A simple way of life is preserved at Anafi, which is much calmer than neighbouring Santorini, and offers much better beaches overall. Unexplored caves, hiking paths and medicinal herbs are part of Anafi’s offerings, so are intriguing architecture and a variety of archaeological discoveries. Of particular splendour are the wildflowers in spring with the smell of sage and thyme in the air, in true Mediterranean style.

The Hora or capital of Anafi is its sole town with less than 300 inhabitants, built on the ruins of a Venetian castle some 3 kilometres away from the harbour. Designated 'places of communal importance' under Natura 2000 include the regions of Rouounas and Kalamos. The latter boasts the largest monolith in the Mediterranean after the rock of Gibraltar.