Anafi Port

Anafi is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the Cyclades, sitting roughly 25 nautical miles east of Santorini. The island's ferry terminal — a small working port on the island's southern coast — is the single point of entry and departure for almost everyone who visits. Unlike the busy, multi-berth ports of Mykonos or Naxos, this is a compact quay built for function rather than spectacle, handling the relatively infrequent vessels that call here on routes linking Piraeus with the southeastern Cyclades. Because Anafi sits at the far end of several ferry lines, journey times from Piraeus are long — typically in the range of eight to twelve hours depending on the route and operator, with many sailings operating overnight. Connections are more frequent in summer and can drop to just a few per week outside the main season. Neighboring Santorini (Thira) is the most common intermediate stop, making it a logical base if you plan to combine both islands. The port area itself is small and unpretentious. A handful of rooms-to-rent owners and small guesthouse representatives typically meet arriving ferries during summer, and the road up to Chora — the island's main village, set on a hill above the port — is short but steep. There is no large port authority building, no departure hall with shops, and no ATM at the quay itself, so arriving prepared matters. What to Expect The terminal is a basic concrete quay with capacity for the smaller to mid-sized ferries that serve this route. Vessels operated by lines such as SeaJets and ANEK-Hellenic Seaways have historically served Anafi on southeastern Cyclades runs, though operators and schedules change seasonally and annually — always verify the current timetable closer to your travel date. Boarding and disembarkation are straightforward: passengers walk on and off via a ramp or gangway directly from the quay. There is no covered waiting area of any significance, so if your ferry is delayed — a realistic possibility at a small island port, particularly in shoulder season when winds can be strong — you will be waiting outdoors. Bring layers in spring and autumn; the meltemi wind that blows across the Cyclades from July into September can make open quays uncomfortable even in the height of summer. Freight and supply deliveries also move through this port, which means arriving ferries can take time to unload vehicles and cargo before passengers disembark. Build some flexibility into your schedule, especially if you have an onward connection. The village of Chora is approximately two kilometers from the port by road. Local taxis and, in summer, a small bus typically meet ferries. If neither is available, the walk is manageable but involves a steady climb. How to Get There From the quay to Chora, a road winds uphill through the scrubby Anafi landscape. A local minibus or taxi usually meets ferry arrivals during the summer season, but this is not guaranteed on every sailing — check locally or with your accommodation in advance. Walking takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes depending on pace and luggage. From other islands, the most practical route is via Santorini (Thira port, Athinios), which has regular connections to Piraeus and to other Cycladic hubs. From Athens, the overnight ferry from Piraeus is the standard approach. There is no airport on Anafi, so sea is the only way in. Parking is not a consideration at the terminal itself in the way it would be on a larger island — very few visitors arrive on Anafi with their own vehicles, and the island's road network is extremely limited. Best Time to Visit Ferry frequency peaks between late June and early September, when additional summer sailings are added and the island sees the bulk of its annual visitors. Even at peak season, Anafi remains genuinely quiet by Cycladic standards — it has no large resort infrastructure and actively attracts travelers looking for the opposite of Mykonos. Shoulder season — May, June, and September into early October — is generally considered the best time to visit the island itself, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds, though ferry schedules thin out compared to July and August. Between October and April, connections can reduce to two or three sailings per week, and some may be cancelled entirely due to weather. The Aegean's winter swells regularly affect small island ports, and Anafi's exposed position makes it more susceptible than more sheltered destinations. If you are planning a trip outside of July and August, confirm your outbound ferry booking before committing to the visit — being stranded on Anafi for an extra day or two is not a hardship if you are prepared for it, but it can cause logistical problems if you have flights or other connections to meet. Tips for Visiting Book ferry tickets in advance for summer travel. Capacity on the smaller vessels that serve Anafi can fill up, particularly on Friday and Sunday sailings in July and August. Greek ferry booking platforms and the operators' own sites allow advance reservations. Carry cash when you arrive. There is no ATM at the port itself, and the island's only ATM — located in Chora — can run out of cash during busy summer weekends. Withdraw money before leaving Piraeus or Santorini. Check the live schedule close to departure. Ferry timetables in the Cyclades are adjusted seasonally, and Anafi's remote position