Beaches in Anafi

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In Anafi (read the detailed article) you will find beautiful sandy beaches along the longest southern part of the island. Most if not all of them are easily accessible and you will find them from the port to the monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, 10 km away by car.

Make sure you stay on the island for at least 3-4 days to enjoy them all, starting perhaps why not from the beach which is located a few dozen meters from where the boats dock. The sand is fine, the bottom is shallow and the water is crystal clear. It’s not a bad idea if you have a mask to swim to Kleisidi beach and back again from there.

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Ferry routes to Anafi

Ferry routes to Anafi from the port of Heraklion in Crete.

Of course most ferries visit Anafi after Santorini so an alternative would be to go there for 2-3 days first and then depending on the schedules go to Anafi for more days.
Ferry routes from Santorini to Anafi.

Kleisidi and Katsouni beaches

Next destination of course is Kleisidi. It is a very small settlement with a few rooms to let and 2-3 taverns above the beautiful homonymous beach.(photo: see how Kleisidi looks at night from the beach)

It is a favourite destination for nudists and the truth is that during the high tourist season large parts of the beach are overrun by tents. However, the landscape remains beautiful, as does the sea and its bottom. Don’t forget to bring a mask and a snorkel. You will be impressed by the number and variety of fish you will encounter during your dives.

The next beach is Katsouni. You can reach it by following the small path that starts from Kleisidi, just below Margarita’s rooms and tavern, or simply visit it by sea by swimming from Kleisidi rock to rock. Katsouni is a double beach with shallow waters and nice sand and if you have the appetite and strength, if you have come swimming from Kleisidi, you can go all the way to the next beach, Flamourou.

Rooms/Accommodation in Anafi

Although “difficult” to access, Anafi in recent years welcomes more and more visitors, especially in August when you may have difficulty finding accommodation if you have not looked in advance.

Although many, not to say most, prefer beaches and free camping, the same is true for them. The earlier or off-season you go, the better the site you’ll find and this is very, very important if you don’t want to wake up at the same time or even an hour later than sunrise.

Use the search form to see availability and prices.

Rukunas Beach

The next beach is perhaps the most famous of the island, Roukounas. A large beach with golden sand and beautiful waters, Roukounas is somehow informally divided into campers/nudists on the right side, as you reach the beach, and visitors/non-nudists on the left side.

Wherever you sit, however, it is probably worth climbing the low hill at the left end of the beach to see Roukounas and its crystal clear waters from above. We didn’t find a proper path to climb the hillock so it would be a good idea to have shoes with good soles to keep your head clear.

Behind the beach and at a distance of about 50 meters from the sea you will find the Rukouna tavern with its beautiful gardens.

Agii Anargyroi and Megas Potamos

The next coastal destination is the small but beautiful beach of Agioi Anargyroi. It is so called because above it there is a small church that, together with the imposing monolith of Kalamos and the small creek with shallow green waters, create a very picturesque and highly photographic natural landscape.

As you look over the beach of Agioi Anargyroi you can walk along the relatively rocky but very passable path to the right and reach other small but equally beautiful beaches such as Mega Potamos.

From Aghios Anargyros on the left as you are on the road and looking at the sea you can walk to the last beach of the southern part of Anafi, Monastiri. Apparently named after the monastery of Zoodochos Pigi of Kalamiotissa which you will find at the end of the road.

text/photos: Yannis Tsouratzis