Anafi Island

Overview

If you are seeking genuine, unspoilt Greek island life, Anafi is the one! Sail directly east from Santorini for about 90 minutes and you will hit this pumice blanketed, majestic former berth of the legendary Argonauts. Being one of the least accessible islands of the Cyclades, Anafi does not offer hotel accommodation, excursions by motorcoach or clubs. Instead, one can experience the delights of Agios Nikolaos, the small, cliff-backed port of arrival with its couple of tavernas and cafe and the truly unspoilt hilltop Chora, just a short bus ride (4 km) from Agios Nikolaos. With only a few tavernas, bakery, small shops and post office, your weekly visit to the out of town hypermarket at home will become a distant memory as you stroll the enchanting, narrow alleys of Chora. If you prefer not to travel by bus, a 1.5 km donkey track is still used by enthusiastic walkers.

A coastal walk scene

The string of beaches that run the length of the south coast of Anafi are nothing short of impressive. From the cliff-sheltered sands at Agios Nikolaos, a short walk leads east to Klissidi, 200 metres of gently shelving, fine sand, 2 tavernas and the location of our accommodation. Even more splendid are the dune backed sands of Roukounas, an hours walk east of Klissidi. Monastiri beach and the coves of Katalimatsa are even further east but all within walking distance.

If you are feeling lazy, a small excursion boat operates between Agios Nikolaos & Monastiri from where it is possible to walk to the Monasteries of Zoodogou Pyrgi & Panaghia Kalamiotissa. I hope that Anafi's unspoilt character is retained. In spite of a government building restriction order for the Chora I cannot help wonder how long the island will resist the onslaught of increasing numbers, especially as the island is now feted in a number of guide books. There is of course one simple answer. Go now before the situation changes! (Hurry up!!!)
Here the advices http://www.agencedevoyage.com

Things To Do
Caiques from Agios Nikolaos port to Monastiri beach

Picture Credit : http://www.helleniccomserve.com/anafi.html

Folegandros Island | Look around...

Folegandros Festivals

The highly acclaimed summer time festival Folegandros started in 2003. It is almost always locked in mid-summer and it is a yearly survey. Steal live performances and displays the limelight, even when other training courses and demos, to locate a devote this program from the party. The subjects which are displayed include, music, photography, film, background and art. A task can also be the topic of every year throughout the festival, which attempts to preserve the cultural ethos from the island. Previously, issues like the restoration from the historic island upkeep relevant towards the Aegean Ocean, it of traditional music by music artists in the island happen to be made. Easter time and xmas are filled with different occasions, religious festivals and it is worth seeing and going through.

Folegandros Museums

Folegandros Ecological and Folklore Museum: The village of Ano Meria hosts the elegant environmental and Folklore Museum of Folegandros. This excellent museum is an ideal mixture of ancient and modern tastes provide a cultural understanding of the standard existence from the island in addition to a typical "Kafeneio", and a number of taverns encircled. The museum is really a rustic house with walls of stone and clay, without using plaster, that is the way the houses built in order not by pirates previously was once identifiable. Site visitors can also get the opportunity to see a classic barn, the remains of the mill along with a wine primitive. One of the exhibits are everyday objects, costumes, a classic frame, baskets, glasses and lots of other products are. The walls from the youngest from the 1800s House both in the whitened parts. Efforts were instrumental Folegandros Cultural Society and warrants a mention in the development of the museum. The museum, opened up in 1988, is another library, where one can buy totraditional practices. Folegandros the Folk Art Museum. Even an outside concert within the courtyard, that was when a stable, since it provides a breathtaking look at the area and also the surrounding ocean.

Folegandros Towns

The towns of Folegandros are of the Cycladic type of architecture. Whitewashed and small, houses have colorful home windows and doorshuts. Chora may be the capital village, while Karavostasi the primary port.

Chora Village in Folegandros

Folegandros Chora village: The setllement traditional Hora lies in an altitude of 200 meters above ocean level. The closest port - Karavostasi is near and it is just 3.4 km away. Chora appears because of its narrow roads and walkways. You will find a multitude of locations which are different again stretch of Folegandros and also the islands from the Cyclades. The homes are whitewashed and fairly well-maintained. Actually, appears to become certainly one of Chora earliest medieval cities in most the Cyclades. The structures are built close together therefore. The outer wall from the castle (Kastro) It ought to be noted the Chora outdoors the limitations cars, and has turned into a unique "hub" of three squares. You will find many regions of the colour tone from the trees provided and you may really relax. Chora is among the most attractive towns around the island of Folegandros. For individuals thinking about excursions you can check out North Chrissospilia near Hora. Here you can observe stalagmites, that is maintained through the Historical Service.