means it is sometimes added to or dropped from specific routes depending on demand. The official Greek ferry search tools (such as openseas.gr or ferryhopper.com) are reliable for current schedules. Allow extra time for cargo offloading. Anafi's supply ferries carry significant freight, and disembarkation on arrival can be slower than at a passenger-only terminal. Arrange your accommodation transfer in advance. Contact your hotel or guesthouse before arrival to confirm whether a pickup is offered; if not, establish whether the island bus or a taxi will be available for your specific sailing. Pack for outdoor waiting. The quay has no covered terminal building to speak of. In summer, sun protection is essential; in shoulder season, a windproof layer matters more than you might expect at a Greek island port. Overnight sailings from Piraeus are the norm. Many routes arrive at Anafi in the early morning hours. Confirm your arrival time when booking so you can coordinate with your accommodation and plan for a late-night or predawn disembarkation. Return tickets and flexibility. Given the limited schedule outside peak season, consider booking your return ferry as soon as you confirm your outbound — not because the island is unpleasant to stay in longer, but because options narrow quickly when you are departing from such a small port. Activities and Facilities The port area itself has minimal facilities — this is not a marina with chandleries, cafes, and tourist shops. A small seasonal café or snack stand may operate near the quay during summer, but it is not reliable outside July and August. The real draw of arriving on Anafi is what lies beyond the port. The island is known for its exceptional beaches — Roukounas, a long sandy stretch a short walk east of the port, is among the most accessible — and for the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, perched on the island's eastern promontory near the ruins of a sanctuary attributed in ancient sources to Apollo. Chora itself is a quiet Cycladic village of whitewashed houses with a handful of tavernas, small shops, and a relaxed pace that is increasingly rare in the broader archipelago. If you are arriving specifically to spend time on the water, the port can also serve as a stop for private sailing itineraries through the southern Cyclades, though facilities for yachts are basic.

Anafi is one of the most remote islands in the Cyclades, and card payments are not always accepted at the small tavernas, ferry ticket counters, and family-run shops that make up daily life here. The Piraeus Bank ATM at Ormos Agiou Nikolaou is the practical solution: a 24-hour machine that accepts standard international cards and lets you withdraw euro cash whenever you need it. For most visitors arriving by ferry, this ATM is one of the first things worth locating on the island. Knowing where it is and that it operates around the clock removes one of the more stressful logistical uncertainties that comes with visiting a very small Greek island. Piraeus Bank is one of Greece's largest commercial banks, and its ATM network covers Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, and Cirrus cards, as well as cards on other major networks. Expect standard international withdrawal fees from your home bank on top of any machine fees — this is normal across Greek island ATMs and not specific to this location. What to Expect The ATM is a standalone Piraeus Bank EasyPay machine located at the port settlement of Ormos Agiou Nikolaou — the small harbour area where ferries dock on Anafi. This is the island's main arrival and departure point, and the surrounding area holds a handful of accommodation options, a couple of tavernas, and the basic services that visitors need in the first and last hours of their stay. The machine operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which is genuinely useful on an island where banking services are otherwise minimal. There is no physical Piraeus Bank branch on Anafi, so this ATM is the only in-person banking infrastructure available. The interface offers Greek and English language options, as is standard across the Piraeus Bank ATM network in Greece. Withdrawal limits per transaction are set by Piraeus Bank and may also be capped by your own bank's daily limit. If you plan to cover several days of cash-only spending — accommodation deposits, ferry snacks, beach taverna meals — it is worth withdrawing a larger sum in one go rather than returning to the machine multiple times. Note that on peak summer days, when ferries bring a wave of arrivals simultaneously, there may be a short queue. The machine can also run low on notes during very busy periods in July and August, so withdrawing cash before or just after ferry arrivals is sensible. How to Get There The ATM is situated in Ormos Agiou Nikolaou, the port of Anafi, at the coordinates 36.3443°N, 25.7706°E. If you arrive by ferry, you are already in the right area — the port settlement is compact, and the machine is within easy walking distance of the ferry dock. From Chora, the island's main village perched on the hillside above the port, the road down to Ormos Agiou Nikolaou takes roughly 10–15 minutes by car or motorbike. There is no bus service on Anafi, so most visitors either hire a vehicle, take a taxi, or walk the winding road. On foot, the descent from Chora to the port takes around 25–35 minutes depending on pace