Getting from Athens to Anafi

If you are heading to Anafi from Athens you are going to one of the most remote and most rewarding islands in the Cyclades. Anafi sits at the far southeastern edge of the group, close enough to Santorini that you can see it from the caldera rim on a clear day, yet almost entirely unknown by comparison. The island has a few hundred permanent residents, a single village, beaches that require a walk to reach and a monolithic rock at the eastern end called Kalamos that rises 460 metres straight out of the sea. According to Greek mythology, Apollo caused Anafi to rise from the sea to shelter the Argonauts in a storm. It is exactly the kind of island that rewards those who make the effort.

Take the ferry

The Piraeus to Anafi ferry runs between 4 and 7 times per week in summer and less frequently in winter, taking around 9 to 10 hours. Most sailings stop at Santorini along the way, which is also a useful connection point if you are combining Anafi with a Cyclades trip. The frequency is limited so check the schedule carefully on Ferryhopper and build your travel dates around the available departures.

Getting there by air

Anafi has no airport. The ferry from Piraeus is the only option from Athens.

Your best option

Take the overnight ferry from Piraeus. It is the only realistic approach and the crossing via Santorini is a good one. Give yourself at least two nights on Anafi and come with everything you need. The island rewards those who slow down entirely and has almost no infrastructure beyond the basics.