Anafi and its islets in the southern Aegean Sea

Situated in the southern Aegean Sea, Anafi is a small Greek island known for its rugged terrain and limited human presence. Lying east of Santorini alongside three smaller neighbouring islets, it forms part of the Cyclades archipelago, characterised by steep slopes, sparse vegetation, and a largely undeveloped coastline. Its isolation makes it an important site for the preservation of natural habitats typical of the Eastern Mediterranean.

In this image, acquired by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites on 8 April 2026, the island of Anafi appears surrounded by deep blue waters, with lighter turquoise tones marking shallow coastal zones. Inland, a patchwork of greens indicates seasonal vegetation growth across valleys, contrasting with pale, rocky ridges, and exposed soils. Smaller neighbouring islets, including Ftena, Pachia, and Makria, are visible to the south.

Copernicus Sentinel-2 data support the regular monitoring of land cover, coastal dynamics, and shoreline changes across remote Mediterranean islands and their surrounding ecosystems.