Below, you will find information about how to get to Koufonisia, what ferries depart from there, information about the island, where to buy your tickets, and many photos.
Nestled between Naxos and Amorgos, Koufonisia is, in fact, not one but a cluster of two tiny islets separated by a narrow strait. Out of the two, only one is still inhabited today, yet both compose an earthly paradise that is sure to steal your heart. With its mesmerizing beaches, emerald natural pools, unspoiled landscapes and traditional Cycladic ambiance, Koufonisia is an amazing choice for anyone seeking a break from the daily grind, lending itself to both day trips and longer stays.
HOW TO TRAVEL THERE
As there is no airport in Koufonisia, the only way to get there from Athens or other Cycladic islands is by taking the ferry.
Ferry Connections
The island is well-connected with Piraeus Port in Athens, as well as with many other Cycladic islands. One can take a ferry from Naxos to Koufonisia, but also from other islands like Paros, Amorgos, Mykonos, Santorini, and Milos. Moreover, there are frequent ferry connections between Koufonisia and the other islands belonging to the so-called Small Cyclades complex, namely, Iraklia, Schinoussa, and Donoussa.
As the route from Athens to Koufonisia can be long, you can optimize your trip by flying directly to the islands of Mykonos or Santorini, both boasting international airports receiving flights from several European cities. After landing, travelers ca
n proceed by ferry from Mykonos to Koufonisia or from Santorini to Koufonisia.
Booking your ferry tickets is one of the first and most important steps in organizing your holidays in Koufonisia!
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Koufonisia forms part of a little island complex between Naxos and Amorgos known as the Small Cyclades. It is, in fact, a cluster of two tiny islets, Ano Koufonisi and Kato Koufonisi, which are separated by a narrow, 200-meter-long strait. Today, out of the two islets, only Ano Koufonisi is inhabited, with the permanent population and the vast majority of tourist facilities being concentrated in Chora, the capital and sole settlement in Koufonisia. Having remained untouched by mass tourism, Chora is a charming example of Cycladic architecture, captivating visitors with its narrow alleys and traditional houses painted in white and blue. Moreover, in Koufonisia, nature is the absolute protagonist, and the island’s pristine golden-sanded beaches are its number-one attraction! Kato Koufonisi lends itself to even more seclusion and can easily be reached via water taxis from Ano Koufonisi.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Koufonisia is between June and August, when the weather is sunny and the sea is warm. However, if you would rather enjoy the island’s beauties in a quieter season, we recommend going there in May or September, when the weather conditions are nearly summer-like.
Best things to do
In brief, the best things to do in Koufonisia are to stroll around the quaint streets of Chora and swim in the dazzling turquoise waters of such dreamy beaches as Pori, Italida and Finikas. Going on a day trip to the heavenly Kato Koufonisi, where you can enjoy the sun and the sea in undisturbed tranquility and savor local delicacies at the island’s single tavern, is also a must! Exploring the Ano Koufonisi’s natural sights, such as the impressive Ksylompatis Caves, Gala and the lovely natural pools, is sure to prove highly rewarding as well.
Is Koufonisia for you?
With its heavenly beaches and laid-back atmosphere, Koufonisia will enchant couples and families with children, as well as anyone looking forward to getting away from it all in a setting of stunning natural beauty. However, if a vibrant nightlife or a plethora of sightseeing opportunities is more your kind of thing, it would be better to stay on another island and go to Koufonisia on a day trip.
Facts
Learn what you don't know about Koufonisia!
The island’s name is thought to have originated from the pirates sailing around the Aegean in the past centuries, as Koufonisia looked koufia (i.e. hollow) to them on account of its many sea caves.
Within a short distance from Koufonisia lies the islet of Keros, a protected archaeological site that is believed to have been one of the very first —if not the first— insular religious centers in the world.
As there is hardly any need for private vehicles in Koufonisia, there are plenty of alternative ways of moving around, including hiking and cycling.
During the high season, water taxis operate frequent routes not only to Kato Koufonisi, but also to the most popular swimming spots of Ano Koufonisi.
Koufonisia is one of the best choices for enjoying fresh fish and seafood cooked in a variety of imaginative ways.
Island-hopping: Where to go next?
Being connected with many other islands, Koufonisia is an ideal base for island-hopping to other Cycladic islands! From there, you can easily explore the rest of the small Cyclades and immerse yourself in the enthralling beauty of Iraklia, Schinoussa, and Donoussa. Moreover, the diverse Naxos and the picturesque Amorgos are located a stone’s throw away from Koufonisia, constituting excellent island-hopping options. Other great destinations you can reach from Koufonisia include the volcanic Santorini, the romantic Milos, and the unspoiled Folegandros.
Photos of Koufonissi
Map
ABOUT KOUFONISSI PORT
Port description
Koufonisia Port is conveniently located in the heart of Chora, the capital and only settlement of Ano Koufonisi. It is connected by ferry to Piraeus Port in Athens, as well as to several islands of the Cyclades.
Within a short distance from the port, visitors will find a range of facilities, including taverns, cafes, accommodation options, and a few shops.
Though it is unlikely that there will be any traffic around the port due to the limited vehicles, make sure to be there 1-1.5 hours before the scheduled departure time.
There are several ways to leave from/get to Koufonisia Port.
Most accommodation options are located in Chora, within a few hundred meters from the port, so reaching your destination on foot should be fairly easy. Generally speaking, Ano Koufonisi is a very small island and distances are relatively small, so hiking is one of the preferred modes of transport when heavy pieces of luggage do not encumber travelers.
Renting a bike or a moto can also be a convenient way of leaving the port and exploring the island at your own pace. Alternatively, some accommodations may provide customers with a transfer service to and from the port. To enquire whether this service is available, make sure to contact your accommodation prior to your arrival.
Taxis are not a popular mode of transport around Koufonisia, yet there is a taxi at hand if you would like to arrange a private transfer.
Finally, water taxis are one of the fastest and most enjoyable ways of moving around Koufonisia, as they take visitors to some of the island’s most visited beaches. Vessels depart from Koufonisia Port at regular intervals.
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