and the heat. Parking at the port is informal and generally straightforward outside the peak ferry arrival windows. Best Time to Visit Because the ATM runs around the clock, there is no wrong time to use it in terms of access. Practically speaking, the quietest time to withdraw cash is mid-morning or mid-afternoon on days when no ferry is scheduled to arrive or depart. Ferry schedules to Anafi are limited — typically a few connections per week with Piraeus and other Cycladic islands — so checking the ferry timetable and timing your visit to the ATM outside those windows will help you avoid any queue. In July and August, Anafi receives the bulk of its annual visitors, and the ATM sees its highest demand during this period. If you are arriving in peak season, withdraw what you need for the first day or two as soon as you land, rather than waiting until you run short. Anafi has a hot, dry Cycladic summer climate. If you are walking down from Chora specifically to use the ATM, go early in the morning during the summer months to avoid making the journey in peak midday heat. Tips for Visiting Withdraw cash on arrival. Many businesses on Anafi — tavernas, rooms-to-let, boat tour operators — are cash-only or prefer cash. Do not assume your card will be accepted everywhere. Check your bank's international ATM fee policy before you travel. Most non-Greek bank cards will incur a foreign transaction fee and possibly a separate ATM usage fee. Withdrawing a larger single amount reduces the number of fees you pay. Decline dynamic currency conversion. If the ATM offers to charge you in your home currency rather than euros, decline. The exchange rate applied by the ATM is typically worse than your bank's rate. Note the phone number for emergencies. The Piraeus Bank contact number is +30 21 0328 8000. If your card is retained by the machine or you experience a transaction problem, this is the number to call. Bring some cash from the mainland as backup. No ATM on a remote island is infallible — machines do occasionally run out of notes or go offline for maintenance. Having a small amount of euros on hand when you arrive avoids problems. The ATM is not a branch. There is no bank counter, no currency exchange desk, and no staff at this location. It is a machine only. Top up before you leave Anafi. Ferry connections are infrequent, and if you plan to stop at another small island onward, there may not be an ATM there either. Practical Information Operator: Piraeus Bank Address: Ormos Agiou Nikolaou 840 09, Anafi, Greece Phone (Piraeus Bank customer service): +30 21 0328 8000 Website: piraeusbank.gr Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week Cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, and other major networks Language options: Greek and English Branch on-site: No — machine only

Agios Nikolaos is a traditional Orthodox church on Anafi, one of the smallest and least-visited islands in the Cyclades. Dedicated to Saint Nicholas — the patron saint of sailors, fishermen, and seafarers — the church carries particular resonance on an island where the sea has always defined daily life. Its coordinates place it in the broader Anafi landscape at approximately 36.3449°N, 25.7712°E, situating it within the island's spare, whitewashed built environment. Anafi sits at the southeastern edge of the Cyclades, roughly 24 nautical miles east of Santorini. Fewer than 300 people live here year-round, and the island has no airport, no major resort infrastructure, and only one proper village — Chora — perched on a hill above the small port of Agios Nikolaos. The coincidence of that port name and this church's dedication is no accident: Saint Nicholas has been invoked along these shores for centuries, a quiet constant in a place that time has largely left to itself. Like most Cycladic chapels, Agios Nikolaos is likely a compact, cube-form whitewashed structure with a blue or terracotta dome, a small bell mounted above the entrance, and an interior that holds an iconostasis, oil lamps, and icons of the saint. Churches of this type on Anafi are typically unlocked during and around services, which follow the Greek Orthodox liturgical calendar, and may be locked at other times. What to Expect Step into almost any small Orthodox church on a Cycladic island and the experience follows a recognizable rhythm: the smell of beeswax candles and incense, the low golden light filtering through small windows, the silence broken only by the occasional distant bell or the wind outside. Agios Nikolaos on Anafi is likely no different in its essentials, though the island's extreme quietness gives it an added layer of calm. The iconostasis — the carved wooden screen separating the nave from the sanctuary — will display icons of Saint Nicholas alongside the Theotokos (Virgin Mary) and Christ. Saint Nicholas is traditionally depicted as a bishop in vestments, often with a Gospel book in one hand and the other raised in blessing. On islands with fishing communities, his icon is sometimes positioned near the door as a point of first contact for sailors seeking protection before a voyage. The exterior, like most Anafi architecture, is likely a simple geometric form with whitewashed walls that reflect the Aegean light intensely in summer. The surrounding landscape on Anafi is stark and beautiful — volcanic rock, low scrub, and open sky dominate once you move beyond Chora. If the church