Ano Meria Village in Folegandros

Ano Meria village Folegandros: The attractive village of Ano Meria is fantastic for the northwestern area of the island of Folegandros away. The village is near to Chora, that is only 5 kms. away. Site visitors towards the village are magical through the scenic beauty of the nation, that is bound filled with lush eco-friendly fields. This village is sparsely populated, meaning there's lots of room to breathe. A stroll with the entertainment center among the towns well-defined pathways could be a refreshing experience. The nation, that has only 350 occupants, continues to be maintained their ancient traditions and heritage. No trip to the village of Ano Meria isn't complete. Without a vacation to the magnificent Laographic Museum This museum may be the to begin type "Outside Museum" in A holiday in greece. The museum represents the quintessence of flats, composed from the primary house, the oven, and also the wine cellar, along with a miniature winery. The normal picture of a rural complex is situated at the front of the eyes. You will find many cozy taverns and really should possess a indicate benefit from the local niche - "matsata." It's essentially a paste that's made manually.

Karavostasi Village in Folegandros

Karavostasi Village Folegandros: The attractive village of Karavostasi is really a village close to the harbor. Here there is a full-range of tourist facilities of travel companies grocery stores and bakeries quality cozy tavernas. The village can also be near to some beautiful beaches.

Beaches

Beaches of Folegandros are recognized for there tranquil surroundings, the astounding sights and also the stunning landscape that surrounds beaches. It is really an unspoiled island which has stored its traditional character. Admire and relish the natural splendor from the island and relax within the fine beaches.

Folegandros Island | In History

Folegandros Island Map

First Occupants

Historians believe that the name derives from Folegandros son of Minos , the previous king of The island. The request by historians may be the discovery of ancient coins from the neighborhood, look around the coins discloses support Folegandros showed marked. The area of Folegandros offered like a refuge for individuals who've been exiled in the island of The island. There's another way of thinking around the title of island think that the title of Folegandros, from the Phoenician word for any rock-strewn land that's just what the island comes. Should you consider the good reputation for Folegandros, he finds out the concerns from Asia Minor were the very first occupants from the island. Then came the Cretans, who ruled the area of Folegandros using the emperor at the very top. Following the Cretans, the amount of Dori ended up being to follow. Archaeologists have discovered proof of inscriptions, that have been excavated came from here. This really is possibly probably the most important explanations why Folegandros not took part in the very first Athenian alliance, that was formerly held 478 BC. Archaeologists have found an inscription Folegandros island of Athens, a yearly fee, that was believed to become 2000 and never 1000 Attican drachmas, drachmas dug payment Sikinos compensated. This really is generous, the island was carefully associated with Athens. Throughout this time around, the occupants from the island would be the worship of Artemis and Apollo. Actually, you will find the remains of the temple of Artemis at Chora. The coins were excavated on Folegandros and copper would be the second and third century BC on one side, the coins represent the figure of Folegadros as the other is really a picture of the bull engraved.

Macedonian Rule

Way in 338 BC Philip the second, that was even the father of Alexander the Great, mastered Athens. Then, each one of the major islands of A holiday in Greece was underneath the rule of Macedonia. Sometimes throughout the first Century BC, once the Romans reigned supreme in Greece, Folegandros possess a place where individuals exiled.

Byzantine Period

Regrettably, very little historic details about the Byzantine period alternation in which all survived 800 years. Historians think that the area was in a condition of oblivion. Historians and archaeologists happen to be in a position to process the data to 1636. Folegandros was Exarchate from the Patriarchate and revered because it was area of the Archbishop of Sifnos. Constantinople was mastered by the Franks in 1204 through the Venetians as well as their entry within the Cyclades. The previous Venetian Markos Sanoudos emperor mastered the Aegean islands and creating the archipelago. Folegandros has additionally been incorporated within this archipelago. Kaiser Sanoudos ruled the islands with humbleness and political knowledge. He offered religious freedom to the people, making certain acquired their trust. Later Admiral Likarios "Decree Sanoudos island. Likarios handled by different emperors in the opinion, and the fans, created an alliance using the emperor Michael VII Palaeologus, who had been instrumental within the inclusion of Constantinople through the Latins effective. Miszil was the individual from the procedures from the military and Likarios together with his intelligent approach could Ios, Sikinos, Folegandros and Sifnos separated in the Duchy of Naxos. The islands didn't last lengthy using the Byzantines, as with 1307 the Spaniards mastered raiders Giannouli Dakoronia all. Dakoronia islands stored in captivity before the year 1464, once the Gozadinians assaulted and taken. Throughout this era, the area of Folegandros susceptible to wave attack turkish, and she wasn't any alternative, the area was abandoned by its occupants.

