Koufonisia

Koufonisia is a small group of two islets, E of Naxos and W of Amorgos; these are Pano Koufonisi and Kato Koufonisi, and they are separated by a narrow 200 m. wide strait. They were named Koufonisia [meaning Hollow islands] because of the existing huge caves which gave the impression to pirates who viewed them from a distance that the islands were hollow! At a short distance you will see the deserted Keros island. It has been designated as an archaeological site under protection, as major Cycladic Art finds have been unearthed there many a time. 

Out of the two islands, Pano Koufonisi is the only populated one. Koufonisia are a favourite destination for those who seek to relax on their holidays and look for sheltered golden sand beaches, small natural pools of turquoise waters, feasts in the original ‘island way’ and seafood fresh from the sea.

Swimming: On Pano Koufonisi, the best beaches are at Loutro, Parianos, Foinikas, Fanos, Italida, and Pori where you can windsurf as well. On Kato Koufonisi, visit the solitary paradise sandy beaches at Panagia, Detis, and Nero. You can also tour the island by boat (either yours or an excursion boat) and admire the sea caves as well as the nearby islets Glaronisi, Prasoura, Voulgari, Tsouloufi, Lazaros and Megali Plaka; all of them have been designated as areas of great natural beauty.

Must see: The white windmill which stands at the harbour entrance as if welcoming visitors. Chora is further up: a typical Cyclades village with white-washed houses and picturesque alleys. In the centre you will see Agios Georgios church, the island’s patron saint. Rent a bicycle and tour the island following the shoreline. Visit the inland area and hike along the paths from Chora to Pano Meria.

Feasts: Locals simply love a good feast. On April 23 (Agios Georgios feast day), the ‘feast master’ takes the Saint’s icon around and is escorted by fishing boats which sail along the shoreline. The “fisherman’s feast” takes place on June 24 and delicious kakavia soup is offered to all. On August 15 the locals sail to Kato Koufonisi for the big feast in honour of Panagia (Virgin Mary).

In the old days, Koufonisia were quite isolated in Cyclades and far away from the radar of tourism.

Nowadays, they have might lost some of this innocence but they have kept the simple and unpretentious beauty. “Koufonisia” is plural in Greek and the reason for that is that we are talking about three islands!

s like Schoinousa and Iraklia.

Visit the amazing beaches

Ammos beach: This is the first beach that you will meet arriving at the island next to the harbour. And you might think that because it is next to the port it might be dirty and not high quality.

But this is not true!! It might be one of the worst beaches in the island but it is simply fantastic! You don’t believe us. Just take a look at the photos!

Ano Koufonissi has actually one main village, where you will spend most of your time! When you won’t be there, you will be lying on the stunning beaches!

Starting from the village there is a walking path next to the sea level and you can visit 3 beautiful beaches on 20′ on foot.

Foinikas beach: This is a sandy and wonderful beach with perfect waters (you will read this description on almost all the beaches of the island! Sorry about that!). It is perfect for kids and the restaurant is an extra bonus with quite nice food, helpful staff and affordable prices!

Second stop

Fanos beach: The waters are just stunning and clean and it safe for the kids. There is a hotel with a bar where you can find coffee and snacks. Also, there is a boat that starts from the harbour and it can drop you off a little around the corner if you don’t feel like walking.

And third stop

Italida: Another great beach. It has beautiful sand and even better waters. Especially the colours are amazing.

There is no restaurant or cafe there – which for me it was even better but this is just me! So, be organised when deciding to visit an bring some water and some snack.

Be aware that this can be extremely crowded during high season!

A little bit far away there is

Pori beach: Most of the visitors claim that this is the best beach on the island. I am not 100% about that but please share your opinion once you visit it!

This is a very pleasant 40′ walk from the village or otherwise, you can take a boat taxi. As with every beach on the island, the waters are just amazing!
There are 2 restaurants there but the prices are not so cheap. Note that it can be very windy (especially when there is north wind) whereas the other beaches are more protected.

I found that snorkelling can be quite good as it has lots of fish to observe.

Gala beach: Before visiting this beach I heard from many visitors that this is unique and a must-visit but honestly, I shouldn’t have listened to them. For me, I am not sure if this is even qualified as a beach!

Relax at the Natural Pool

On your walking path from the main village to Pori beach there is a lovely spot that it is worth a dive and why not – a photo shooting! There are some rough rock forms on the coastline that creates a natural pool. It is quite safe to dive into the pool. There is a  small tunnel on the edge and many dive under the rocks and swim in the open sea!! I didn’t do it as it felt for me quite risky.

spend a day on Kato Koufonisi

Kato Koufonissi is not as polished as Ano and it is definitely a more natural place. There are boats that start from Ano Koufonissi and can bring you to the only taverna of the island or Nero beach. An then you can walk to reach other beaches, as the paths are quite easy. The beaches are not as pretty as the ones in Ano Koufonissi but overall I believe this island deserves a visit as it has a rough beauty. You might meet many free campers on this island (especially close to the taverna) and nudism is frequent.
Nero beach is the popular cove but you can discover other little coves. The little taverna on the island is definitely worth a visit.

Drink at Sorokos bar!

You won’t miss the bar for sure. On the way to the beaches Fanos, Italida etc if you walk across the coast after Ammos beach you will find this beautiful bar. You can enjoy the view all day as it serves from breakfast to coctails and you can be as close to the sea as possible!

Taste the local food!

You can enjoy delicious food on the island, just make sure that the prices are reasonable, because in some cases and especially during August you can pay quite more than you should!

Captain Nikolas would my first choice to eat fresh fish in reasonable price while you are enjoying the sea view! It doesn’t sound bad, right?!

Karnagio is a small restaurant with nice and decent food in an amazing place. The whole set with the tables next to the sea and the lights above are just perfect!

Mixalios Grill House is a must go if you want some nice traditional meat, especially lamb and goat!

Taste Fistiki ice cream!

This is a small ice cream shop in the main alley of the island. Just pick up any flavour, take your cup and enjoy your walk! Pistachio flavour is a must! But please try as many as you can!