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Last updated: May 2026 · Where the Cyclades end and the silence begins
Anafi is the easternmost inhabited Cyclades island, a tiny, rugged place just beyond Santorini that feels like the edge of the world. Myth says the god Apollo raised it from the sea to shelter the Argonauts. Today it draws hikers, free-spirits and anyone craving real quiet.
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⛰️ The Monolith
1. Hike Mount Kalamos
Anafi's defining landmark is Kalamos, a colossal limestone monolith rising straight from the sea, said to be the largest in the Mediterranean after the Rock of Gibraltar. The hike up is the island's great adventure.
2. Monastery of Panagia Kalamiotissa
Perched at the very summit of Kalamos, this tiny monastery rewards the climb with one of the most jaw-dropping panoramas in the Aegean, all the way to Santorini and beyond.
3. Zoodochos Pigi Monastery
At the foot of Kalamos, the larger monastery of Zoodochos Pigi is built over the ruins of an ancient temple of Apollo, ancient column drums are still visible in its walls.
🏖️ Beaches
4. Roukounas
The island's main beach: a long, broad sweep of golden sand backed by dunes and a couple of seasonal tavernas, with Kalamos looming behind.
5. Klisidi
The closest beach to the port, sandy and sheltered with a friendly taverna, the easiest swim on the island.
6. Katsouni, Megalos & Mikros Roukounas
A chain of progressively quieter coves east of Roukounas, several clothing-optional, where you can often have the sand to yourself.
🏘️ Chora & Culture
7. Explore the Chora
The single white village clings to a ridge high above the port, a cluster of lanes, windmills and churches with vast sea views and a handful of tavernas and rooms.
8. The Old Path from Port to Chora
A restored stone trail (or the road) links the harbour of Agios Nikolaos to the Chora, a lovely short walk at golden hour.
🌌 Experiences
9. Stargazing & Total Quiet
With almost no light pollution or nightlife, Anafi has some of the darkest skies in the Cyclades, bring a blanket and watch the Milky Way.
10. Slow Travel & Local Food
Anafi rewards doing nothing: long taverna meals of goat, local cheese and kserotigana sweets, swims, and walks. Stock up on essentials, the island is small and services limited.
Practical Info 2026
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Best months | June, July, September |
| Ferry from Santorini | 1–2 hours |
| Getting around | Small bus port–Chora–Roukounas; walking |
| Vibe | Remote, wild, off-grid quiet |
| Don't miss | The hike up Kalamos to the monastery |
Organizza il viaggio
Pianifica le date a Anafi
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Athina Luxury Suites
Suite con vista sulla caldera a Fira, con piscina a sfioro e cucina raffinata.
Parte del team editoriale di Discover Cyclades: gente del posto che traghetta, fa escursioni, mangia e scrive su queste isole ogni stagione.
