1. Anafi (Chora)
Chora is the only settlement on Anafi and it is definitely the main attraction of the island due to its beauty. The paces in the island’s capital are calm. Its atmosphere is bathed in the light blue color of the sea and the sky; it is the most suitable atmosphere for thoughtful musings.
Chora is built amphitheatrically, at an altitude of 260 m, and its architecture constitutes a perfect sample of Aegean residential complex. It consists of cascading, ground floor or two-storey stone residences perched on slopes with steep gradients, white-washed yards overlooking the pelago and winding pebbled streets of the local pale plate which often pass under house arches. The embedded cylindrical buildings in the residencies are the stone ovens where the family bread and meat are cooked.
Quite a few churches are distinguished scattered inside the urban planning fabric, most of which are single-roomed and vaulted. Agios Nikolaos is the most important one, with the oldest icon in the iconostasis dating back to 1612. Kimisi tis Theotokou (Dormition of Virgin Mary) has a notable iconostasis as well, with icons dating back to 1866.
In the central pedestrian street of Chora there are little taverns, a bakery and mini-markets. There are guesthouses and rooms to let in the southern part of Chora and in Plagia, overlooking the port. Chora also provides Agricultural clinic, Post Office, Post bank, School’s (primary, elementary, high school), police station and a community library.
2. Agios Nikolaos - Gialos
Agios Nikolaos or “Gialos”, as locals call it, is a tiny sleepy village and Anafi’s main port. It lies on the south coast of the island and is named after the small chapel, located nearby. It has a lovely sandy beach with crystal-clear water and is the starting point to visit other idyllic beaches around the island, including Mikros and Megalos Roukounas, Megas Potamos, Klisidi, Katsouni and Monastiri Beach. Agios Nikolaos offers limited accommodation options, a couple of tavernas and an even smaller number of shops. There is not much to see or do but Chora, the island’s capital is just 2 km away. Yet, Agios Nikolaos offers peace and is a stress-free vacation destination off the beaten track, perfect for those seeking relaxation.