Anafi is the southeasternmost island in the Cyclades. Ancient traces, hiking trails and the landscape around Kalamos offer different perspectives on the island. If you are considering Anafi as a place to stay, you can compare your interests more specifically: Would you mainly like to explore Chora and archaeological sites, plan a hiking route, or focus on the beaches in the southeast?

Chora and the Ancient City on Kastelli

The ancient city of Anafi was founded on Kastelli Hill and was fortified. Above-ground and numerous underground tombs were located on the southeastern side of the hill. The sanctuary of Apollo Aigletis is also distinguished by its large, high enclosure; ruins and architectural elements lie all around it.

Another archaeological detail is a marble sarcophagus near the small church of Panagia in the Dokari area. Its sides are decorated with reliefs of Erotes, griffins, sirens, Bellerophon and Pegasus. The Anafi Archaeological Collection displays finds from a surface salvage excavation in a small exhibition room. The collection is a program item in its own right; check the current opening arrangements before your visit.

Windmills can also be seen on a walk through Chora. The cultural program includes annual events and additional activities, especially in summer. These include a traditional island folk festival held every summer in Chora’s square, as well as exhibitions featuring ethnographic material and photographs. Visitors can also attend festivals at the small chapels. Individual dates and programs vary according to the calendar.

Choose Hiking Routes by Time and Distance

The selected trail network is 18 kilometers long in total. It crosses large parts of the island and connects places of particular historical, cultural or ecological significance. The four routes described differ in both length and stated duration:

• Route 1 runs from Chora via Roukounas and Megas Potamos to the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. It is 7.8 kilometers long; the stated duration is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes.
• Route 2 connects Roukounas, Kastelli with the ancient city, Agios Mamas, the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi and Kalamos. The stated duration for the 9 kilometers is 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours.
• Route 3 runs for 7.2 kilometers from Agios Dimitrios to Agios Antonios and the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. Its stated duration, at 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes, is longer than that of Route 1, even though it is shorter.
• Route 4 runs from Chora via Stavros and Rachidi to Lakkous. The route is 4 kilometers long and takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.

The distance information helps you plan a suitable amount of time for a hiking day; by itself, it does not indicate what a route is like. Trail conditions can change, so check the situation before setting out.

Kalamos and the Eastern Landscape

Kalamos lies at the eastern end of Anafi: a massive, compact rock that is particularly popular with experienced climbers and mountaineers. The Monastery of Panagia Kalamiotissa stands at its summit. The Drakontospilo Cave, with stalactites and stalagmites, is also located at the edge of Kalamos. It can be reached via a difficult path; access conditions may vary.

The areas of Kalamos and Roukounas are part of the international Natura 2000 environmental protection network. The Eleonora’s falcon is also part of the natural landscape: it breeds on the rock of Kalamos and on the rocky islets of Ftena, Makria and Pachia. Fine golden-colored sand and distinctive palm trees characterize Kleisidi Beach; beach conditions may vary by season.

Getting Around and Planning by Season

The paved main road connects the port of Agios Nikolaos with Chora, the beaches in the southeast and the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. The southeastern beaches can also be reached by local bus. As the timetable is seasonal, check it separately for your trip. Together with changing event dates, this information is useful when planning your days on Anafi and looking for a hotel for your stay.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Agios Georgios, Thira, Mesariá, Alopronoia, Mylopotas, Agia Theodoti, Kamari, Íos.

For the overview of the wider destination: Santorini.