Hike· Anafi· Greece — Cyclades
Kalamos Rock & Panagia Kalamiotissa Monastery Hike (Anafi)
36° 20.9′ N · 25° 50.8′ E
Kalamos, on Anafi's southeast tip, is billed as the second-largest monolith in Europe after Gibraltar. Tournefort called it 'one of the most terrible rocks in the world'. A tiny monastery chapel perches on top, over the ruins of a temple to Apollo.
Practical
Coordinates: Panagia Kalamiotissa monastery (OSM). The trail starts at the Zoodochos Pigi monastery above Monastiri bay (36.3581 N 25.8299 E) and takes about 90 minutes up. Greeka calls it 'a bit risky', with a sea view the whole way. The chapel stands at about 480 m (Greeka); no monks live there now. Land by dinghy from the Monastiri anchorage, start at first light, and carry water: there is no shade, and the exposed upper path is not for anyone uneasy with heights or in a strong meltemi. Sailing past Kalamos is itself 'the most superb experience' of a circumnavigation (aegeanislands.gr). The big September 8 festival carries the icon up here. This is the final leg of waymarked Route 2 (Roukounas to Kalamos, 8 km; see its entry).
Best for
Anafi's unforgettable summit walk
Season
Spring and autumn best; dawn starts in summer
Nearby
- Kalamos Monolith (Anafi)0.1 NM away
- Drakontospilo Cave (Anafi)0.3 NM away
- Panagia Kalamiotissa Festival (September 8, Anafi)1 NM away
- Zoodochos Pigi Monastery (Anafi)1 NM away
- Monastiri Beach (Anafi)1.1 NM away
- Anafi Route 2: Roukounas to Kalamos Hike1.2 NM away
- Chalari Bay Anchorage (Anafi)1.2 NM away
- Monastiri Bay Anchorage (Anafi)1.2 NM away