The 4 things to do in Koufonissia

During your stay in Greece, you have planned a detour by the Petites Cyclades, especially to visit Koufonissia? Discover our top.

The island of Koufonissia, also called Koufonissi or Koufounisi, is quiet and surprises with its crystalline water. Its beautiful coves are appreciated or its natural pools. With its bohemian and trendy atmosphere, it would be a shame to visit the Greek islands as Santorini , Mykonos or Corfu , without passing on the island of Koufonissia. Still little known, it is close to Schinoussa, Donoussa or Iraqlia .

Koufonissi consists of three islands. Keros is a small island uninhabited. Kato Koufonissi is an almost deserted island, with only a few inhabitants in the summer and a few beaches. Then there's Pano Koufonissi. When we talk about the island of Koufonissia – also Koufonissi or Koufounisi – we are talking about this third island. It covers an area of 5.7 km2. It is well-appointed, with hotels, restaurants, shops, and the sea for unique decor.

1. The village of Koufonissia

The island of Koufonissia consists of a main village, Chora. Tourists abound in August. During this period, visitors are much more numerous. Chora offers trendy bars, but also small taverns, where you like to settle. The village is typical of the Greek islands and displays its two beautiful colors: blue and white. If it remains small, it is pleasant. We love walking in the village of Chora to stroll or discover pleasant views.

The island of Koufonissia is small, but it does not forget its quality of life. It has developed numerous trendy bars, gourmet restaurants and various shops. In the evening, the island of Petites Cyclades is animating and becoming a trendy site.

2. Gourmet and trendy addresses in Koufonissia

The bars and restaurants are well present on the island of Koufonissia. The holidays on this Greek island are primarily directed towards the pleasures of the table. You can enjoy the good fresh fish of the day or sip a drink with sea view. Here are some addresses to advise:

• Capetan Nikolas fish tavern in Chora: seafood and cooked fish are those of day fishing. Everything is done to feast and to discover the traditional dishes of Greece. Here we give a special mention for the pasta to the lobsters;
• Venetzanos in Chora: this tavern is a good address for lunch of good simmered dishes. The must: the very cool atmosphere that reigns. Everything is done to feel good and fully enjoy the holiday on this island of Petites Cylades;
• For a drink at the end of the day in Chora, go to the Sorokos bar. Visitors love its trendy side and its good atmosphere. Also discover the Scholio bar, an old stone school.
• If you are in Pori, Kalofego is one of the best bars and restaurants on the island. It has a magical situation, facing the beach.

3. The beaches of Koufonissia

The island of Koufonissia is a good choice for those who love to wander from beaches to beaches. It has five main beaches, connected by seaside paths. Koufonissia is a small island. Walking is easy and pleasant.

This island of Petites Cylades attracts more and more people, especially for its beautiful beaches and turquoise waters, contrasting with the beautiful rocky landscape. This discreet island, located southeast of Naxos, preserves its nature and beauty. Some will even say that it is a little paradise out of time. In Koufonissia, we come down, take good time, enjoy the beach and admire the landscapes. In recent years, this island has been increasingly appreciated because here we let ourselves live. After the beach, you sit around a cocktail or a good meal, in a tavern of fish facing the sea, of course.

The five main beaches are Limani, Foinikas, Fanos, Italida and Pori. They are quite close to each other and are connected by seaside paths.

Most beaches have blond sand, transparent water, and are not equipped. With this natural state, we quickly immerse ourselves in this postcard decor. In the morning, before 11 a.m., the beaches are very quiet because the cruise ships have not yet arrived. However be careful not to let you surprise by the sun. The beaches of the island of Koufonissia have almost no shadow. Take what to protect and moisturize.

The beaches Ammos Beach and Finikas

The central beach is Ammos Beach. It is closest to downtown and port, you can't miss it. Just landed to visit the island of Koufonissia, offer your first dive.

Along the east coast road, continue to a footpath. You discover a multitude of small beaches to settle quietly. If you continue a little, you arrive on the beach of Finikas. A restaurant is even installed on site.

The beaches Platia Pounta and Fanos Beach

By continuing, you go to Platia Pounta Beach and Fanos Beach. You find beautiful stretches of sand and small private coves. To put just two towels, you're served. It’s a real corner of paradise! That you are not surprised, many naturists come to Koufonissia. The distinction between naturists and textiles is not established. Everyone bathes in their convenience, close to nature.

Pori Beach: Paradise Beach

If you are looking for your corner of paradise, it may be a little further, in Pori Beach, the largest beach in Koufonissia. In this heavenly lagoon, water is transparent. And to enjoy the place all day, a restaurant is even on site.

For people who don’t want to walk to the beach of Pori Beach, especially if the heat is overwhelming and you are well loaded, a bus boat is in place. It leaves the central beach of Koufonissia. It goes to this big beach. Various shuttle times are available throughout the day.

Another option is to reach Pori Beach by taking the road to the center of the island. If you find a friendly car driver, ask him to drop you off to the beach. Otherwise, take the bike. This crossing can still be a bit complicated if you’re not a big athlete. Indeed, the island is not as flat as it looks!

4. Walks and natural pools

When you have enough to lick in the sun, don’t hesitate to walk along the beaches. The landscapes are sumptuous. If the walks take place at the beginning or end of the day, the light is not the same. The reflections on the water remain beautiful. Far from the waves of holidaymakers, you will enjoy strolling along the coves, at sunrise or sunset.

After the beach of Fanos beach, don’t hesitate to push your discovery just further. A natural pool is designed. This pool carved by nature in the rock is perfect for exploring the seabed. If you have taken with your mask and tuba, you will enjoy diving, unless you prefer to jump just to refresh yourself...

How to get to Koufonissia?

Koufonissia is accessible by boat from the ports of Piraeus or Rafina in Greece. It is also possible to go by shuttle from the others Cyclades Islands . You can leave from Amorgos (1 h) or Naxos , Santorini Kimolos, Anafi or Ios.

Regular shuttles are convenient to visit the island of Koufonissia. They allow to programme a one-day getaway or consider a few days’ stay.

The island of Koufonissia is also reached by boat from Rhodes, Crete or other Greek islands.

Find the cheapest flight from Athens, Rhodes or Crete, using the Compare Flights Ulysses . Then join the island of Koufonissia by boat.

Where to stay in Koufonissia?

Koufonissia is a small rosary composed of two main islands. Thus, you can stay on one of the two main islands: Epano Koufonissi and Kato Koufonissi.

Note that Kato Koufonissi is inhabited only a small part of the year. It is therefore best to direct you to Epano Koufonissi if you wish book a hotel or accommodation on AirBnB .