Port Pickup Free pickup the moment you step off the ferry. Operator hours, ferry-day timing, and the 3 km drive into Chora — everything you need before disembarking. Arriving by ferry at Anafi's port, Agios Nikolaos, can feel disorganized during July and August. There are no corporate rental desks or formal queues. Picking up your pre-booked car is a personal affair handled directly by local operators. This guide details the exact process, from disembarking the ferry to driving the 3 km route up to Chora. Agios Nikolaos is Anafi's only port, located on the island's southern coast 3 km below the capital, Chora. The harbor is functional, consisting of a concrete pier, two tavernas, a cafe, and a crucial Piraeus Bank ATM. There are no dedicated car rental offices or rental kiosks on the premises. The pier area is used exclusively for vehicles queueing to board the next ferry. There is no short-term or long-term public parking available anywhere near the ferry ramp. 🚗 Local insight: The Piraeus Bank ATM at the port is your last reliable chance to withdraw cash before heading up to Chora. Withdraw euros here, as many local operators prefer cash balances. Since there are no rental desks on the pier, operators meet you in person near the ferry ramp. This "meet and greet" service is standard practice on Anafi, but policies on free delivery vary by provider. Confirm the delivery terms when booking your vehicle. For a full breakdown of rental options, compare all Anafi operators. Operator Port Pickup Policy Fee Structure Fleet Size Manos Rent a Car Free delivery & collection €0 ~15 vehicles Giannis Moto Rent Delivery upon agreement €0-10 (variable) ~10 vehicles Apollon Village Hotel Priority for hotel guests Included in room rate ~8 vehicles Panorama Rooms Meet at port, keys at lobby €0 for guests ~5 vehicles ⚠️ Warning: Do not assume port delivery is automatically included in online bookings. Some third-party platforms charge an extra €15-20 for port delivery, whereas booking directly with local offices often waives this fee. The handover process is straightforward and typically takes less than 15 minutes. Follow these five sequential steps to complete your pickup at Agios Nikolaos. Confirm Your Arrival: The day before you travel, send your operator a WhatsApp message with your ferry name (e.g., Blue Star Ferries) and scheduled arrival time. Meet the Agent: After you disembark, look for a person holding a sign with your name near the ferry ramp. Give them a call if you do not see them immediately. Inspect the Vehicle: Walk around the car, scooter, or ATV with the operator. Note any existing scratches on the contract's vehicle diagram and take timestamped photos with your phone. Sign the Contract: You will complete the paperwork right at the port. Have your driver's license, passport or ID, and payment method (cash or card) ready. Drive to Chora: Once the paperwork is signed and you have the keys, drive your vehicle up the 3 km road to Chora. The drive from Agios Nikolaos to Chora is one of the most dramatic in the Cyclades. The 3-kilometer road is steep, narrow, and features several hairpin turns as it climbs the mountainside. The journey takes about 10 minutes by car and offers spectacular views back down to the sea. While the distance is short, the steep gradient makes it an impractical walk, especially with luggage. For more details on what to expect on the road, see our complete Anafi driving guide. Choosing which vehicle type suits Anafi's terrain is key to a comfortable trip. Route Segment Distance Average Speed Time Port to first switchback 0.8 km 15 km/h 3 min Mountain switchbacks 1.5 km 20 km/h 5 min Chora village entrance 0.7 km 10 km/h 2 min Total Journey 3.0 km 15 km/h avg 10 min If you prefer to get settled in Chora before renting a vehicle, the local KTEL bus is an alternative. The bus meets most ferry arrivals and provides direct service from the port to the main bus stop in Chora. The fare is €1.60 per person. In the high season (July-August), there are typically 6 departures per day, with a timetable posted at the bus stop. Be aware that the schedule changes seasonally. 💡 Tip: Ferries to Anafi routinely run 2+ hours late. Message your operator your scheduled arrival time but add "expect delays" — they track the ferry AIS trackers and are used to the schedule shifts. Ferries to Anafi are notorious for delays, often arriving very early in the morning (e.g., 04:30) or late at night, well outside typical business hours (10:00-15:00 and 18:00-21:00). Rental operators are accustomed to this Aegean ferry reality. If your ferry is scheduled to arrive at an odd hour, you must arrange the key handoff procedure with your operator in advance. They may leave the key in a pre-agreed location or have a specific plan for meeting you. Communication is vital. Arrival Scenario Recommended Action Operator Response Late Night (after 22:00) Confirm via message Agent meets you regardless Early Morning (before 08:00) Pre-arrange key location Key left in lockbox Significant Delay (2+ hrs) Send WhatsApp update Agent tracks ferry online Cancellation Call emergency number Refund per cancellation policy Compare Car Rental Deals