Anafi in 2 Days
Chora and the south-coast beaches on Day 1, the monolith hike on Day 2.
Anafi in 2 days, day by day: what to see, in what order, how far you drive and where you sleep. Base: Chora.
Chora & the Beach Path
Agios Nikolaos Port
Tiny harbour with a few tavernas and the only ATM on the island. The bus to Chora meets every ferry. There is no taxi rank β only two taxis exist on Anafi.
Chora
The only proper village on the island, perched at 200m. Whitewashed amphitheatre of vaulted-roof houses called kamares. A small Venetian castle at the top with sunset views to Santorini's silhouette on the horizon. Three mini-markets, a few tavernas, no ATM.
Klisidi Beach π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
The closest beach to the port β 15 minutes' walk down. Sandy, tamarisk-shaded, family-friendly. Margarita's at the back serves the best lunch on the south coast: simple, fresh, honest. Free camping was banned a few years ago; now there are a handful of small hotels.
Katsouni Beach π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
15-minute walk east along the path from Klisidi. Smaller, quieter, fine sand and clear water. Often nudist. No facilities β bring water.
Roukounas Beach π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
The longest beach on Anafi and the favourite of summer campers. Tamarisk trees for shade, a single rustic taverna inland, golden sand, no organised facilities at all. The bus from Chora stops here.
The Monolith & Kalamiotissa Monastery
Zoodochos Pigi Monastery
10th-century monastery built directly on the foundations of the ancient Temple of Apollo Aeglitis β parts of the original masonry are visible in the walls. Known locally as Kato Panagia. The bus from Chora ends here. This is also the trailhead for the Kalamos hike.
Kalamos Monolith Hike
1.5-hour ascent up the second-largest monolith in Europe (460m). Steep, exposed, with railings on the dangerous sections. Don't attempt in strong wind. Time it for late afternoon β the heat is brutal in midday and the view is best in the warm light.
Panagia Kalamiotissa (Summit)
Single-domed white chapel from 1715 perched on the very edge of the summit. Locked except for the September 7-8 feast β the most important on the island, when locals climb up at night for the celebration. The view is the reason to be here: 360Β° over the Aegean, Santorini visible to the west.
Megas Potamos Beach π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
On the way back, the wildest beach on Anafi with the best view of the Kalamos monolith from sea level. One huge tamarisk tree for shade. The bus passes nearby β 10-minute walk down. No facilities at all.
Planning questions
Is 2 days enough for Anafi?
Yes, for a first visit. The plan covers the essentials at a pace that leaves time in the water. With one more day, add a slow beach day with no driving.
Do I need a car on Anafi?
It helps for a day or two, but the core of this plan works with the bus, taxis and boats.
Where should I stay on Anafi?
The plan sleeps in Chora.