic point where guards once watched for pirates.
It's not a traditional village, but a loose collection of seasonal rooms, a campsite, and a beach bar near the island's most famous beach. During summer, Roukounas becomes a laid-back gathering point for the island's beach-loving visitors, with a relaxed atmosphere that recalls the island's counterculture past.
The tiny port area where ferries dock is the first and last thing you'll see on Anafi. A small cluster of rooms, a taverna or two, and the bus stop form the island's most practical hub. From here, a winding road climbs to Chora and trails lead east to the beaches.
Boutique villas, cave hotels, and sea-view suites — all in one place.
The best shores of Anafi
A vast 500-meter sweep of golden sand backed by dunes and cedar trees, consistently ranked among the finest beaches in all of Greece
The closest beach to the port, a sheltered sandy cove with tamarisk shade and a seasonal canteen
A beautiful remote beach beneath the looming presence of Kalamos rock, with golden sand and a sense of the sublime
A lesser-known island tucked between rocky headlands, with soft sand and vivid emerald water sheltered from the wind
A wild, rocky beach near the base of Kalamos, reached only by determined hikers, with sweeping cliff scenery
Explore every beach and hidden village at your own pace.
Simple, honest island cooking where every ingredient is local, seasonal, and served with pride
Anafi's signature pasta dish: handmade noodles served with local goat cheese and caramelized onions. The recipe is unique to the island.
Octopus hung to dry in the Aegean sun and wind, then grilled over charcoal and served with vinegar. It's a Cycladic classic perfected here.
Fresh handmade pasta tossed with rabbit or rooster slow-cooked in tomato sauce, a dish shared across the southeastern Cyclades
Foraged wild capers, purslane, and seasonal greens dressed with local olive oil, reflecting the island's self-sufficient food culture
Fresh and aged cheeses from the island's free-roaming goats, which graze on wild herbs and give the cheese a unique aromatic quality
Every family on Anafi produces their own raki. The welcoming spirit is offered generously and sipped slowly at every occasion.
From sunrise to sunset in Anafi
The ultimate Anafi experience: climb the 460-meter Kalamos monolith to the Monastery of Kalamiotissa at the summit. The trail passes through ancient ruins of the Apollo sanctuary, and the views from the top encompass the entire Cyclades chain.
4-5 hours (round trip)Claim your spot on the endless golden sands of Roukounas. Bring a book, snorkel gear, and provisions for a full day of blissful beach life on one of Greece's finest stretches of sand.
Full dayWalk the coastal trail from Kleisidi through Katsouni and Roukounas to Megalos Potamos, discovering each beach and swimming along the way. The trail hugs the coastline beneath Kalamos.
3-4 hoursThe sheltered emerald waters of Katsouni are perfect for snorkeling. The rocky edges harbor marine life, while the sandy center offers easy swimming in warm, protected water.
2 hoursWander the labyrinthine whitewashed lanes of Chora, discovering hidden churches, the ruined Venetian castle at the summit, and viewpoints overlooking the sea toward Santorini.
1.5 hoursWalk to the ruins of the medieval Kastelli fortress on the promontory between the port and Chora. The panoramic views from here are spectacular, stretching to Santorini and beyond.
1 hourWatch the sun set behind Santorini's caldera from Chora's western viewpoints. On clear evenings, the silhouette of Santorini glows orange and red, a view shared by only a handful of visitors.
1 hourThe peaceful atmosphere and golden light of Anafi's beaches make them natural settings for yoga and meditation. The island's free-spirited vibe attracts wellness practitioners each summer.
1 hourDine at one of Chora's traditional tavernas on spinialo pasta, fresh fish, and local wine. Meals are unhurried, portions generous, and the cook may come out to check you enjoyed everything.
2.5 hoursWith virtually zero light pollution, Anafi offers some of the best stargazing in Europe. Walk a few minutes from any village and the Milky Way blazes across the sky in stunning clarity.
1 hourSailing trips, sunset cruises, diving, cooking classes and more.
Find the perfect time for your Anafi trip
Ferry routes and travel connections
Ferry tickets
Search live ferry schedules from Piraeus (Athens) to Anafi.
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Ferries, hotels, car rental and neighbourhood guides — everything you need after reading this Anafi guide.
Anafi connects to 1 nearby islands by ferry. These are the live island-hopping routes from Anafi, with direct connections drawn from our full Cyclades ferry catalogue.
The caldera, legendary Oia sunsets, and volcanic wines. It's the nearest major island.
Curated tours and activities
Guided ascent of the Kalamos monolith with an expert who explains the archaeology of the Apollo sanctuary and the island's geology.
Explore the island's wild coastline by boat, visiting sea caves, hidden beaches, and snorkeling spots inaccessible by land.
Insider tips for your Anafi trip
Hand-picked Cyclades photography — refreshed weekly from Pexels.
Photography via Pexels — credit shown per image.
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Everything you need to know about Anafi
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Journey to the edge of the Cyclades where golden beaches, the mighty Kalamos, and absolute freedom await you.