Dragoncaves and Monoliths: Exploring the Island of Anafi

The Cycladic Island of Anafi is home to the medieval town of Chora, a dominant massif, and secluded beaches

Anafi is a tranquil Cycladic Island with only 270 full-time residents. The medieval town of Chora, with its narrow alleys and vaulted churches, rises 260 meters above the sea and not so long ago accessible only by a mule trail but recently it finally has a proper road. The town is the only settlement of note on the island, but other small hamlets have formed at the port and Kleisidi. Visitors to Anafi can climb to the top of Kalamos, the second largest limestone monolith in the Mediterranean, and explore the ‘Dragonhouse’ cave, reachable only by a path. Kleisidi offers a small beach and a handful of tavernas for those seeking a peaceful getaway.

Chora
With only 270 full-time residents, the Chora can lay claim to being one of the last truly unspoilt Cycladic towns. Densely built, the settlement dates back to medieval times and the houses are mainly barrel-roofed single rooms. Narrow alleys traverse every corner until they reach the remains of a long-lost Venetian Castle, the original core of the town. Pedestrianised and calm, Chora rises 260 metres above the sea, reached by the old mule trail, or more prosaically nowadays by the EU-funded asphalt road. There are many churches within the walls, mostly single-roomed and vaulted; Agios Nikolaos is the most important with an icon dating back to 12612.

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