Iliovasilema

Iliovasilema is a hotel on Anafi, one of the quietest and least-visited islands in the Cyclades, sitting at coordinates that place it within the island's settled core near the main village of Anafi Chora. The name translates loosely from Greek as "sunset" — a detail mirrored in the property's website address, sunsetanafi.com — and the hotel is oriented toward the views that define this small, rugged island.

Anafi itself receives a fraction of the visitors that reach Santorini, its volcanic neighbor to the west, and accommodation options here are genuinely limited. Iliovasilema holds a 4.5 out of 5 rating across 62 Google reviews, which for an island of Anafi's scale represents a meaningful sample of visitor feedback. That rating places it among the better-regarded lodging options the island has to offer.

For travelers who want the Cyclades without the crowds, Anafi and a property like Iliovasilema represent a deliberate, considered choice rather than a fallback option.

What to Expect

Anafi is a small, hilly island with a dramatic interior dominated by the Kalamos rock formation — at around 460 meters, one of the largest monolithic rocks in the Mediterranean. The landscape visible from much of the island's accommodation, including from the area where Iliovasilema sits, includes this striking geological feature as well as the Aegean stretching toward Santorini on clear days.

The island has no airport and is served by ferry from Piraeus, Santorini, and occasionally other Cycladic ports. The pace is slow and the infrastructure is deliberately low-key: there is one main village (the Chora), a handful of beaches reachable by dirt track or on foot, and a small selection of tavernas and cafes. Iliovasilema fits within this context — a hotel that exists in harmony with an island that has not sought mass tourism.

The website at sunsetanafi.com is the primary booking and information channel. Specific room counts, room types, amenity lists, and pricing are best confirmed directly with the property, either through the website or by phone, as these details are not available in publicly verified form.

What the rating and review volume do confirm is that guests leave satisfied. For a remote island hotel, sustaining a 4.5-star average across more than 60 reviews reflects consistent quality in hospitality, cleanliness, and the overall guest experience.

How to Get There

Reaching Anafi requires a ferry. The most common route is from Piraeus (Athens port), with a journey time of roughly nine to ten hours on overnight ferries. Shorter connections run from Santorini (Thira port), typically taking around two hours depending on the vessel and route. Ferry schedules are seasonal and reduce significantly outside of summer, so booking in advance and checking current timetables via Greek ferry operators is essential.

On the island, Iliovasilema is located at coordinates 36.3491375, 25.7662843, within the main inhabited area of Anafi. The Chora sits on a hill above the port (Agios Nikolaos), reachable by a road of a few kilometers. A bus connects the port to the Chora during summer, and taxis or pre-arranged transfers may also be available. Confirm transfer options directly with the hotel when booking, as the island's transport network is small and schedules vary.

There is no car rental industry on Anafi at the scale found on larger Cycladic islands, though ATVs and scooters are sometimes available. Most guests who stay for several days find that the island's walkable scale makes a vehicle optional for day-to-day movement.

Best Time to Visit

Anafi's high season runs from late June through early September, when ferry connections are most frequent, beaches are swimmable, and most local businesses operate. This is also when Iliovasilema is likely to be at its busiest and when advance booking is most important.

May, early June, and September offer quieter conditions: fewer visitors, cooler midday temperatures, and a more local character to the island's daily life. The light in late afternoon and early evening during these shoulder months is particularly clear, which matters on an island where the view toward the caldera silhouette of Santorini is one of the draws.

Wind is a consistent factor in the Cyclades. Anafi sits at the southeastern edge of the island group and can receive strong meltemi winds in July and August. These can affect ferry schedules and swimming conditions at exposed beaches, though they also keep temperatures manageable during the hottest weeks.

Winter travel to Anafi is genuinely remote: ferry connections drop to one or two per week, and most accommodation and dining options close. The island has a small year-round community, but it is not configured for tourist visits outside the warmer months.

Tips for Visiting

• Book early for summer. Anafi has a small total accommodation capacity, and well-rated properties like Iliovasilema fill up during July and August. Contact the hotel directly via sunsetanafi.com or by phone well before your intended dates.
• Confirm ferry bookings independently. Greek ferry schedules change seasonally and occasionally due to weather or operator changes. Use a reputable booking platform or check directly with ferry operators for current timetables between Piraeus, Santorini, and Anafi.
• Call ahead for arrival logistics. The property's phone number is +30 697 650 4739. If you're arriving on a late ferry, it's worth coordinating your arrival time directly with the hotel so they can plan accordingly.
• Pack for self-sufficiency. Anafi has a small supermarket and a handful of tavernas, but the range of goods and restaurant hours is limited compared to larger islands. Bring any specific medications, dietary items, or equipment you know you'll need.
• The Kalamos rock is worth a dedicated half-day. The hike to the monastery of Panagia Kalamiotissa at the base of the Kalamos formation is one of the island's signature experiences. Start early in summer to avoid the heat on the ascent.
• Sunsets face west toward Santorini. The hotel's name is not incidental — positioning yourself with a clear westward view in the evening is one of Anafi's distinctive pleasures, and the hotel's location is suited to it.
• Cash is advisable. ATM availability on small Cycladic islands like Anafi is limited and machines can run out of cash during peak summer weeks. Arrive with sufficient euros for your stay.
• Allow buffer days around your travel. Ferry connections to Anafi can be delayed or cancelled in strong winds. Building a day of flexibility into your itinerary — particularly for your departure — is practical rather than overcautious.

Facilities and Location

Iliovasilema's official website is sunsetanafi.com, which serves as the central point for room information, availability, and reservations. The property is registered at the address Ανάφη Κυκλάδες, Anafi 840 09, Greece, placing it within the main inhabited zone of the island near the Chora.

Specific on-site facilities — whether the property includes a pool, breakfast service, communal terrace, air conditioning, or Wi-Fi — are not confirmed in available public data and should be verified directly with the hotel before booking. What is confirmed is the phone contact (+30 697 650 4739) and the sustained 4.5-star rating across 62 reviews, both of which are practical indicators when evaluating a small-island accommodation.

For travelers building a broader Anafi itinerary, the main beach at Klisidi is a short walk from the port, while more remote beaches such as Roukounas and the beaches beyond it require a longer walk or transport along the island's southern track.