General information about the island of Anafi
Strengths:
Sea and beaches, points of interest, prices.
Average:
Excursions, crowding, nightlife.
Weaknesses:
Connections, not very suitable for families with children.
- Capital: Anafi (Chora)
- Population: 500
- Area: 38 km²
- Port: Aghios Nikolaos
- Airport: no
- Public transportation: yes
- Car and motorcycle rental: yes
- Campsites: no
Anafi (from Greek Ανάφη) is one of the southernmost islands of the Cyclades, located between Santorini (12 nautical miles) and Astypalea in the Dodecanese. It can only be reached by sea and is 145 nautical miles from Piraeus.
It has an area of 38 km² and about 500 inhabitants.
In the last century, many islanders emigrated to Athens and founded the picturesque area called Anafiotica in Plaka.
The island's coasts are very rugged, enclosing beautiful coves. To the north, there are only rocks and cliffs, while to the south are the sandy beaches. The island's terrain is rocky and very arid, yet the climate is particularly fertile due to its volcanic nature, predominantly cultivating grapes, tomatoes, and legumes. Although the island is small, it stands out in the sea because it reaches 585 meters with Mount Viglia. The territory is arid (except for some small green oases with olive trees, vines, and fig trees) and, due to its location, was used as a place of exile. Among the local products, noteworthy are the goat cheese and thyme honey.
The capital of the island is Anafi (or Chora), the classic beautiful white Cycladic village with a very panoramic position.
The sea of Anafi is crystal clear and very beautiful.
According to mythology, Anafi emerged from the sea, by the will of Apollo, to shelter the Argonauts during a storm. The island is very quiet, there is no nightlife, and tourist services are very limited. The inhabitants are very traditional and love to defend the island's centuries-old peculiarities. Being not easily reachable and somewhat isolated in the Aegean Sea, Anafi has the charm of a somewhat wild and intimate place.
The island's roads are only partially paved but lead to the most interesting places. One road, starting from the port, reaches Chora (half an hour on foot), while another runs south, where there are beaches and the beautiful Zoodochos Pigi Monastery. Both roads are served by a bus with stops near the various beaches. In Anafi, it is possible to rent cars or scooters, but there is no taxi service by land, only taxi boats. The island, being small, can also be visited on foot.
