Where to stay in Anafi
Anafi is stark and vertical. Chora sits high on a ridge, the port of Agios Nikolaos clings to the sea below, and a single paved road snakes between them. Choosing where to stay is a binary choice: sleep in the village lanes for whitewashed caldera views and tavernas, or stay by the water for immediate beach access and the island's only low-key nightlife.
Chora
Chora feels intensely quiet, composed of sugar-cube houses, narrow stone flagstone paths, and lingering sea views. From your doorstep, you can walk to the Venetian Kastro for sunset, the central square for morning coffee at Platanos, and the trailhead leading up Mount Kalamos. Vehicles are banned, so expect the soundtrack of clattering goat bells and wind.
Agios Nikolaos
This is Anafi’s small port settlement, offering a salt-air atmosphere with a handful of waterfront tavernas serving fresh catch. It is entirely walkable, connecting directly to Klisidi beach via a short coastal path. Landmarks include the port chapel and the slipway where local fishing boats tie up against the swell of the Aegean.
Klisidi
Klisidi feels like a slow-motion time capsule, featuring a crescent of soft sand backed by tamarisk trees and a few clustered rooms to let. Everything here is walkable within five minutes: the beach itself, Taverna Flouri for local chickpea stew, and the coastal track that climbs over the headland back toward the main port.
Rent a car in Anafi
Compare rental cars from local and international companies, with free cancellation on most bookings.
Compare car rentals in AnafiOne thing to think about
Avoid booking accommodation solely based on distance to Zoodochos Pigi monastery at the far eastern tip. While it is Anafi's most famous landmark, staying out that way means zero amenities, extreme isolation, and a brutal, unshaded uphill hike just to reach a taverna or shop.
Other places to stay in Greece: lastminute.com · Megabon
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Anafi are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Top tours & activities in Anafi
Common questions
Do I need to rent a car on Anafi?
No, most visitors do not rent a car because the island is tiny and the local bus connects Chora and the port frequently in summer. Trails crisscross the island, meaning you can easily hike between Chora, Klisidi, and the southern beaches on foot without ever needing four wheels.
Where should I stay for the best beaches?
Stay in Klisidi or Agios Nikolaos if swimming is your priority. Klisidi has the island's finest sandy beach, and staying here means you wake up feet from the water, whereas staying up in Chora requires a 20-minute downhill walk or bus ride to reach the coast.
Is it easy to find accommodation upon arrival at the port?
It is risky to arrive without a booking, especially in July and August. Anafi has very limited tourist infrastructure and a small bed capacity. Room owners usually meet the ferry, but waiting until you step off the boat severely limits your choices.
Hotel links go to Booking.com. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.