ANAFI
(Area 38 sq. km. Distance from Pireaus 145 nautical miles).
From a distance, Anafi, in the south-east corner of the
Cyclades, looks like no more than an isolated rock in the ocean.
According to the myths, the Argonauts sought refuge from a storm
on the island. Archaeological finds have demonstrated that
Anafi was inhabited in antiquity. A road leads from the
picturesque harbour of Agios Nikolaos up to Hora, the only
settlement of any size, built on a naturally amphitheatrical
site in the centre of the island.
The monastery of Our Lady
'Kalamiotissa' (18th century, standing in the precinct of a
temple of Apollo Aegletus), the Venetian castle near Hora, and
the church of St Athanasius are among the special sights. The
beaches of Anafi, whether sandy or pebbly, are lapped by
crystal-clear water. The local religious feasts are very lively,
and so are the island dances. A few rooms are available for
rent on the island for those who enjoy quiet holidays close to
nature. There are infrequent ferry sailings for Piraeus.
How to get there: By ferry from Piraeus
Information: Piraeus Port Authority, tel.: 01/422.6000.
Useful telephone numbers: Automatic dialling code: 0286.
Commune Offices: tel.: 61266.