Tour of Anafi island
Anafi is a small island located in the southern part of Cyclades group.
It is one of the most beautiful islands in the Aegean Sea, with a unique landscape, untouched wild beauties and fine virgin beaches with crystal clear waters.
Anafi is the ideal place for quiet and peaceful holidays.
Tourist infrastructure satisfy all demands: you will find hotels and numerous rooms to let.
There are also some taverns where you will enjoy local recipes, coffee shops and bars.
Geographical & Historical Outline of Anafi
Anafi lies at the south-east edge of the Cyclades, with the Dodecanese to the east and Crete to the south.
It is one of prettiest Cycladic Islands with an area of 40 square kilometers.
The center of the island is dominated by mount Vigla (600 meters) and there is a little vegetation in the west part.
It is one of the most tranquil of the Cyclades.
The earliest inhabitants of the islands were Phoenicians, followed later by Dorians.
Its patron god was Apollo, to whom a temple was erected by the Argonauts and Jason, during the expedition in search of the Golden Fleece.
The Romans came on the island in the 2nd century BC, and then used Anafi as a place for unwanted citizens.
Tour of Anafi island
ANAFI (or Chora), is the capital and the only settlement of the island.
It is built on a low hill and has traditional Cycladic architecture and a superb view in the direction of the small and graphic harbor of Agios Nikolaos, 2 kilometers to the south.
Several churches are scattered throughout Chora.
The most important are those of Agios Nikolaos, of the Assumption of the Virgin, of Agios Charalambos and of Christ of the Cross.
A short distance away are the ruins of the Venetian Castle and a few remains of an ancient city are preserved at Kastelli.
There is a scattering of other archaeological finds at Katalimata, near the monastery of Panagia Kalamiotissa, at the top of the Kalamos hill: these remains belong to the ancient temple of Apollo.
The ruins of the Venetian fortress are preserved in a nearby area at the south-east end of the island.
BEACHES
The beaches of the island have an exotic character and crystal clear waters.
KLISIDI is a small paradise beach with fine sand and crystal waters.
You will find rooms to let and fish taverns.
KATSOUNI, FLAMOUROU and MIKROS ROUKOUNAS are remote little coves with fine golden sandy beaches and clear transparent waters.
MEGALOS ROUKOUNAS is the most popular sandy beach of the island. In the area you will find rooms to let and fish taverns.
MEGAS POTAMOS is a magic pebbly beach formed by the eponymous gorge that forms a deep valley between Kastelli hill and the mountainous range of Halepa.
TRADITION – EVENTS
The larges Anafiot feast takes place on 7 and 8 September at the Kalamiotissa Monastery.
Other important religious festivals are those of Prophet Elias on 20th July in Vryssi, of Panagia on 15th August in Chora, and of Agios Panteleimonas on 27th July in Vagia.
LOCAL CUISINE
In the taverns of the island you will taste the delicious local recipes.
One of the most popular is lobster with spaghetti and the rabbit onion stew (called stifado).
