Discover Anafi: Archaeology, Routes and Island Nature

Anafi is the southeasternmost island of the Cyclades. History, hiking trails and striking landscapes offer different ways to explore the island: in Chora and on Kastelli Hill, you can encounter archaeological remains, while selected routes connect places of historical, cultural or ecological significance.

Ancient Sites and Chora

The ancient city of Anafi was founded on Kastelli Hill and was fortified. Above-ground and numerous underground tombs lay on its southeastern side. The large, high enclosure at the sanctuary of Apollo Aigletis stands out; ruins and architectural elements can be found all around it. In the Dokari area, near the small church of Panagia, a marble sarcophagus with reliefs on its sides can be seen: it depicts Erotes, griffins and sirens, as well as Bellerophon and Pegasus.

The Archaeological Collection of Anafi displays finds recovered during a surface survey in a small exhibition space. Check the current visiting arrangements before your visit. A walk through Chora also takes in another characteristic sight: windmills.

Hiking Routes for Different Time Budgets

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

• Route 1 leads from Chora via Roukounas and Megas Potamos to the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. It is 7.8 kilometers long; the walking time is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes.
• Route 2 connects Roukounas, Kastelli and the ancient city, Agios Mamas, the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi and Kalamos. The stated time for the 9 kilometers is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours.
• Route 3 connects Agios Dimitrios, Agios Antonios and the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. The route is 7.2 kilometers long and takes approximately 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes.
• Route 4 leads from Chora via Stavros and Rachidi to Lakkous. The stated time for the 4 kilometers is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.

This makes it possible to plan according to different criteria: Route 2 is the longest of the four, while Route 3 has the longest stated duration despite being shorter. Route 4 is the shortest both in distance and time. Walking times are estimates; trail conditions may change. Check them before setting out.

Kalamos, Protected Areas and Nature

At the eastern end of the island rises Kalamos, a massive, solid rock that is especially popular with experienced climbers and mountaineers. The Monastery of Panagia Kalamiotissa sits at its summit. Drakontospilo Cave, with its stalactites and stalagmites, is also located at the edge of Kalamos. It can be reached by a difficult path; access difficulty may vary.

Kalamos and Roukounas are part of the Natura 2000 international environmental protection network. Eleonora’s falcon (Falco eleonorae) breeds on the rock of Kalamos and on the rocky islets of Ftena, Makria and Pachia. More than 300 pairs are reported for Anafi; population figures may change over time. Those interested in coastal landscapes will find fine golden sand and distinctive palm trees at Kleisidi Beach. Beach conditions may vary seasonally.

Culture and Getting Around the Island

Cultural events are held regularly each year on Anafi, with additional events mainly in summer. These include a traditional island folk festival every summer in Chora’s square, as well as exhibitions of ethnographic material and photographs. Visitors can also attend celebrations at the small chapels. The celebrations vary from year to year, so check the event dates before your trip.

For getting around, 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 are also accessible by local bus. As bus schedules vary by season, check the timetable for your travel dates separately.

Discover more destinations: Oía, Imerovigli, Emporio, Karavostásis, Ano Meria, Vothonas, Íos, Vlychada.

Return to the main travel overview: Santorini.