Koufonisia

All About Koufonisia

Smack dab in the middle of the Cyclades you can find paradise (or two) on Koufonisia. Κoufonisia consists of Kato Koufonisi, Pano Koufonisi (where you can find the Chora and main port) as well as the Keros islet which is considered an archaeological site. Therefore, it is protected, and not able to be visited. So, fortunately, you have the other two islands to explore. Pano Koufonisi has approximately 300 residents and Kato Koufonisi is completely uninhabited. Kato Koufonisi is mostly a Summer, Autumn & Spring destination as there isn’t much to do there other than lounge on one of the many, gorgeous beaches. However,  as far as Pano Koufonisi is concerned, you can go for a hike and circle the island on foot! Taking a ferry to Koufonisia is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare companies and book ferry tickets. Don’t forget to enjoy the many magnificent beaches it has to offer while you’re there. Keep in mind that cars are non-existent as well as totally unnecessary because most people walk or cycle around the island.

Routes and Ferries to Koufonisia

The shortest ferry journey to Koufonisia is about 35-minutes from the nearby island of Schinoussa and 1 hour and 45 minutes from the island of Naxos. If you are setting off from the port of Piraeus in Athens, the ferry takes around 8 hours. While getting to Koufonisia takes somewhat longer from Piraeus than other destinations, it’s raw, natural beauty is completely worth it.

Alternatively, you can go island hopping and head to Koufonisia from one of the other Greek islands. Seajets is one of the major ferry companies that travel to and from Koufonisia on a daily basis, and it provides some of the fastest ferries in the Cyclades. Other companies that provide regular ferry services to Koufonisia include Blue Star Ferries and Small Cyclades. It’s easy to book ferry for one or more islands using Ferryscanner.

If you’re coming from abroad, the best way to get to Koufonisia involves flying to Athens and then hopping on a ferry to continue your journey to this wonderful island.

Ports of Koufonisia

The main port of Koufonisi is the hub of island life and as you disembark the ferry you will immediately get a sense of its bustling importance and beauty of the landscape. This is the arrival point when sailing from Athens or any other Cycladic island. Local boats can also operate wonderful trips from the main port of Pano Koufonisi to other destinations and Kato Koufonisi as well. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Koufonisia.

Capital & Villages

The Chora (Capital) of the island called is Koufonisi as well but the locals call it the village. On the other side of the island, there is Pori village and separately Kato Koufonisi, which is a small islet below the main island.

Chora – Center of Pano Koufonisi

Chora of Koufonsi in which the main port exists, is full of colorful tiny boats, floating in the turquoise waters that make the place even more charming. It truly looks like a postcard. South of the port is where the Karnagio (where repair and maintenance of ships are done.) is found. Nearby is the little church of Saint Nicholas (protector of sailors) while the sea caves to the north of the island creating an impressive formation.

There are many tiny alleys that all lead to the main road on which exist the rest of the bars, restaurants-taverns, souvenir shops, and of course the bakery with the local treats. Also, the nightlife is more relaxed and laid back. One of the island’s local specialties is lobster & prawn spaghetti, so spend the evening dining on delicious food in a local tavern.

Pori

Pori is about 4 km away from the center of the island, Pori beach is accessible by boat or on foot from the beautiful coastal road of the island. It is the longest and largest beach, with golden sands, and crystal-clear waters. If you find yourself here, do not miss the chance to visit the ‘Kalofengo’ restaurant for excellent food next to the sea, as well as Gala beach, and the stunning Ksylompatis Caves.

Kato Koufonisi

If you visit Koufonisia, do not forget to go for a one-day getaway to the uninhabited area of Kato Koufonissi. The local boats operate trips every 30 minutes every day and make two stops. The first is in the old village of Panagia and the second at Nero beach. There you can enjoy the absolute tranquility and isolation as well as the magnificent beauty of nature. Kato Koufonissi is a good location for free camping as well.

Best Beaches

There is no shortage of fabulous beaches on Koufonisia for those of you seeking the wonderful geomorphology of exotic golden beaches, the turquoise waters, and the sense of tranquility they offer to those who visit them. In addition, all of them are equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas.

Italida Beach

The owner of the property above the beach came up with the name ‘Italida’. The beaches real name is Platia Punta. It is actually one of the most crowded beaches on the island, because of its breathtaking beauty. It’s known for its sandy shores and turquoise waters. It’s located about 1.800m. from Chora and is easily accessible by boat or on foot. It will be about a 30-minute hike.

Natural Pool

You can reach this natural pool by hiking the coastline path. Although it might not technically be considered a beach, it’s a great place for a swim. It’s a natural formation of cliffs where you can take a dip in one of the most unique spots on the island.

Gala Beach

You will find Gala Beach between the Ksylompatis caves and Pori beach, almost hidden away amongst the rocks. The name came from the white color of the foam generated inside the cave by the turbulence of the sea. When the sea is calm, you can dive in and swim underneath some rocks, leading you out to the open sea. Both the sensation and the view are magnificent.

Nero Beach

This beach is located at Kato Koufonisi and is reachable only by boat (hop on from Pano Koufonisi). It is an incredible sandy beach with 60-meter tall cliffs behind. Certainly, Nero Beach is the longest and most beautiful beach in Kato Koufonisi.

Devil’s Eye

Just before you get to Pori beach, on the cliff path, there is a small cave called Devil’s Eye. It is difficult to find as its entrance is not clearly visible from the path. The power of the sea, the deep sigh of the ever-rising and falling water, the lovely view from the cave make a riveting sight for a swim.

Pori Beach

It resembles Italida beach but is much bigger. Pori Beach has the same turquoise waters and golden sand although it is located on the opposite side of the island. Pori beach is typically less crowded and it has some bars across the coastline where you can relax between swims.

Transportation Around Koufonisia

Koufonisia is almost 26 kilometers in size, which means that you will not need any kind of motor transportation if you want to get around the island. There are no taxis on the island either. However, there are plenty of bicycle rental services (which are healthy and fun) if you don’t want to get around on foot. Hiring a rental bicycle gives you the freedom to explore the island on your own at a quicker pace.