Anafi took its name when Apollo made the island rise from the sea to save the Argonauts
from a big storm on their return from Colhis. Another myth tells us that it owes its name
(Anef Ofeon=without snakes) to its lack of snakes. Historically, it was first settled by
the Phoenicians and later by the Dorians who founded the town of Anafi. In the 5th
century BC, it joined the Athenian League. During the Middle Ages, it became part of
the Duchy of Naxos and was ruled by several Venetian royal families. In 1537, it was
subjugated by the Turks, after it had been ransacked by Barbarossa. It was liberated
in 1830 by the Treaty of London, along with the rest of the Cyclades. The
Monastery of
Zoodohos Pigi was build in 1800s. A large part of the Monastery was destroyed in
the 1956 earthquake.
Monastery of Panagia Kalamiotisa is astonishingly perched on
the eastern peninsula. The Monastery was named so, after an icon of the Virgin Mary
was found hanging on a cane (kalami = cane). Very close to the Monastery are the
remains of the Temple of Apollo.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF KATALIMATSA: In the Katalimatsa region on the south-eastern
edge of the island excavations have brought to light the ruins of an ancient city which, in its
largest part, is sunk in the sea. It is believed that the ancient port was situated there and
concentrated the largest aspect of the financial life of the island.
DRAKONDOSPILO: The celebrated Drakondospilo (Dragon's Cave) stands on Kalamos hill,
near the monastery of Panagia Kalamiotissa on the south-eastern side of Anafi. It is of
singular beauty because of its great variety of stalactites and stalagmites and is considered
one of the most significant sights on the island.
MONASTERY OF PANAGIA KALAMIOTISSA: The Monastery of Panagia Kalamiotissa is
situated on the south-eastern edge of the island. It took this name because, according to
the tradition, the icon of the Virgin (Panagia) was found on a reed (kalami). The Old
Monastery lies next to a cave, which is famous for its stalagmites, on a hillock
450 m high, from where the view is breathtaking. One hour's distance away, the new Kato
Monastery was built in the 18th century on the site of which it is believed an
ancient temple for Apollo once existed.