Anafi

The island of Anafi is situated in the Aegean sea, east of Santorini.
According to Ancient Greek Mythology, the god Apollo caused Anafi to emerge from the sea when the Argonauts were in danger during their travels in the Aegean. Anafi has the second highest cliff in the Mediterranean sea (after Gibraltar), with its east side spanning from 200m to 450m. This cliff (situated at the cape of Kalamos) has good quality rock and is truly impressive since it emerges right from the sea.
At the top of the cliff one finds an old white monastery which originates from the 1600s. There is also a very good path which leads from the monastery back down to the coast. Rocks and climbing

The first route at Anafi was named "Argonaut’s Expedition" (20/6/99) and it follows a characteristic pillar on the South face (the edge of the rock viewed from the port). The first 250m are steep but not very difficult. (‘V’ UIAA). The last 200m are easy "I - II". It takes about five hours to reach the top from the base, and another 1,5h to walk down. Nuts & friends are needed, yet there is one fixed piton at every belay.
The rock is not always solid but overall has good limestone.
Hundreds of routes can be opened in trad style.
In other faces of the area unbroken walls lead almost to the top, (461m), so the height of the cliff fluctuates from 200m to 450m.
To access the cliff you need to rent a boat from the port (it takes about 10 minutes to reach the cliff).

I think Anafi is an attractive destination for climbers who like to open their own multipitch routes in an adventurous atmosphere of a small not so touristy island. The view over the Aegean sea from the monastery of the "Virgin Mary" on the top is surely breathtaking.

When to climb
The faces are S, SE, E & N. To avoid the hot temperatures, the best time to visit the cliffs is from April to June and from September to November.
The south face is in the shade until 12:00 and the East & North faces are in the shade after 14.00.

Useful tel. numbers
Area code 0286
Police 61.216
Community of Anafi 61.266
Doctor 61.215
Post Office 61.203

Boat Rentals
(Mr. Giannis Damigos) 61.253
Tourist Office 61290, 61253, fax 61352