A remote paradise of golden beaches, towering monoliths, and absolute freedom
Anafi is the most remote and least developed island in the Cyclades, lying 22 nautical miles east of Santorini at the very edge of the archipelago. With no paved roads beyond the port-to-Chora route, no nightlife, and fewer than 300 permanent residents, Anafi offers a travel experience that feels closer to the 1970s than the modern age.
The island is 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, accessible by a challenging but rewarding 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: one who craves solitude, pristine nature, and the freedom of an island where shoes are optional, schedules are irrelevant, and the biggest decision of the day is which empty beach to call your own. If you're seeking the antithesis of Mykonos or Santorini, Anafi is your island.
Anafi is where the Cyclades whisper their final secret — that paradise needs nothing but sand, sea, and silence.
According to Greek mythology, Anafi was raised from the sea by Apollo to provide shelter to the Argonauts during a terrible storm. The god shot an arrow of light that illuminated the island in the darkness, giving it its name — "Anafi" from "anafaino" (to reveal/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. Archaeological remains of the sanctuary can still be seen at the Monastery of Kalamiotissa, which was built using ancient temple stones.
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 — 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, a postcard-perfect 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 and unspoiled.
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 approaching pirates.
Not a traditional village but rather a loose collection of seasonal accommodation, 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 convivial atmosphere that recalls the island's counterculture past.
The tiny port area where ferries dock is the first and last thing visitors 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.
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 hidden gem 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 breathtaking cliff scenery
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, a recipe unique to the island
Octopus hung to dry in the Aegean sun and wind, then grilled over charcoal and served with vinegar — 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 hourFind the perfect time for your Anafi trip
Ferry routes and travel connections
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
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 the intrepid traveler.
