Anafi is Santorini's closest neighbour to the east -- a volcanic island with empty beaches, one village, and almost no tourists. The ferry takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, tickets start from around 7 EUR, and the reward is a Cycladic island that feels like it hasn't changed in decades.
In this guide
Anafi has no airport. No cruise ships. About 300 permanent residents. The main settlement, Hora, is a whitewashed village on a hillside above the port, and the beaches are the kind where you might be the only person there. If Santorini's caldera views and sunset crowds are starting to feel overwhelming, Anafi is the reset button.
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A day trip is possible but requires planning. Ferry schedules are limited -- Blue Star Ferries runs about 3 times per week, Maistros Santorini offers a daily service in high season, and SeaJets runs occasional fast connections. In peak summer you might have up to 11 crossings per week across all operators. In shoulder season, significantly fewer.
How Do You Get There?
Ferries depart from Santorini's Athinios port and arrive at the Port of Anafi (Agios Nikolaos).
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 22 km east of Santorini |
| Fastest ferry | ~1 hour 10 minutes |
| Average crossing | 1 hour 15-30 minutes |
| Ticket price | From around 7 EUR (economy) |
| Operators | Blue Star Ferries, Maistros Santorini, SeaJets, SeaSpeed Ferries |
| Crossings per week | 3-11 depending on season and operator |
Before booking: Check whether there's a return ferry the same day. With only a few crossings per week on some operators, a day trip isn't possible on every date. Ferryhopper and the operators' own sites have the most current schedules.
Book at least 24 hours in advance during peak season. These are small ferries and they do fill up.
What Can You Do on Anafi?
Hora
The main village sits on a hillside above the port, a short taxi or bus ride up the winding road. It's a classic Cycladic settlement -- whitewashed houses, narrow lanes, a handful of tavernas, and a bakery. The pace is glacial. This is a place where lunch takes two hours and nobody minds.
The village has an ATM and a few small shops for supplies. Don't expect much nightlife or shopping -- that's not what Anafi is for.
Beaches
Anafi's beaches are its main draw, and they're genuinely uncrowded. The best options:
- Klisidi -- The closest to the port (a short walk). Sandy, calm water, a couple of basic tavernas nearby. The easiest option for a day trip.
- Roukounas -- A long, sandy beach on the south coast, often cited as one of the best in the Cyclades. More remote -- you'll need transport or a solid walk.
- Katsouni -- Secluded and calm, good for swimming.
- Agioi Anargyroi -- Clear water, rocky coves, feels completely wild.
For a day trip, Klisidi is the practical choice. If you have transport arranged, Roukounas is worth the effort.
Panagia Kalamiotissa
The most dramatic sight on Anafi. This small church sits on a cliff at the eastern tip of the island, perched on a rock that drops straight to the sea. The hike up takes about 45 minutes from the monastery below and the views are extraordinary -- the entire island spread out below you, the Aegean in every direction.
This is a moderate hike, not a casual stroll. Bring water and proper shoes. If you're on a tight day-trip schedule, it might eat too much of your time -- but if you have 6+ hours on the island, it's the thing to do.
Food
Fresh seafood, local cheeses, and straightforward Greek taverna food. Portions are generous and prices are lower than Santorini. The tavernas near Klisidi beach and in Hora are your main options.
A Realistic Day-Trip Itinerary
This assumes you've confirmed a same-day return ferry:
- Morning -- Ferry from Santorini (time varies by operator and date)
- Arrive -- Port of Anafi, about 1 hour 15 minutes later
- First hour -- Walk to Klisidi beach for a swim, or take a taxi up to Hora
- Mid-morning -- Explore Hora's lanes, coffee at a village cafe
- Lunch -- Taverna in Hora or at the beach
- Afternoon -- Beach time, or hike to Panagia Kalamiotissa if you have the hours
- Late afternoon -- Return to port for the ferry back
The exact timing depends entirely on ferry schedules. With only a few crossings per week, you work around the boats, not the other way around.
What Should You Know Before Going?
- This is the most schedule-dependent day trip from Santorini. Don't assume there's a daily service. Check Ferryhopper or Blue Star Ferries for your specific dates well in advance.
- An overnight stay makes more sense for most people. With limited ferry connections, staying one night on Anafi lets you actually relax rather than watching the clock. There are a few small hotels and rooms to rent in Hora.
- There is no airport on Anafi. If ferries are cancelled due to weather, you wait. The Meltemi wind in July-August can delay services.
- Bring everything you need. Anafi has minimal shops. Sunscreen, water, snacks, cash -- pack as if you're going somewhere remote, because you are.
- Transport on the island is limited. There's a bus that connects the port to Hora and some beaches in summer, but frequency is low. Taxis exist but are few. Walking is realistic for Klisidi beach and Hora, but anything further requires planning.
- Rough seas can make the crossing uncomfortable. The Santorini-Anafi route is exposed to open sea. If you're prone to seasickness, take precautions.
When Is the Best Time to Go?
June-September -- The only reliable window for ferry connections. July and August have the most crossings but also the strongest Meltemi winds.
May and October -- Possible but ferry service drops significantly. Check schedules carefully.
November-April -- Very few ferries. Anafi is essentially closed to casual visitors in winter.
Anafi is about 22 km east of Santorini. Ferry takes roughly 1 hour 15 minutes. Tickets from around 7 EUR. Check ferry schedules carefully -- daily service is not guaranteed.
Planning more adventures on the island? Browse our complete guide to the best day trips from Santorini.
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