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Anafi: Europe’s Quiet Isle

Posted by Rafael on 23-09-2026

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Only a short ferry ride separates two completely different versions of the Greek islands. Santorini is one of Europe’s most visited destinations; Anafi, by contrast, has no airport, almost no traffic and only around 300 residents spread across 40 sq km.

A new Unspoilt Index assessing 100 islands worldwide ranked Anafi as the quietest island in Europe and the second most peaceful globally. Searches for “quiet destinations” have jumped 1,268% year on year, showing how strongly travellers are turning towards less crowded holidays.

Why Anafi Stands Out

The index measured six factors, including natural landscapes, road density, air traffic, crowding, dark skies and undeveloped coastal areas.

Anafi scored 92 out of 100 for naturalness, helped by limited construction and beaches that remain remarkably uncrowded. Roukounas, Klisidi and Katsouni are among the best places to experience the island’s golden sand and clear turquoise water.

There is no need to build an ambitious sightseeing schedule here. Anafi works best as a place for walking, swimming and spending long stretches of the day outdoors.

Getting There From Santorini

Anafi is especially easy to combine with Santorini. Ferries operate throughout the year, with crossings taking from around 1 hour 10 minutes.

Standard passenger tickets currently start from €7 each way. Travelling directly from Piraeus is also possible, with fares from €45.50 and journey times beginning at around 7 hours 40 minutes.

Because there is no airport on Anafi, the ferry remains part of the experience rather than simply a transfer.

Anafi

Where To Stay

Accommodation is small-scale rather than dominated by large resorts. Current 2026 listings indicate budget rooms from roughly €30–50 per night, while typical mid-range stays are around €55–90.

Chora is the most practical base, particularly for first-time visitors. Staying near the main settlement gives easier access to restaurants and transport while preserving the island’s quiet atmosphere.

Three nights is enough for a short retreat, but four or five allow time to explore the beaches without rushing.

Eating On The Island

Anafi’s food scene is simple and local. Current restaurant menus show grilled vegetables at around €9, fava for €7.50 and local Anafi cheese for about €7.50.

At casual local restaurants, a meal can typically cost around €15–20 per person, while seafood-focused restaurants may reach approximately €25–30.

For a traveller choosing a modest guesthouse and simple local meals, a practical daily budget is roughly €70–110 before ferry transport.

More Quiet Islands Across Europe

Anafi was not Europe’s only strong performer. St Martin’s in the Isles of Scilly ranked fifth globally, followed by the Isle of Skye in 11th place and car-free Herm in 14th. Croatia also placed two islands inside the top 20: Mljet at 17th and Vis at 19th. Milos, Salina, Flores and La Gomera completed Europe’s representation in the global top 25.

The contrast with Santorini is particularly striking: it ranked 99th out of the 100 islands studied, while Malta came last.

Anafi’s appeal is therefore not built around major attractions. Its greatest luxury is space — quiet roads, uncrowded beaches and nights dark enough to remind visitors how different an island can feel when tourism never overwhelms it.