Koufonissi
The Cycladic nugget
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, curiosity is aroused by the nearby 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 Pied Piper and the Harpist, the best-known works, are on display at the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens.
The Forbidden Island
From Koufonissi, curiosity is aroused by the nearby 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 Pied Piper and the Harpist, the best-known works, 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 twin island of Pano Koufonissi, almost deserted. We find there, it seems, the atmosphere that Pano Koufonissi had when it was the best kept secret of 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 only village on the island, Chora, is typical of Cycladic architecture. Far from the tourist effervescence of the neighboring islands, it has managed to preserve an authentic and lively soul with its houses refreshed each year with whitewash by its welcoming residents. 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. Bathing, sharing convivial moments with local residents, feasting on authentic and tasty cuisine, this is the trilogy that life on this island boils down to. We want 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. Bathing, sharing convivial moments with local residents, feasting on authentic and tasty cuisine, this is the trilogy that life on this island boils down to. We want 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 get from beach to beach, you can also take one of the many caiques.
Where to sleep and eat? Eros Kerosthe island’s most beautiful boutique hotel, with its 4 discreetly luxurious villas and made-to-measure hotel service. Gitonia tis Irinis, an adorable guesthouse with whitewashed walls tinged with blue, on the seafront. Taverne Kapetan Nikolas, a family-run tavern open since 1988 with a large terrace. Taverne Mixalios, a very good meat tavern. Kalofego, a pleasant beach bar and restaurant offering a delightful stopover in the shade of Pori Bay. Sorokos, the bar on the harbor. You can’t miss it, it’s the place to be in the evening. However, we prefer its more intimate breakfast atmosphere. Mylos, on the heights between the port and the shipyard. An old mill transformed into a bar serving good brunch with a great 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 a cocktail at the Scholio, a small stone bar housed 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 can be very temperamental.
I would have continued 100m further, on the other side of the promontory of Pori beach for the very photogenic caves of Xilopatis. Don’t hesitate to venture out onto the coast in search of the best isolated spot, and don’t be afraid to explore the rocks.
Share this island