Anafi

In mythology, Anafi is associated with the return of the Argonauts from Colchis. When the Argonauts were trying to escape sudden darkness and intense storms in the Cretan Sea, they sought the help of the god Apollo. Apollo cast a radiant beam of light that revealed a nearby island where the Argonauts hurried to anchor. Due to this salvific appearance, the island was named Anafi, which means "the island that is illuminated." They built a sanctuary dedicated to the god Apollo Aeglitis (the Radiant).

During the Middle Ages, the island was subordinated to the Duchy of Naxos and governed by various Venetian rulers.

Anafi actively participated in the Greek Revolution of 1821 and was incorporated into the Greek state in 1832. During the reign of King Otto, the Anafiotes had a reputation as the country's best builders. By order of the king, several inhabitants moved from the island to Athens to build the royal palaces. They settled at the foot of the Acropolis and created their own neighborhood called "Anafiotika," which is a miniature representation of their island and now stands as a remarkable architectural gem of Athens.

• On the southern side of Anafi, the beaches are sandy, sheltered from the wind, and more popular. Starting from the Port, we encounter the beaches in the following order: Klisidi, Katsouni, Flamouro, Katelimatsa (Ancient Port), Mikros and Megalos Roukounas, Megas Potamos, Agioi Anargyroi, and Monastiri. These beaches are accessible on foot, by boat, or by bus.
• On the other hand, on the northern side of the island, the beaches are rocky and quieter. There, you will find peace and tranquility as these beaches are not as well-known and usually less crowded.
• Furthermore, Anafi is ideal for fishing enthusiasts, both underwater and from the shore, as its seas boast a wide variety of fish in crystal-clear waters.

• In the country of Anafi, you will find many interesting points of interest, such as the cobblestone alleys and the old windmills. Additionally, there are the ruins of the Venetian Castle in Chora, which served as an observatory towards the Cretan Sea. In the southwest of the island, you can find the ruins of the "Pyrgi" Castle, which also functioned as an observatory.
• Anafi also has an archaeological collection where statues from the Ancient City of Kasteli are exhibited. Furthermore, you can visit the ruins of the Temple of Aeglitis Apollo-Anafaion, the Monastery of Panagia Kalamiotissa on Mount Kalamos, the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, the cave "Drakontospilo" with its colorful stalactites and stalagmites, as well as an unexplored cave in the location "Prasa" with stalactites and stalagmites.
• Other notable places in Anafi include the ancient port of "Katelimatsa," a large part of which has sunk into the sea, the Ancient City of Anafi located on the hill of "Kasteli," the chapel of Panagia tou Dokariou in the location "Kasteli," and the Vigla hill, the highest point of Anafi. At the summit of the hill, the Phryctoriae were located, one of the main communication and signaling centers in the Mediterranean during the period 900-1000 AD.

Below are some popular ferry connections to Anafi:

• Ferry routes Piraeus - Anafi: The ferry company Blue Star Ferries operates the route from Piraeus to Anafi twice a week with an intermediate stop at Santorini. The duration of the journey is approximately 8 hours, and the cost of a one-way ticket starts at €45.5.
• Ferry routes Naxos - Anafi: The ferry connection between Naxos and Anafi is usually operated by the company Seajets with the fast vessel Caldera Vista twice a week. The ferry routes become more frequent during the summer season. The ticket cost with Seajets is €28.3, and the travel time is approximately 4.5 hours.
• Ferry routes Paros - Anafi: This route is operated twice a week by the ferry companies Blue Star Ferries and Seajets. The transit time to Anafi is about 5 hours, and the ticket cost is €35.4.
• Ferry routes Crete - Anafi: Anafi is connected by ferry to the port of Sitia in Crete. The route is operated once a week by Blue Star Ferries, and the ticket cost is €18.5. The travel duration is 3 hours and 15 minutes.

From Anafi, you can also travel to nearby islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, Milos, Syros, and Crete. Make your ferry ticket reservations online for Anafi through booktickets and embark on an unforgettable journey.