Turkish Rule

Following the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, suffered lots of difficulties Aegean. With the Franks, the Venetians had dethroned in the islands, the Sultan and France signed an agreement for that in 1536. The Turks were offered by Admiral Varvarosa, and only survived the islands, that have been not controlled through the Venetians, as the relaxation was looted by Varvarosa military. The islands Folegandros, Sikinos, Kimolos, Kythnos and just how were guaranteed. And so the Gozadinon empire had ruled the area for 4 decades. In 1617, the empire was banned by the Franks and also the Turks again dominated the island. It ought to be noted that Folegandros taxes compensated Kapetan be switched. In 1715 Kapoudan Passas Tzanoum Hotza Folegandros assaulted and subjugated the majority of the citizens in revenge specifically for the tacit support of a number of its occupants using the pirates who plundered the neighboring islands. Throughout the Turkish occupation from the consuls from the great forces were positioned around the island, too. In France They consul Georgakis Stais in 1770 reported both. The offices from the ruler and commander. Turkish War - For 4 years of turkish domination was damaged in 1770, when Russian. Anything was signed between Turkey and Russia, and so the islands were came back to Turkey. It was in 1828, after many battles, the citizens is the fact that Folegandros integrated free of the domination turkish and it has been for the rest of Greece. Folegandros can be used for the area of exile for political criminals to become 1900-1970. The exiled criminals were involved with helpful work and established friendly relations using the islanders. Political criminals were skilled in wood carving and frequently would take part in local festivals and festivals through the island.

Ios Island | Look it beautiful II

Agia Theodoti Beach

Agia Theodoti Ios: Following the path of Epano Kambos, northeast of the island, you will be directed Agia Theodoti, a beautiful seaside resort 14 km from Chora. The beautiful beach of golden sand and azure water is known for its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty.

This is an ideal swimming with spectacular sunsets. Agia Theodoti easily combine cosmopolitan excitement and relaxation in complete privacy. The shore of endless beach is a long clump of trees provides enough shade in the middle of the visitors. There are plenty of sun loungers and parasols to rent a traditional tavern and rooms.

To get to the beach and follow the road "Epano Kambos" windmills of Chora. Near Agia Theodoti are the remains of an ancient aqueduct and a Hellenistic tower.

Ios Island | Look it beautiful I

Ios Beaches

With some of the best beaches in the Greek islands, Ios gets pretty popular in summer. Mylopotas and Ormos are the busiest and have many beach bars and watersports centres. Fortunately, although it receives many tourists, Ios still have secluded coves to relax.

 

Mylopotas beach

Mylopotas Ios: The famous beach of Ios is located 3 km from Chora. This is the main beach of the island where tourists action takes place. It is known for its long sandy beach stretching over 1 km and tourist facilities fantastic. The crystal clear waters are ideal for swimming and the main reason Mylopotas was repeatedly awarded the Blue Flag.

The sandy beach is covered by numerous sunbathing and umbrellas at reasonable prices, and many beach bars, where all the action happens. The beach is perfect for a range of activities that offer many water sports facilities for visitors, such as windsurfing and scuba diving. Despite the development of tourism in the region remains one Mylopotas beach with a beautiful natural landscape.

Mylopotas receives a large number of people throughout the day as the sun of the Cyclades, sunbathing in the golden sands and swimming in the emerald green water. You can reach Mylopotas by bus from Chora.

Manganari beach

Picture Credit: http://flickriver.com/photos/larahn/4813580525/

Manganari Ios: Manganari is one of the most beautiful beaches of Ios, located 23 km south of Chora. The beach itself has golden sand and crystal clear waters. Due to the remoteness and the long stretch of Chora, the beach is not disturbed by the noise of the crowd, the greater part of the day, while it offers an excellent opportunity to discover the natural environment.

The secluded cove is strong winds calm and offers protected swimming and snorkeling. The beach extends for several meters. Scenes from the famous film "Le Grand Bleu" is Manganari shot, revealing the exceptional quality of the water and beautiful scenery.