Cyclades
Anafi
The most remote inhabited Cyclades island — wild, warm, and wonderfully inconvenient.
Getting around
Scooter friendly
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Quiet
Best months
Jun – Sep
From Athens
10h ferry
In pictures
Anafi
Anafi sits at the eastern edge of the Cyclades and is one of the hardest to reach — which means it gets very few tourists and has retained an extraordinary authentic character. The island has a huge monastery-crowned rock (Kalamos) that dominates the landscape, warm welcoming locals, reasonable beaches, and an atmosphere of complete disconnection from the modern world.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Ferries are infrequent and can be cancelled in bad weather. Very limited infrastructure.
Where it sits
Cyclades, Greece
Anafi — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Anafi? +
- The best months to visit Anafi are June to September. It's very quiet, even in August, so even peak season is workable.
- How do you get to Anafi from Athens? +
- Anafi has no airport — you'll need to take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina, which takes about 10 hours. Some travellers fly to a nearby island and ferry across.
- Is Anafi good for couples? +
- Anafi is a charming pick for couples, especially shoulder season.
- Is Anafi good for families with kids? +
- Anafi is not the easiest island for families with young kids.
- Is Anafi expensive? +
- Anafi is one of the cheaper Greek islands.
- Do you need a car on Anafi? +
- A scooter or ATV is the easiest way to get around Anafi. Buses cover the main routes but a scooter unlocks the quiet beaches.
- What's the catch with Anafi? +
- Ferries are infrequent and can be cancelled in bad weather. Very limited infrastructure.