Bathed in the golden sun of the Aegean and kissed by the salt of the sea, Anafi is a Cycladic island that has managed to preserve its charm, simplicity, and sense of solitude. Tucked away from the hustle of modern tourism, Anafi remains a quiet paradise—untouched, authentic, and deeply captivating.
A Timeless Escape
Visitors to Anafi are often enchanted by its rugged beauty and the heartfelt hospitality of the locals. This isn’t just another island getaway—it’s a journey to a place where time slows down, and nature takes center stage. Anafi is steadily gaining recognition on the tourist map, but it continues to attract a different kind of traveler: one who seeks discovery over luxury, authenticity over convenience.
Rather than mass tourism, Anafi appeals to the modern-day explorer—those who arrive not as mere tourists, but as wanderers, eager to uncover the soul of an unspoiled and almost otherworldly land.
Beaches of Anafi: Where Trails Lead to Paradise
Anafi is laced with scenic hiking trails that lead to golden, secluded beaches with deep green waters. Most of these beaches lie along the southeastern coast, which is easily accessible by local bus. In contrast, the northern coastline is steep and rugged, with few accessible shores.
The main paved road connects the port of Agios Nikolaos to Chora (the main town), the southeastern beaches, and the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. Smaller roads branch off toward the eastern side, including Agios Mamas, and the western coast, home to beaches like Kameni Lagkada, Vagia, and Prasa. Keep in mind, Anafi’s beaches are unorganized, offering a more natural, untouched seaside experience.
A Mythical Origin
Anafi’s name and mythical origins are as striking as its landscape. According to legend, as the Argonauts were returning from Colchis, they were caught in a violent storm in the Cretan Sea. In their distress, they prayed to Apollo, who responded by casting a radiant beam of light that revealed the island. The Argonauts anchored safely and named it Anafi—meaning "the island that appeared." In gratitude, they built a temple in honor of Apollo Aegletus, the god of radiant light.
Apollo held a significant place in Cycladic mythology, and Anafi celebrated him with annual festivals known as the Hyakinthia. Some sources also claim that Anafi was the birthplace of Aeolus, the god of the winds, who famously gave Odysseus his bag of winds.
Layers of History Beneath the Surface
Archaeological findings confirm that Anafi has been inhabited since prehistoric times. After the decline of the Cycladic civilization, the island saw settlers from the Phoenicians and Dorians, who founded the ancient city of Anafi. By the 5th century BCE, it had become a member of the Delian League, aligning with Athens.
Ruins of the ancient city can still be seen atop Kastelli Hill, including remains of fortification walls, a necropolis with elaborate tombs resembling small houses, and Roman funerary monuments. On the southeastern coast, the Temple of Apollo Aegletus—said to have been built by the Argonauts—was discovered. The Monastery of Panagia Kalamiotissa now stands on its ruins, incorporating ancient building materials and inscriptions.
Other deities worshipped on Anafi included Asclepius, Zeus Ktesios, and Aphrodite, as evidenced by temple inscriptions. A sacred road once connected the political center at Kastelli with the religious heart of the island—the temple of Apollo. Fragments of this road have been found, along with ruins of a harbor settlement in the area known as Katalymatso, thought to be the island’s ancient port.
From the Middle Ages to Modern Legacy
During the Byzantine era, Anafi remained relatively quiet. After the fall of Constantinople in 1204, the island became part of the Duchy of the Aegean, under the control of Marco Sanudo. Anafi was granted to Leonardo Foscolo, and its name was Latinized to Namphio.
Throughout the Middle Ages, Anafi belonged to the Duchy of Naxos, governed by a series of Venetian rulers. Like many Cycladic islands, Anafi suffered frequent pirate raids, leading to significant devastation. Many residents were forced to flee, often settling in Crete. The most devastating blow came in 1537, when the island was plundered by the pirate Barbarossa and subsequently fell under Ottoman control.
Despite these hardships, Anafi played a role in the Greek War of Independence in 1821 and was formally integrated into the modern Greek state in 1832.
The Birth of Anafiotika: A Piece of Anafi in the Heart of Athens
In the years of King Otto's reign, Anafi earned a unique place in modern Greek history. Its inhabitants were widely regarded as master builders, and the king invited many of them to Athens to construct the royal palace. These skilled craftsmen settled at the foot of the Acropolis, founding a small community known as Anafiotika—a charming, whitewashed neighborhood that still resembles a miniature version of their island home. Today, Anafiotika is one of Athens’ most picturesque districts and a living testament to Anafi’s cultural legacy.
Whether you're drawn to its mythic past, its untouched beaches, or its quiet defiance of modern overdevelopment, Anafi is more than just a destination—it’s an experience. A serene retreat for the traveler in search of history, beauty, and soul.
