Koufonissi
The delicious
Between the imposing and busy Naxos and Amorgos, Koufonissi is a hidden treasure. A little gem that comes alive in the morning and evening, a succession of superb beaches and natural pools sculpted in the rocks and a sea with even more stunning blues than in Naxos. It has managed to retain its authenticity, its relaxed lifestyle and its bohemian spirit. Right in the middle of the tourist bustle, Koufonissi is our Cycladic nugget.
With its chic and trendy hippie side and its typically Cycladic architecture, Koufonissi captivates with the beauty of its sea. Barely disembarked from the Skopelitis Express, the smallest ferry in the Cyclades, we arrive on a beach where the water is as turquoise as in the Caribbean.
The island is entirely pedestrian. From its only village and in an hour’s walk along the water, you reach the bay of Pori, a sublime lagoon at the eastern tip of the island.
From an hour to 4 days, this waterfront trail winds its way through a succession of superb beaches, coves, caves and tavernas so enchanting that you’ll want to try them all!
Halfway, the beach of Platia Pounta (Italida for local residents) is often considered the most beautiful. Perfect golden crescent with turquoise waters with a magnetic view of the neighboring island of Keros. Do not be surprised on the beaches of Koufonissi: the distinction between naturists and textiles is not established and everyone bathes at their convenience, closer to nature.
The Forbidden Island
From Koufonissi, the gaze is drawn and curiosity aroused by the neighboring island of Keros. All the more mysterious since it is only accessible to archaeologists. Nearly a quarter of the statuettes of the enigmatic Cycladic civilization found come from Keros. This civilization of the Bronze Age is mainly known only through its graceful idols, marble statuettes of a surprising modernity which inspired Brancusi and Modigliani. The Flute Player and the Harpist, the best known, are on display at the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens.
The Forbidden Island
From Koufonissi, the gaze is drawn and curiosity aroused by the neighboring island of Keros. All the more mysterious since it is only accessible to archaeologists. Nearly a quarter of the statuettes of the enigmatic Cycladic civilization found come from Keros. This civilization of the Bronze Age is mainly known only through its graceful idols, marble statuettes of a surprising modernity which inspired Brancusi and Modigliani. The Flute Player and the Harpist, the best known, are on display at the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens.
If the island is entirely pedestrian, the local caïques are to be tried at least once during the stay. You can use these river shuttles at will to go from one beach to another. Good-natured and very friendly atmosphere on board!
Kato Koufonissi is the almost deserted twin island of Pano Koufonissi.
It’s said to have the same atmosphere as Pano Koufonissi, when it was the best-kept secret in the Cyclades. We come here to taste its alternative atmosphere, its unique and delicious tavern as well as its virgin beaches. We then linger until nightfall on the Hawaiian beach. Suspended and magical moment by moonlighting along the island of Keros on the caique on the way back.
The island’s only village, Chora, is typical of Cycladic architecture.
Far from the tourist hustle and bustle of the neighboring islands, Chora has preserved its authentic, lively soul, with houses that have been whitewashed every year by the friendly locals. In the evening, the coolness arriving, we stroll with delight in its main street lined with bars, shops and restaurants.
Koufonissi awakens to tourism by cultivating its gentleness and refined authenticity while offering the face of the Cyclades on a human scale. Without buses or scooters, it’s a place where you come to recharge your batteries and taste the deliciously alternative atmosphere of the island. Swimming, socializing with the locals and enjoying authentic, tasty cuisine – that’s the trilogy that sums up life on this island.
We’ll be back for more!
Koufonissi cultivates its sweetness of life and its refined authenticity while offering the face of the Cyclades on a human scale. Without buses or scooters, it’s a place where you come to recharge your batteries and taste the deliciously alternative atmosphere of the island, far from the tourist trails. Swimming, socializing with the locals and enjoying authentic, tasty cuisine – that’s the trilogy that sums up life on this island.
We’ll be back for more!
Koufonissi is
2.5 km long by 2 km wide
Accessibility
Lodging capacity
Animation
Where is Koufonissi located? In Greece’s Lesser Cyclades archipelago, with the islands of Donoussa, Iraklia and Schinoussa, and surrounded by the islands of Naxos and Amorgos.
How to get to Koufonissi? By boat, from: Astypalea (1h25), Paros (1h35), Santorini (1h40), Mykonos (1h45), Naxos (2h30), Athens Piraeus (4h55)
How to travel on the island ? Koufonissi is a small flat island. Traveling on foot is easy and pleasant. To move from beach to beach, you can also take one of the many caiques.
Where to sleep and eat? Eros Keros , certainly the most beautiful boutique hotel on the island with its 4 discreet luxury villas and bespoke hotel service.
Gitonia tis Irinis , an adorable guesthouse with whitewashed walls tinged with blue, by the sea.
Tavern Kapetan Nikolas , family tavern opened since 1988 with a large terrace.
Tavern Mixalios , very good tavern that serves meat.
Kalofego , a pleasant beach bar and restaurant that offers a delicious shady stopover in Pori Bay.
Sorokos , the bar on the port. You can’t miss it, it’s the place to be in the evening. However, we prefer its more intimate atmosphere at breakfast.
Mylos , on the heights, between the port and the shipyard. Old mill transformed into a bar that serves good brunch with a very nice view to start the day.
The book to take in your suitcase? Ernest Hemingway ‘s Garden of Eden
The song to include in his playlist? Don’t think twice, it’s all right by Bob Dylan.
And especially where to drink your Spritz? Wow, so there are so many cool options here that it’s hard to choose! After dinner, we recommend having a cocktail at the Scholio , a small stone bar set up in the old village school at the end of the village’s main street.
If I had known, …
I would have checked my reservations, there is another island called Koufonissi in Greece… but off Crete.
I would have taken the margin with a good time amplitude between my boat and my return flight. The Aegean Sea is sometimes very capricious.
I would have continued 100m further, on the other side of the promontory of Pori beach for the very photogenic caves of Xilopatis. Do not hesitate to venture on the coast to seek the best isolated spot by not being afraid to browse the rocks.
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