occupies an elevated or edge position, it may offer views toward the Kalamos rock formation or across the open sea. Because no specific interior or structural details are documented in available sources, visitors should arrive with open expectations. The church may be modest in scale, but on an island this size, every place of worship carries the weight of community history. How to Get There Anafi is accessible by ferry from Piraeus (Athens), Santorini, and several other Cycladic islands, though services are limited and schedules vary significantly by season. The crossing from Santorini takes roughly two hours on a conventional ferry. Once on the island, the port village and Chora are the two main reference points. The church's coordinates (36.3449°N, 25.7712°E) place it within reach of Chora or the port on foot. Anafi is small enough that distances between landmarks are manageable by walking, though the terrain is hilly. The island has limited road infrastructure, and a small number of taxis and rental scooters are typically available during the summer months. No parking facilities are specifically associated with the church. There is no bus service in the conventional sense, though informal transport may connect the port and Chora during peak season. Ask locally upon arrival. Best Time to Visit Anafi receives the bulk of its visitors between late June and early September. Outside these months, ferry connections become infrequent and some services on the island close entirely. The church, as a working place of worship, may be accessible year-round for residents, but visiting outside summer requires flexibility around transport. The feast day of Saint Nicholas falls on December 6th, when Orthodox churches dedicated to him hold a liturgy and, in some communities, a small celebration afterward. On a remote island like Anafi, the feast day of the local church is a genuine community event rather than a tourist occasion. If you are on the island in early December — unlikely but not impossible — attending the liturgy is a respectful way to observe the occasion. For general visits, early morning or late afternoon are the best times to approach any small Cycladic chapel. Midday summer heat is intense on Anafi, and the quality of light on whitewashed walls is better outside the bleached-out noon hours. The church may be locked during off-peak hours; if so, ask locally about the key-holder, a common arrangement in small Greek villages. Tips for Visiting Dress appropriately. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees before entering any Orthodox church. Carry a light layer or scarf even in summer, as the interiors are cooler than outside and the dress code applies regardless of temperature. Check for a key-holder. Small chapels on minor Cycladic islands are often locked when not in use. A nearby resident or the local priest (papas) usually holds a key. Asking at a café or shop in Chora is the standard approach. Light a candle. A small donation box near the candle stand is standard in Greek Orthodox churches. Lighting a taper and placing it in the sand tray is a normal visitor practice and is welcomed. Silence is expected. Speak quietly inside, and avoid taking photographs during any active service. Photography of the interior when the church is empty is generally tolerated but not always explicitly permitted — observe any posted signs. Time your ferry carefully. Anafi's ferry schedule is thin, especially outside July and August. Missing a connection can strand you for several days. Check Hellenic Seaways or the DANAE booking system before finalizing your itinerary. Combine with Chora. The hilltop village has a handful of tavernas, a small market, and further chapels and viewpoints. A visit to Agios Nikolaos pairs naturally with an hour or two exploring Chora on foot. Respect active use. On a permanent-population island of fewer than 300 people, this church is not a tourist attraction — it is the active parish church of a small community. Treat it accordingly. About the Saint Saint Nicholas of Myra is one of the most widely venerated saints in the Orthodox Christian tradition. He lived in the 4th century AD in Myra, a city in what is now southern Turkey, and served as its bishop. His reputation for generosity, intervention in unjust situations, and protection of those at sea made him indispensable to maritime communities across the Mediterranean. In Greece, Agios Nikolaos is among the most common church dedications on the islands, second only perhaps to the Panagia (Virgin Mary). The reason is straightforward: Greek island communities depended on the sea for survival, and Saint Nicholas was understood as the figure most likely to answer prayers from fishermen, sponge-divers, and traders caught in storms. Icons depicting him calming waves or rescuing drowning sailors are common in coastal churches. On Anafi specifically, the dedication has particular local logic. The port of the island shares his name — Agios Nikolaos port — suggesting a deep historical association between this saint and the island's maritime identity. Whether the church predates the port's name, or the naming converged over time, is not documented, but the connection is unlikely to be coincidental. Churches of this dedication in the Cyclades often date to the Byzantine or post-Byzantine period, though many have been rebuilt or substantially renovated in the centuries since.

