Anafi is a small island with a lot of personality. An untouched gem of the Aegean archipelago, it is located just east of the famous Santorini. Anafi has just two villages – one down by the water, the other crowning the top of the hill – and all the features making the Cyclades Islands so special: golden beaches, bright whitewashed homes, dainty chapels and bursts of colorful flowers. As an added bonus, the eastern tip of the island is the second-highest monolith in the Mediterranean. Called Kálamos, it rises straight up from the water to an elevation of 470m. At the top, like a delicate ornament, sits Kalamiótissa, a small white chapel built circa 1600. You can walk up to the chapel following a scenic footpath. But why take the easy way out? Two outstanding climbs (one trad, one sport) start from the water and also lead to the summit. When you get there, the only sounds you will hear will be the wind, the birds, and the beat of your heart. And you will really feel like you’re on top of the world.
Climbing: Compact, marble-like limestone of excellent quality. The cliff faces are between 200-450m high. At the moment there are only two multi-pitches, but the monolith teems with potential for countless good long routes.
Conditions: The cliff faces north, east and south. Climbing is best in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November).
