5 Amazing Sites to visit on Anafi
Kalamos Rock
Kalamos is a huge rock that sits on the south eastern side of Anafi island. Kalamos rock, which is also known as the “Scariest rock in Europe”, is the second biggest monolith in Europe after Gibraltar. Being 460 m. high, Kalamos is arguably the most impressive natural attraction in Anafi and also a popular climbing spot.
On the top of the rock stands Panagia Kalamiotissa church, a beautiful whitewashed chapel, built in 1715. This chapel offers a marvellous view to the island and it is the perfect spot for sunset gazing.
Monastery of Kalamiotissa
It is a small church on the south eastern side of Anafi island and no monks are currently living there. Kalamiotissa is built on top of Kalamos Rock, from where it took its name. It is at an altitude of 480m and offers great views to the Aegean Sea.
The Monastery of Kalamiotissa is a popular hiking destination and can be reached through a trekking path from the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi in about 90 minutes. The route can be a bit risky but offers great views of the sea.
Church of Agios Spyridon
The church of Saint Agios Spyridon is at the entrance of Chora. Its architecture doesn’t match the typical Cycladic style.
Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi
Zoodochos Pigi is located 9km from Hora by road and can be reached by a 7km walk along the south coast trail. The walk would take around 2 hours. It lies in the east of the island, on the isthmus connecting Anafi to the imposing 463m Kalamos Rock. The monastery is not currently open to visitors.
The exact date of its foundation is unknown. However, its wooden icon screen and some icons date from the 19th century. Around this monastery, you will see many ancient remains, as the complex has been built on the site of the ancient temple of Apollo Aeglitis or Apollo Anafeos, as it is so called. In fact, some parts of the temple were used for the construction of the monastery.
Agios Antonios
Clinging to the craggy northern cost of the island is the chapel of Agios Antonios with the eye-catching double arch on its roof. In the only Byzantine temple of the island, you will find frescos of Candlemas, the Ascension and Nativity dating from the early 14th century.