Akrogiali sits right on the water at Ormos Agiou Nikolaou — Anafi's small port bay — where tables are close enough to the sea that you can hear it while you eat. It is one of the few proper sit-down tavernas on an island with a total permanent population counted in the dozens, which makes it a practical anchor point for almost any visitor arriving by ferry or staying in the port area. With a rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 86 reviews, Akrogiali earns consistent approval from the trickle of independent travelers who choose Anafi specifically because it has resisted the development that swept over its Cycladic neighbours. The kitchen leans on the classics: grilled and fried seafood, mezedes, and slow-cooked meat dishes that match the unhurried pace of the island itself. Anafi is one of the quietest inhabited islands in the Cyclades, receiving far fewer tourists than Santorini or Ios, and the dining options here reflect that reality. Eating at Akrogiali is not about a curated experience — it is about sitting at a table by the Aegean and eating whatever came in fresh that day. What to Expect The setting is the first thing you notice: a waterfront position in Ormos Agiou Nikolaou, the bay that serves as Anafi's port, with an open aspect toward the sea. Tables are arranged so that most seats have a direct water view, and the atmosphere is relaxed rather than formal — plastic chairs, checked tablecloths, and the ambient noise of boats are entirely in keeping with a genuine island taverna. The menu follows the Greek seaside template reliably. Expect grilled octopus, fresh fish priced by weight, fried zucchini, tzatziki, and a rotating selection of mezedes. Keftedes — pan-fried herb meatballs — appear on the menu alongside cos lettuce salads and whatever shellfish is available locally. Grilled meats are also on offer for those who prefer to skip the seafood. Portions tend toward the generous side, as is typical of family-run tavernas in the smaller Cyclades. Drinks follow the standard Greek taverna approach: house wine served by the carafe, cold beer, soft drinks, and Greek coffee to finish. There is no cocktail program here, and that is appropriate to the setting. Service reflects island pace: things move slowly, and that is part of what Anafi visitors are generally seeking. On busy summer evenings, when the island's few guesthouses fill up, the taverna can be the social center of the port area. On quieter nights in shoulder season, you may have the terrace almost to yourself. The phone number on record is +30 2286 061218, which is worth saving if you want to check whether the kitchen is open on any given evening, particularly outside peak July–August weeks. How to Get There Akrogiali is located in Ormos Agiou Nikolaou, Anafi's port settlement, at coordinates approximately 36.3441° N, 25.7705° E. If you arrive by ferry — the standard way to reach Anafi — you will disembark almost directly in front of the port area. The taverna is within a short walk of the ferry dock along the waterfront road. Anafi's main village, Chora, sits up on the hill roughly 10–15 minutes from the port by the island's shuttle bus, which usually meets ferries. If you are based in Chora, you can take the bus down or walk the road that descends to the port — the walk takes around 25–35 minutes on foot. Taxis exist on Anafi in limited numbers; the island is small enough that most visitors rely on the bus, rented scooters or ATVs, or walking. Parking near the port is informal; there is no defined car park, but space is generally available given the island's low traffic volumes. There are no particular accessibility barriers documented, though the terrain in the port area is typical of a small Greek island harbour — some uneven paving. Best Time to Visit Akrogiali operates seasonally, as almost all Anafi businesses do. The reliable open window is July through August, when the island receives its highest visitor numbers and ferry connections from Piraeus and Santorini run more frequently. September is worth considering: crowds drop, temperatures remain warm enough for comfortable outdoor dining, and the pace slows further. For the taverna specifically, evening is the natural time to visit — the light on the water during the hour before and after sunset is the best the Aegean offers, and the heat of a Cycladic afternoon has typically eased by then. Lunch is also served, and a midday meal here on a clear day, looking out across the bay, has its own straightforward appeal. Anafi is exposed to the Meltemi, the strong northerly wind that blows through the Cyclades from mid-July into August. On windy days the waterfront can be breezy; some travelers find this a bonus in the heat. The port bay provides partial shelter compared to the open north coasts of the island. Avoid assuming the taverna is open if you arrive in spring before late May or in October — confirm by phone before planning an evening meal outside the core summer months. Tips for Visiting Call ahead in shoulder season. Outside July and August, call +30 2286 061218 to confirm opening before making the trip down from Chora. Arrive with cash. Anafi's infrastructure is limited; do not assume card payment is available. Bring euro cash from the ATM in Chora before heading to the port. Ask what's fresh. Fish on Greek island menus is often priced by weight and availability changes daily. Ask the server what came in that morning rather than ordering purely from the written menu. Order a shared spread rather