The places of the heart

Anafi

According to an ancient legend, the first to arrive to the remote Island of Anafi were the Argonauts, who in their way to Crete following the challenging northward route were caught by a storm in the middle of a moonless night. The compassionate god Apollo suffering for the dire fate of the brave heroes who had left to recover the Golden Fleece, decided to give them a helping hand and shot a glowing arrow that lit the night and guided them toward the imposing silhouette of Kalamos Mount at Anafi.
Little has changed since then in this incredible little Island in the middle of the Southern Aegean Sea, just a few miles away from Santorini, because Anafi is still untouched, wild and evocative with its spectacular rocky buttress that is the largest one in Europe after the Rock of Gibraltar, its magnificent white “Chora”, with its silent small alleys and the breathtaking views on the deep-blue Aegean Sea. And last but not least, the five pristine sandy beaches along the southern coast offering incredible swimming and snorkelling opportunities in crystal-clear waters.

Anafi is the opposite of Santorini because it is still untouched by mass tourism. The scarcity of shelters may discourage sailors but once you get there you will be overwhelmed by the powerful emotions that only a special and unique island like Anafi can offer you.

For the sportsmen, we suggest the challenging excursion to the monastery Panagia Kalamiotisa with the ruins of the Apollo temples. We strongly recommend to take to the road in the coolest hours of late afternoon and to spend the night outdoor on the top of the mountain to enjoy one of the most spectacular sunsets in the Mediterranean.