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The most popular Swedish travel guide, consider this island to be a fairy tale island. It's of course their favourite island.

This made me curious, so in 1996 I decided to spend some days on this island.

Generally I consider my visit to Anáfi to be a pleasant experience, because it very well match the expectations I have on a Greek island, with rather few tourists, quite, not specially adjusted to tourism, and splendid beaches as a bonus.

Map

Where to stay?

There are mainly three places to stay on Anáfi:

• A few rooms at the port, Ágios Nikólaos.
• Some rooms above the first beach to the right of the harbour, Klisídi.
• Rooms in Chóra, some with brilliant view over various islets and the gigantic rock, Kálamos, situated at the south-eastern corner of Anáfi.

I had a room in Chóra, which I consider to be the best choice. It's close to the few shops and taverns that exist, it's very quit and the village it self is very nice.

In my opinion it's to noisy down at the port, thanks to some bars.

What to do?

Anáfi is an island made for relaxation and to enjoy the wonderful beaches. That's just about it!

Not satisfied? Why not read a good book when you hit the shad under a tamarisk? Then you can do some walking, not only to the beaches, but also to a couple of monasteries and to the ruined fort, where the first settlement on the island was built. In the evening you visit one of two taverns and have a nice meal, maybe with a local wine.

At least I am content with that much to do!

Beaches

The beaches on Anáfi are marvellous, mostly with fine soft sand. All the beaches are south facing and situated to the east from the port, beginning directly with a small beach besides the port Ágios Nikólaos. Most of the beaches are clothing optional, at least from Katsóuni and further to the east.

The easiest way to reach the different beaches is to go by a very fast boat, specially made for this mission. But if you are into walking, you should start a little east of Chóra, on the paved road, where you will find a sign post; Kastélli - Paléa Chóra - Roúkouna - Monastíri. Here starts the main path to the different beaches except Klisídi.

Klisídi is just a short walk from Ágios Nikólaos, and is about 200 metre wide, with tamarisk trees. Above the beach there are some rooms as mentioned before and a snack bar.

Katsóuni is next and here you will find some people camping and living a kind of back to nature live, nude of course.

Also on Mikros Roukóunas camping exists.

Megalos Roukóunas, maybe the best beach on the island, with some 500 metres of broad sand with tamarisks offering some shad. Close to the beach a single tavern operates, which offers a welcome break when staying in the sun is getting to hot.

Further to the right there are several coves with the name Katelímatsa in common. I never visited those, but I think they could be a nice alternative if you like seclusion.

Finally you will find the beach of Prassies, or the monastery beach. It's rather isolated with a few people. You will find shadow under some trees.

If you are thinking of walking to the monastery of Panagía Kalamiótissa you start a little above this beach. It's about one hour of walk up towards the monastery, but it's worthwhile for the stunning scenery and view over the entire south coast.

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