than individual plates. A selection of mezedes — tzatziki, fried zucchini, grilled octopus, salad — shared across two or three people tends to give a better meal than individual main courses and reflects how Greek taverna food is designed to be eaten. The ferry schedule affects the kitchen. On nights when the ferry from Piraeus arrives late, the taverna may be busier than usual with newly arrived passengers. If you want a quieter table, time your visit accordingly. Bring a light layer for evening. The Meltemi drops at night, but the waterfront can still turn cool after dark, especially in late August and September. Don't rush. Anafi runs on its own tempo, and Akrogiali reflects that. If you need the bill, ask for it explicitly — it will not arrive uninvited. Pair a meal here with an evening at the port. Ormos Agiou Nikolaou is a natural gathering point on the island once the day-heat drops. Eating at Akrogiali and then sitting with a glass of wine watching the ferries and fishing boats is a complete Anafi evening. What to Order The standout dishes across visitor accounts are grilled octopus, which benefits from the Cycladic tradition of slow-drying on lines before cooking, and fried zucchini topped with grated hard cheese — a simple but well-executed meze that pairs well with cold beer or a carafe of house white. Keftedes, the pan-fried meatballs seasoned with herbs, are a consistent presence on the menu and worth ordering if you want something off the seafood track. Tzatziki here follows the standard Greek preparation — thick strained yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and olive oil — and functions well as part of a shared spread of starters. Fresh fish, when available, is priced by weight as is customary in Greek tavernas. The server will usually bring the catch to the table to show you before you commit, along with the price. Grilled whole fish over charcoal is the preparation to choose if quality is high; fried options are also available for smaller fish. For dessert, Greek coffee and seasonal fruit are the most reliable options. The sweet ending at a place like this is less about the dessert menu and more about a slow second carafe and watching the port settle into the evening.

Floarans Cafe sits at the port of Agios Nikolaos — the small harbour that serves as Anafi's main arrival and departure point. Whether you've just stepped off the ferry at an awkward early hour or you're killing time before a late-night sailing, this is the most consistently reliable spot on the island for a coffee or a drink. With a 4.7 rating across 112 Google reviews, the cafe has earned genuine loyalty from both islanders and the steady trickle of travellers who make it to one of the Cyclades' more remote outposts. Anafi sees a fraction of the traffic that Santorini, visible on a clear day to the west, absorbs — so a place that works this well and stays open around the clock is more valuable here than it would be anywhere else in the archipelago. The place types listed for Floarans suggest it covers more ground than a standard Greek kafeneion: coffee shop, bar, snack restaurant, and food store all feature. In practice, that means you can start the morning with a freddo espresso, return mid-afternoon for something cold, and end the evening with a beer or a glass of wine at the same waterfront table. What to Expect Floarans is firmly in the casual, all-day category. The setting is the port of Agios Nikolaos, which means you're looking directly out over the small harbour — fishing boats, the occasional catamaran, and on ferry days the Blue Star or Seajets vessel that briefly turns Anafi into somewhere slightly busier than usual. The menu covers the ground you'd expect from a Greek island cafe-bar hybrid: Greek coffee, filter coffee, freddo cappuccino and espresso, cold frappes, fresh juices, soft drinks, beer, and spirits. The food offer leans toward lighter fare — snacks, small bites — though the Google place types include pizza restaurant, suggesting at least some cooked food is available. Because no menu details are published, confirm specifics when you arrive or by calling ahead. The interior is compact and relaxed; most people gravitate toward the outdoor seating that looks onto the port. The pace is slow by design. Anafi is not an island that rushes anything, and Floarans fits that rhythm exactly. Staff are accustomed to visitors who arrive on the ferry with no accommodation booked and no particular plan — it's that kind of place. The 24-hour listing is unusual and worth noting. On an island this size, round-the-clock opening suggests the cafe also functions as a practical hub: the place to be when the ferry arrives at 2 a.m., or when nothing else on the island is showing any sign of life. How to Get There Floarans Cafe is at the port of Agios Nikolaos, which sits on Anafi's northern coast. If you've arrived by ferry, you're already within a short walk — the harbour is small enough that the cafe is visible from the dock area. The road from Anafi's main village (Chora) runs down to the port; it's roughly a 2–3 km drive or a longer walk along the main island road (Epar.Od. Anafis). Taxis and transfer vehicles typically meet ferries at Agios Nikolaos. If you're staying in Chora and want to come down to the port, the easiest option is to arrange transport or rent a scooter — the descent is manageable but the return uphill is steep on foot in summer heat. Parking at the port is informal; there's no dedicated car park, but the road widens