In almost every of the last 50 years we have spent some weeks in Greece be it on the main land, the Peloponnesus and more and more often, on the islands. It has been a plan for long to also visit Anafi and finally we have managed to stay in the Chora of this small island for two weeks in June 2021.
The most astonishing sunrise every welcomed us when approaching Anafi by ferry. It was a good omen!
The Boreas Stone House owned by Sofia and Takis Lardis is located near the old windmill in the upper west-part of the old labyrinthine beautiful village. With its massive stonewalls it provides the guests with a healthy natural atmosphere (even on the hottest days we never turned on the extra air condition!). The two large rooms, are very carefully and functionally furnished. We immediately felt home and comfortable.
As we found out there are some very good restaurants in Anafi, but for a break, we always cook a few times with the local ingredients (fresh herbs from the mountains!) and therefore the kitchen is essential. The kitchen niche in this apartment is perfectly equipped and smartly designed, a great cooking stove and a large fridge and good pans etc. All great.
And now the best! On top of all these great features two quite large balconies are directly accessible, one from the living/kitchen – room, the other from the bed room. The view over the village, down to the harbour, far to the left the Kalamos Rock, on very clear days on the horizon a gaze of Crete, all the rest filled with the deep blue of the Aegean Sea (The Sea of Crete) and a sky only rarely decorated with a few clouds…
We had the best imaginable time on Anafi, long hikes in the hills and mountains, almost empty beaches, crystal clear water.
But what counts most are the cordial welcoming, the warm hearts of the hosts. Sofia and Takis took very well care of us, in a quiet, discreet way. We loved listening to the stories they told us about this unique island and we are look forward to seeing them again one day!
Last but not least our new friend Nikolas, the son of Sofia and Takis. He became the good spirit of this entire enterprise called “Anafi”. He took care of the correspondence, the organisation, the necessary adjustments. He helped us with additional information and bookings, introduced us to his favourite restaurants. We had intense and substantial discussions, talked about God and the world, about politics and ecology, about the past and the future, about art, food and wine – in other words about life, in a very natural and mutual way. We met on the first days and on the last.
And we will meet again.
With gratefulness
Otto and Therese Kuenzli - Hilbert