Anafi is the beauty of Cyclades thanks to her nature. The island with the golden beaches and evergreen waters gives its guests relaxing vacation in the nature. For nature lovers, Anafi is an ideal destination for relaxing vacations. Chora is the capital of the island with white houses, paved alleys and ruins of the Venetian castle. It is built amphitheatrically on a hill and because of her location offers you magnificent view. The island is not a very famous tourist resort, although it can offer you everything you need for nice vacations. If you have transportation you can explore the island following the road network. For those who love hiking have the opportunity to tour the island and enjoy walks in nature. For the lovers of climbing Anafi is an ideal destination. Many visitors prefer the bus which connects the town with the rest of the island. Some of them are the areas of Agios Nikolaos, the island's port, Kleisidi, Katsouni, Flamouroy, Mikros Roukounas, Megalos Roukounas, Megas Potamos, Ayii Anaryiri and Monastiri. Renting a bike or scooter is another way to get around.In Anafi you can arrive by boat from Piraeus port. Routes run throughout the year and from other islands of the Cyclades. Syros, Paros, Naxos, Ios, Sikinos, Folegandros, Thirasia and Santorini are the islands that link Anafi with the rest of Cyclades.There are no organized camping facilities on the island, but there are a number of newly-built rental rooms at Hora, the port, Kleisidi, and Roukounas.
ANAFI ISLAND HISTORY
According to mythology the island was baptized Anafi (from the Greek word anadysi, or rising), rose from the waters of the Aegean as a result of the god Apollo’s desire to provide a safe harbour for Jason’s storm-struck Argonauts. To thank the god, they built the temple of Apollo Astealtas near the Zoodohos Pigi monastery and honoured the god with the annual Yakinthia festival. Historical sources indicate that Anafi was the home of Aeolus, god of the winds, who helped Odysseus with favourable winds on his journey home. The city of Anafi was founded by the Phoenicians and later developed by the Dorians who settled on the island.
In the 5th century B.C., Anafi joined the Athenian League or Confederacy. In medieval times, the island came under the administration of the Duchy of Naxos and was ruled by Venetian leaders. However, they were unable to protect the island from marauding pirates who forced many of its inhabitants to flee to Crete.
In 1537, Anafi was pillaged by the pirate Barbarossa, and then fell under Ottoman rule. It took an active part in the Greek independence revolution of 1821 and officially became a part of the Modern Greek state in 1832. During his reign, King Othon (Otto) was impressed by the Anafiotes’ reputation as builders and brought many, by decree, to Athens to build his palace. They settled on the foothills of the Acropolis, building small homes in the traditional architectural style of their island. The district, located in the Greek capital’s old quarter of Plaka, is known as Anafiotika and is considered one of the city’s architectural gems.
In the 5th century B.C., Anafi joined the Athenian League or Confederacy. In medieval times, the island came under the administration of the Duchy of Naxos and was ruled by Venetian leaders. However, they were unable to protect the island from marauding pirates who forced many of its inhabitants to flee to Crete.
In 1537, Anafi was pillaged by the pirate Barbarossa, and then fell under Ottoman rule. It took an active part in the Greek independence revolution of 1821 and officially became a part of the Modern Greek state in 1832. During his reign, King Othon (Otto) was impressed by the Anafiotes’ reputation as builders and brought many, by decree, to Athens to build his palace. They settled on the foothills of the Acropolis, building small homes in the traditional architectural style of their island. The district, located in the Greek capital’s old quarter of Plaka, is known as Anafiotika and is considered one of the city’s architectural gems.
ANAFI BEACHES
The island has some of the most beautiful beaches in Cyclades. Most of them have sand and not affected by strong winds. On the south side of the island, apart from the port, you will find the beaches Kleisidi, Katsouni, Flamouro, Katelimatsa (the ancient harbor), Mikros Roukounas, Megalos Roukounas, Megas Potamos, Agii Anaryiri, and Monastiri. The transportation of the island is linked to most beaches. For those who have no means of transport, may use small boats of the island or walk following the paths from the port with no big distances. On the northern side of the island you will find more peaceful beaches particularly rocky. For those who love fishing, the seas of the island are ideal and have a great variety of fish.
ANAFI SIGHTSEEING
The capital of the island has paved alleys and old windmills offering beautiful pictures to all visitors. The important archaeological sites and monuments of the island are of particular interest. Two plots from the ancient times. The Venetian Castle, a plot to the Cretan Sea and the Castle Pyrgi southwest of the island still survive on the island from the ancient times. On the island you can see the Archaeological collection, with statues from the ancient town Kastelli and the ruins of the Temple of Apollo Aigliti - Anafaiou. Within the enclosure of the temple lies the monastery of Zoodochou Pigi. In Kastelli hill you can see the ancient port «Katelimatsa» part of which survives even immersed in the sea and the ruins of the ancient town. Vigla, the island’s highest peak, rises to an altitude of 584 meters. Fryktories, a settlement dated to A.D. 900-1000 and a primary communication point in the Mediterranean, stood atop Vigla. The island also boasts a number of interesting caves. The best-known is Dragontospilo (dragon’s cave) with its multicoloured stalactites and stalagmites. Located on Mount Kalamos, it’s remote and barely accessible. Another cave noted for its stalactite and stalagmite formations is Prassa, which is largely unexplored.One of the most beautiful churches of the island is Panagia in the location of Kastelli.
ANAFI LOCAL EVENTS
One of the largest events of the island is “Yakintheia”. In August the Community of Anafi in cooperation with the Association of Anafians, organizes sports events and competitions, a popular venue that draws numerous participants. A big celebration takes place at the end of the events, in the square of Agios Nikolaos in Chora, with live music, dance and food for all visitors. A big feast in the honour of Panagia Kalamiotissa is organized in Zoodohos Pigi Monastery. The festival holds all day and offers traditional dishes to all visitors.
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