near the harbour and vehicles park along the verge. Accessibility to the cafe itself depends on the exact layout of the port terrace — worth checking if mobility is a concern, as Greek island port paths can include uneven stone surfaces. Best Time to Visit Anafi is a summer island. The ferry service from Piraeus and from Santorini becomes more frequent between June and September, and most of the island's cafes, tavernas, and rooms-to-let operate only during this window. Floarans, with its 24-hour listing, appears to run year-round or at least through a longer season than most. For the most atmospheric visit, arrive in the early morning when fishing boats are returning to port, or in the late afternoon when the light softens and the heat of the day breaks. Ferry arrival times — which on Greek island routes often fall in the middle of the night or at dawn — create a natural burst of activity at the port, and Floarans is the obvious place to decompress after a sea crossing. July and August bring the most visitors to Anafi, though the island never approaches the density of Ios or Mykonos. Even at peak season, you should find a seat. Spring (May–June) and early autumn (September) offer calmer conditions and a more local crowd. Tips for Visiting Call ahead if you need food: The number on file is +30 2286 061201. Given the island's limited restaurant options, it's worth confirming what's available, especially outside high season. Treat it as a base for the port area: If you're waiting for a ferry, Floarans is the practical answer. Most Anafi departures and arrivals pass through Agios Nikolaos, and there are few alternatives open at odd hours. Bring cash: Anafi has very limited ATM infrastructure. While many island businesses have adapted to card payments, small cafes in remote Cyclades ports still sometimes prefer cash, particularly for small orders. Check the Instagram account: The handle florans_anafi is active and is a reliable way to get a current feel for the menu, any seasonal offerings, and whether the kitchen side of the operation is running during your visit. Pair the stop with a walk along the port: Agios Nikolaos has a small beach and a harbour walkway. A coffee at Floarans and a slow circuit of the waterfront accounts for an easy hour in the morning or evening. Don't arrive expecting a full restaurant experience: The core offer is coffee, drinks, and snacks. If you want a sit-down meal with grilled fish and a bottle of wine, you'll need one of Anafi's dedicated tavernas, most of which are in or near Chora. High-season ferry days are the busiest: When the ferry from Santorini or Piraeus is due, the port comes alive briefly. If you prefer quiet, time your visit for mid-morning on a non-ferry day. What to Order Coffee is the anchor. In Greece that means a range of options: a short, strong Greek coffee made in a briki, a frothy freddo espresso over ice, a freddo cappuccino, or a long frappe — the whipped instant-coffee drink that remains the everyday choice for many Greeks on hot days. All of these should be on offer. Beyond coffee, the bar side of the operation covers the standard Greek island range: cold beers (typically Mythos or Fix on tap or in bottles), local spirits, wine, and soft drinks. The food offer — snacks, light bites, and apparently some pizza — is better confirmed by phone or on arrival rather than assumed from the category tags. If you're heading to the island for the first time and arrive on an early ferry, a Greek coffee and a koulouri (sesame bread ring) or a small cheese pie is the logical first stop before finding your accommodation and working out the rest of the day.

Xetrypiti is one of the most secluded beaches on Anafi, the small Cycladic island that sits southeast of Santorini and receives a fraction of its neighbour's visitors. The coordinates place it on the island's coastline away from the main settlement of Chora, which already has fewer than 300 permanent residents. Getting to Xetrypiti requires a degree of effort — and that effort is precisely what keeps it quiet. Anafi itself sets the tone for a beach like this. There are no beach clubs here, no rows of sunbeds for hire, and no beach bar playing music at volume. The island's beaches reward self-sufficiency: bring water, food, and shade if you need it. What you get in return is Aegean water in shades that run from pale turquoise near the shore to deep cobalt further out, and a stretch of coast where the main sounds are wind and waves. The name Xetrypiti is distinctly local — the kind of place-name that only exists on maps used by islanders and returning visitors who have moved beyond the handful of beaches closest to the port. That alone tells you something useful about the crowd levels you should expect. What to Expect Anafi's beaches generally fall into two shore types: fine sand and mixed pebble-and-sand. Based on the terrain visible around Xetrypiti's coordinates, the shore here is likely to include natural pebble or coarse sand rather than the groomed fine sand found at more developed Cycladic resorts. The water clarity at undeveloped Anafi beaches is consistently high — there is very little boat traffic along most of the coastline, and no run-off from large settlements, so visibility in the water tends to be excellent. Expect no infrastructure at Xetrypiti. There are no permanent facilities: no toilets, no taverna, no sunbed rental, and no fresh water. The surrounding landscape is typical of southern Anafi — dry, rocky terrain with low