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| Map of Anafi |
A
ninety-minute boat ride to the east of Santorini, Anafi, the 16th bigger island
of the Cyclades with 271 population and 38,636km2 extension, is the last stop for
ferries. It was so for the Argonauts who prayed to Apollo for some land to
rest. He let the island emerge from the sea for their repose. Tourists visit
Anafi for weeks in midsummer to enjoy exactly that: its seclusion. Although
idyllic geographically, Anafi is a harsh place, its mixed granite and limestone
core overlaid by volcanic rock spewed out by Santorini's eruptions. Apart from
the few olive trees and vines grown in the valleys, the only plant that seem to
thrive are prickly pears. The quiet, unassuming capital, Hora, provides a daring
dash of white in a treeless, shrub-strewn hillock, its narrow, winding streets
offering protection from the occasionally squally gharbis wind that comes unencumbered from the southwest.
Beaches
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| Katelimatsa |
The glory
of Anafi is a string of south-facing beaches starting under the cliffs at Ayios
Nikolaos. These - along with two nearby monasteries - are accessible by
bus, although walking is still an option. The nearest beach is Klisidi,
east of the harbor, which has 200m of gently shelving sand. The next big beach
is Roukounas
with some 500m of broad sand rising to tamarisk-stabilized dunes. The craggy
hill of Kastelli, an hour's scramble above the beach, is the site both
of Ancient Anafi and a ruined Venetian castle. Beyond Roukounas, it's another
half-hour on foot to the first of the exquisite half-dozen coves at Katelimatsa,
of all shapes and sizes, and forty-five minutes to Monastiri, where the bus
stops- all without facilities, so come prepared.
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| Klisidi |
Transportation
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| Anafi |
By bus:
There are buses from Hora to Agios Nikolaos(the small port) (7-8 daily, 15min)
and Monastiri (3-4 daily) via the beaches.
Useful Numbers
Municipality of Anafi: 22860 61266
Police
Station: 22860 61216
Post
Office: 22860 61203
Medical Center: 22860 61215
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| Anafi |
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