Kalamos of Anafi

Μετάφραση Greek Version

Kalamos of Anafi

The monolith of Kalamos is an enormous 460-metre-high rock on the southeastern part of Anafi. It is the second largest monolith in the Mediterranean after that of Gibraltar, and a great destination for hikers and climbers who sometimes choose to stay there overnight. Kalamos is a limestone rock visible from anywhere on the island. The huge rock is the landmark of Anafi and certainly one of its main attractions. Perched atop this massif rock, is the Panagia Kalamiotissa monastery. The monastery was probably built in 1715 on top of the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to God Apollo. Apart from the church, the monastery includes a small yard, some cells and a water tank. The only way to get up there is on foot, but it is more than worthwhile, as the view from the top is just stunning. Every year on the 7th of September, a big feast takes place in the yard of the monastery in honor to Panagia (the Virgin). This feast is the most popular of Anafi, attracting crowds od locals and visitors. On the north side of Kalamos, there is an impressive cave known as “Drakontospilo” with an entrance of more than 10 meters high and water running on the internal walls, forming natural ponds and stalactites. Kalamos, together with the surrounding area has been defined as an important ecological area due to many rare species of flora and geomorphologic formations, and is listed in the Natura 2000 Network.