scrub, occasionally sheltered by low cliffs that can provide natural shade in the morning or late afternoon depending on the beach's orientation. The sea conditions on this side of the island are generally calmer than the north-facing shores, though the Cyclades are exposed to the meltemi wind that blows from the north in summer. On days when the meltemi picks up, south-facing beaches on Anafi can be considerably more sheltered than anywhere on Santorini or the northern Cyclades. Swimming here is best suited to confident swimmers who are comfortable entering the water from a natural, unimproved shoreline. The water depth is likely to increase relatively quickly from the shore, as is common on pebble beaches throughout the Cyclades. How to Get There Anafi is reached by ferry from Piraeus (Athens), with journey times ranging from roughly seven to ten hours depending on the route and vessel. There are also connections from Santorini, which takes approximately two hours. Ferry frequency is limited — typically a few times per week in summer, less in the shoulder season — so planning ahead is essential. From Anafi's port of Ag. Nikolaos and the main village of Chora above it, reaching Xetrypiti will require either a vehicle or a solid walk. Anafi has very limited public transport, and a small number of scooter and ATV rental operators in Chora serve visitors who want to explore beyond the walking trails. The island's road network is minimal, and some coastal access points require navigating unpaved tracks. Check locally on arrival — at your accommodation or in the port area — for the most current directions to Xetrypiti. Islanders and accommodation owners are the most reliable source of up-to-date access information, including whether any track has deteriorated or a route has changed season to season. Parking, if you arrive by scooter or vehicle, will be wherever the track ends. There are no formal parking areas at remote beaches on Anafi. Best Time to Visit Anafi's visitor season runs from late June through early September, with July and August being the peak months. Even at peak season, the island as a whole sees modest visitor numbers compared to the rest of the Cyclades, so a secluded beach like Xetrypiti is unlikely to feel crowded even in August. The meltemi wind is most consistent in July and August, typically building through the afternoon and dropping by early evening. South-facing beaches are generally better sheltered from this wind than north or west-facing ones. Morning visits — before the wind builds — tend to offer the calmest water and the clearest light for seeing into the sea. Shoulder months, particularly late May, June, and September, bring lighter winds, warm enough water for comfortable swimming, and even fewer people. The sea temperature around Anafi is typically around 22–24°C in July and August, cooling to around 20°C by late September. Avoiding the midday sun between roughly 12:00 and 15:00 is advisable in high summer. With no infrastructure for shade, this matters more at a beach like Xetrypiti than at a developed beach with umbrellas. Tips for Visiting Bring everything you need. There are no facilities at Xetrypiti — carry enough water for the full visit, sun protection, food, and a rubbish bag to take your waste back with you. Verify the route before you leave Chora. Ask at your accommodation or a local rental shop for current directions. Tracks on remote Anafi beaches can be unmarked and conditions change between seasons. Rent a scooter or ATV if walking distances are a concern. The small rental operators in Chora are the practical solution for reaching beaches beyond the main port area. Visit in the morning for the calmest conditions. Wind picks up through the afternoon in summer; early visits give you the best swimming conditions and a cooler walk or ride. Pack a snorkel. With no boat traffic and high water clarity, Anafi's undeveloped beaches reward underwater exploration. Rocks and pebble shorelines typically support more marine life than bare sand. Check the ferry schedule the moment you arrive. Anafi's ferry connections are infrequent and can change — knowing your departure window in advance avoids the stress of missing the only boat for two days. The beach is unsupervised. There is no lifeguard and no one nearby if conditions change. Check sea conditions before entering, especially if there is swell from the south. Respect the environment. Remote beaches on small islands like Anafi absorb the impact of visitors acutely. Leave the shore exactly as you found it. Activities and Facilities The primary activity at Xetrypiti is swimming and snorkelling in clear, undisturbed Aegean water. The absence of motor boats and permanent development means the underwater environment is relatively undisturbed, and rocky sections of the shoreline are worth exploring with a mask. Anafi more broadly offers some of the best walking in the Cyclades. The marked trail network connects Chora to the monastery of Zoodochos Pigi at the island's eastern end — a several-hour walk that passes through dramatic landscape and ends at one of the most striking monastery settings in Greece. If you're based on the island for more than a day, combining a beach visit with one of the walking routes gives you a full picture of what makes Anafi distinctive. There are no water sports operators, no kayak hire, and no organised activities at Xetrypiti itself. This is a beach for people who are content with the sea and the landscape without additional programming.