Passengers who are traveling with the ferry to Anafi, arrive on the southeastern side of the Cyclades Islands group, Anafi is a little gem in the Greek islands!
Greek Mythology has it that Anafi, a paradise of pristine beauty and “exotic” beaches washed by crystal clear waters, had emerged from the bottom of the Aegean sea to give shelter to the Argonauts.
Upon entering the bay of Agios Nikolaos, you can see a marvellous Hora unfolding as in an amphitheatre. Built on the ruins of a Venetian castle, Hora is a picturesque image of whitewashed dome-roofed houses and narrow stone-paved alleys. It is this image that had once inspired the craftsmen who left their home island in the Cyclades to build the scenic settlement of “Anafiotika” at the base of the Acropolis Rock in Athens, back in 1860-1870.
Anafi island in Greece has, just like Santorini, volcanic origins, so it boasts a very unique volcanic landscape. Imposing cliffs and raw sandy beaches create a wild natural scenery, ideal for those who love holidays in nature!
Book a ferry to Anafi in advance and feel its magic in a wonderful journey!
Getting to Anafi by ferry
Getting to Anafi island is accessible only by ferry from some ports around the Aegean sea, since Anafi is quite a small and secluded island. The closest port to Anafi is the port of Santorini. Apart from Santorini, the island is also linked with Ios, Milos and some more destinations around the Cyclades.
Athens to Anafi
Anafi can be reached from Athens, as there is a ferry connection between Anafi and Piraeus port, approximately 3 times per week. However, the duration of the trip is about 9-11 hours. There is also a ferry connection from the port of Lavrio, a small town in northeast Attica which is close to the airport.
Piraeus to Anafi
Get from the biggest port in Greece, Piraeus,and the surrounding islands to Anafi. It takes about 6-7 hours for a conventional ferry to reach Anafi while the high-speed will reach the island in about 4-5 hours.
Anafi ferry port
Anafi is a remote and isolated island of the Cyclades, situated east of Santorini. It is located on the south coast of the island, 3km from Chora and 1km from Klisidi. Ferries to Anafi depart regularly from Athens.The ferry port of Anafi is located in the settlement of Agios Nikolaos and has limited facilities available, with just one shop and a few restaurants and cafés. Hora, the capital and only village on the island, is a 10 minute bus ride from the harbor.
Transportation in Anafi
Anafi is a lovely, quiet island in Cyclades, spotted close to Santorini. On this island there are no taxi services, however you can move around in other ways.
Public Buses
Public buses on Anafi cover the distance between Chora and the port. During summer, special routes are carried out towards the Monastery of Zoodochos Pighi and the most popular beaches of the island. More details in Anafi Bus.
Taxi
There is a 24/7 taxi service on the island. Please, check Anafi Taxis in order to schedule a transfer.
Car and Motorbike Rentals
With a car or motorcycle, you can explore the island at your own pace and gain access to the most secluded spots! In case you don't have your own vehicle, it is an excellent idea to rent a car for your sightseeing trips!
On Foot
As Anafi is a small island, you can easily reach most places on foot. For instance, the walking distance from Chora to the port is about 20 minutes.
Holidays in Anafi
Anafi is a small and secluded island on the southeastern side of the Cyclades. This is one of the least tourist-developed islands of Greece, therefore activities in Anafi are limited. Hiking is the most popular activity on Anafi island and it is actually a necessity sometimes because motor vehicles there are very few.
Many visitors also go to Anafi for free camping on the beach. The local municipality has even constructed facilities for free campers, like showers on the beach. The only shops on the island, like mini-markets and groceries, are found in Chora.
Beaches in Anafi
The most frequented Anafi beaches are found on the southern side of the island, as they are easier to be reached either on foot or by boat. The common feature of all Anafi beaches is their tranquillity because the island is not developed in tourism at all. Most beaches are long and sandy, with crystal water and only a few trees for protection. Visitors will find no organized beaches there, just long beaches with no facilities at all.
Below is a list of the best beaches in Anafi island.
- Agios Nikolaos Beach: The long and sandy coast of Agios Nikolaos is the nearest beach to the port of Anafi. Some rooms to rent and a couple of taverns can be found along its side
- Roukounas Beach: Roukounas is a large sandy beach with some vegetation on the shore that provides shade in summer. It is reached by boat from the port of Anafi.
- Klisidi Beach: Kleisidi is a large, sandy beach with crystal water. It is surrounded by huge rocks and can be reached on foot from Chora or by boat from the port of Anafi
- Katsouni Beach: Katsouni is a small rocky beach close to the port of Chora. It doesn't receive many visitors, so it is perfect for some privacy and calmness
- Agioi Anargyri Beach: Agioi Anargyri is a small sandy beach that has taken its name from a lovely chapel built close to it. It can be reached by boat and an ancient site is located a walking distance from this beach
- Flamourou Beach: Flamourou is a small cove surrounded by a huge and barren mountainside. The beach doesn't receive many tourists, so it is perfect for some calm moments
Sightseeing and Activities in Anafi
Anafi has a rich history and is even mentioned in Greek mythology as the island responsible for saving the shipwrecked Argonauts. During your holidays in Anafi, we urge you to discover its past, local traditions and unique natural sights.
Below, we will provide some of the most popular sights and activities in Anafi:
- The Chora: Amphitheatrically built upon the ruins of a Venetian castle, 3km from the harbour of Agios Nikolaos, Hora (the island’s main town) quite literally sparkles. You will wander its narrow alleys, impressed by its distinctive Aegean architecture and calmed by its relaxed, leisurely pace. Enjoy the limitless view to the sea and lose yourself in romantic musings at sunset against the backdrop of the two windmills on the hillside
- Kalamos and Dracontospilo: The highest monolith in the eastern Mediterranean, the 460m tall limestone rock of Kalamos at the eastern end of the island constitutes its most impressive natural sight. “The most terrifying rock in the world”, according to an 18th-century French traveller, it is particularly popular with experienced rappellers and climbers
- The Monastery of Panagia Kalamiotissa: At the top of Kalamos, you’ll admire the rugged, imposing landscape as you ascend, accompanied by the caws of hawks and the gentle whistle of the wind. On reaching the summit, you’ll be awestruck at the sight of the elegant church with its white dome and bell tower, not to mention the breathless blue of the sea and the sky uniting on the fine thread of the horizon
- Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi: This monastery is located about 6 km east of Chora and its position offers gorgeous views to the sea. It was constructed with stones and material from a close ancient temple of Apollo. The route from Chora to this monastery is a popular trekking path
Day trips from Anafi
There are frequent ferry routes from Anafi to many other islands of the Cyclades as well as to some islands of the Dodecanese and to Crete. In just 1.5 hours, you can be in Santorini, one of the most famous destinations in Greece!
Greek Islands are all unique and after visiting one, you will not be able to stop, below there is one list with ferry routes from Anafi:
