FourniNorth Aegean Islands · Greece

All About Fourni

Fourni is a Polynesian-style group of 12 small islands situated between Samos and Ikaria in the eastern Aegean. It was once a favorite with Saracen pirates who could hide away in the many secret coves and bays. Taking a ferry to Fourni is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

To this day, most of the islanders own a boat but very few own cars, so you can imagine how strong their link is to the sea. It provides a livelihood and means that Fourni’s 1500 inhabitants are not totally dependent on tourism. You will find few souvenir shops but what it does offer the visitor is a striking natural beauty, superb unspoiled beaches, and a pace of life designed for those seeking a tranquil escape.

Sometimes referred to as the island of the Corsairs, Fourni has emerald beaches, a vibrant harbor, and a landscape dominated by mulberry trees and wild herbs. Here, each day begins and ends with a sense of being one with both land and sea. You will be lulled into a state of total relaxation during your stay.
 

Routes and Ferries to Fourni

When you book your ferry tickets to Fourni with Ferryscanner, you can sail from the port of Piraeus for a 10-hour journey with Blue Star Ferries. There are several crossings from other destinations so all you need to do is book your ferry tickets to Fourni and, depending on your starting point, you can be there in no time. If you are on the island of Ikaria, the ferry journey takes only 55 minutes, while from Samos, ferries can take from 50 minutes to 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Book your ferry tickets to Fourni with Ferryscanner and sail from Chios (5.20 hrs), Inousses (6.10 hrs), and Kastelorizo (14 hrs). You can also book ferry tickets for Fourni and depart with Dodekanisos Seaways from the islands of Kos (5 hrs), Kalymnos (3 hrs), Leros (2 hrs), and Patmos (1.30 hrs). From Mykonos, the ferry trip lasts for 4 hours, 20 minutes, and from Rhodes approximately 6 hours, while you can also book ferry tickets to Fourni from Syros (4.20 hrs), Tilos (7.35 hrs), and Tinos (4.55 hrs).

If you are arriving at Athens International Airport and sailing to Fourni from Piraeus, you can catch the X96 express bus that runs every 30-40 minutes from the airport to the port or jump in a taxi to get you there. From the Athens center, buses, trains, and trams run frequently to and from the port and the journey takes about 20-30 minutes.

Fourni doesn’t have an airport but you can fly to either Samos or Ikaria and then make your way to the port to sail for Fourni. There are domestic flights to Samos International Airport ‘Aristarchos’ from Athens, Thessaloniki, Chios, Limnos, Lesvos, and Rhodes all year round, as well as charters from many European destinations in summer. Flights for Ikaria Island National Airport can be found leaving Athens, Lemnos, and Thessaloniki.
 

Port of Fourni

The port of Fourni is located in the picturesque settlement of Fourni Korseon, on the west coast of the island that bears its name. In the past, the harbor was popular as an anchorage point for the wandering pirates and looters but now only sees passenger ferries and local fishing boats.

In fact, Fourni has the largest fleet of fishing boats in the Aegean and the inhabitants rely heavily on the industry. You can also take a day trip by boat from the harbor to one of the many splendid beaches dotted around the island’s coast.
 

Capital & Villages

Fourni has only a few villages and the main one is Fourni Town itself, where the harbor also lies. There are some smaller settlements in Chrysomilia and Kambi, as well as on the opposite island of Thimena, but they are quite secluded and do not have many facilities.

You can find a smattering of hotels and other accommodation on the island, most of which are located in the main town.

Fourni Town

Fourni Town is a lovely village built around the natural harbor and on arrival, you will be impressed by the sense of calm and tranquillity, unlike other busier islands in the Aegean. Most of the island’s population lives here and they have taken great care to preserve the beautiful stone houses and flower-bedecked balconies.

Amble around the narrow paved streets to the village square and have a coffee in one of the small cafés before savoring the fresh fish and lobster in a welcoming tavern. From here, you can also hop on one of the small boats for a day trip to one of the island’s pristine beaches.

Chrysomilia

Chrysomilia (or Chrisomilia) is on the northern part of Fourni 15 kilometers away and can be reached with a small boat in about 20 minutes or by scooter. You will need to take many steps up to the village but it is definitely worth it since the sea views offering sublime vistas.

Enjoy the local cuisine at the village tavern and switch off from the outside world while in this spectacular spot.

Thimena

Thimena is the second largest island in Fourni, with a slow pace of life, traditional whitewashed houses, and only about 150 people living here full-time You can visit by taking a small boat from Fourni and spend the day enjoying the sea views or sunbathing on the wonderful beaches just next to the port.

Stroll up to the monastery and enjoy the local sweets served at one of the few coffee shops while you are there. Sheer delight!
 

Best Beaches

Despite its small size, Fourni has many superb beaches that are perfect for those seeking absolute peace and calm in exquisite surroundings. Several are partly organized, while the rest are untouched by the footprint of tourism and remain serene and secluded.

You can walk to some of them while others are best approached by sea with the local boats.

Kassidi Beach

This beach is located just 6km from the town and is one of the best beaches for swimming due to its exotic waters and sculpted rocky landscape. The sheltered bay offers a relaxing escape for the whole family and can easily be reached on foot. Just after Kassidi, you will also come across the lovely beach of Agios Ioannis.

Psili Ammos Beach

Psili Ammos or ‘fine sand’ is only a 10-minute walk from the port and will seduce you with its crystalline waters and powdery sand. You will also find a few umbrellas here, as well as trees for shade, and there is a small beach bar serving snacks and refreshments that remains open until long after sundown.

Chrysomilia Beach

Chrysomilia Beach can be found 15km northeast of the main town of Fourni and is a delightful location to spend the whole day at. The beach itself is long and sandy, with some trees providing welcome shade.

There are a couple of taverns serving delicious local cuisine and from Chrysomilia you can go on to visit the beach of Agia Triada, which also has some taverns and a few rooms for rent.

Petrokopio Beach

Petrokopio Beach is on the western side of the island and easily accessible by foot or with one of the small boats that leave the harbor daily. A fabulous beach with transparent waters and smooth white pebbles, it is also the site of ancient quarries that can still be seen.

This is not an organized beach so has retained its natural beauty and unique charm.

Bali Beach

Bali beach really has an exotic character with its sparkling turquoise waters and tranquil setting, even though it is very close to the main town. The shallow waters make it the ideal swim spot for the whole family and the verdant scenery creates a truly relaxing ambiance.

You can get there on foot or hop on one of the excursion boats that leave from the main town each day.
 

Transportation Around Fourni

This is an island best explored on foot, although there is a local bus to take you from Fourni Town to some of the beaches. Taxis are in short supply (there are only one or two on the island) and so you may want to hire a scooter to get around the island on your own time.

Otherwise, bring some sturdy walking shoes and enjoy hiking through this alluring island. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Fourni.