Koufonisi
Ano Koufonisi (Greek: Άνω Κουφονήσι), usually referred just as Koufonisi (Greek: Κουφονήσι), is a major attraction in the small Cyclades known for its beautiful beaches and cliffs. There is also another Koufonisi, Kato Koufonisi nearby.
Understand
Tourist information
Sea caves: on Pano Koufonissi’s North Cape.
Saint George’s church: the protector of the island. On Saint George’s day (normally celebrated on 23rd April, but if it coincides with Lent then it is celebrated on Easter Monday), there is a litany/procession of his icon on the seaside street, while the streets are covered with rose petals. They put on fireworks and all the small boats of the island are sailing alongside. Tripe soup with vinegar and a stew or pasta is offered to everyone and then the feast starts.
Saint Nicholas’ small church: over Karnagio with a view of nine islands!
Mylos (Mill): A traditional windmill that has been renovated into a beautiful bar.
Panagia’s (Virgin Mary’s) church on Kato Koufonissi: situated on Deti’s pier and built on ancient ruins. On August 15th a big festival takes place there. At the end of the Mass, food is offered to everyone and then people are transferred by boats which are competing in the race to get to Pano Koufonissi first, where the feast is held.
Fishermens feast: on June 24th the captains of the caiques cook for everybody on the pier the traditional cacavia (boulliabaisse - a soup made with different types of fish). A feast follows with traditional music and dance.
Talk
Greek is the native language of the people of Koufonisi. However, most people also speak passable English and many speak German or other European languages.
Get in
By boat
Koufonisi is accessible via ferry from Naxos, Schinousa, Amorgos, Dinousa, and Athens. More information can be found here.
Cruise ships and private vessels also dock at the Port.
By plane
There is no airport in Koufonisi.
Get around
Everything is in walking distance. On foot is the main way to get around. In fact, you can circumnavigate the whole island on foot in 3-4 hours. There is no bus or taxi service on the island.
By boat
Water shuttles operate up and down the coast as far as Pori, stopping at various jetties. It is a much easier way to get around than walking over the rocky paths, and only costs €2.50 a ride!
By car
It is not worth the hassle to bring your own car to the island. If you really want to, you can take it on a car and passenger ferry. Roads turn out to be little more than dirt paths. There is one petrol station in the island’s north.
By motorcycle
Motorbikes and mopeds are popular alternatives to cars. Especially mopeds are frequently used by local youths and can go to many places that cars cannot go - for example the twisted narrow streets of Koufonisi town.
When renting a moped, check if the profile of the tyres is ok and if the brakes work properly. If it is the last vehicle in store, be suspicious - it could be the one that needs a repair badly. Though helmets are not required on the streets, it might be a good idea to ask your rent-a-bike for one.
Road service: A narrow road takes you from the port to Finikas’ beach. From the village there is an asphalt road that takes you to Pori, and another one that takes you to the petrol station
Sea service: Kostas Prasinos’ small boat runs a regular daily service from the port to the beaches of: Finikas, Italida and Pori. Other small boats connect Pano (Upper) and Kato (Lower) Koufonisi.
See
- The main village
- The sun and the sea while relaxing.
- Neolithic village site on neighboring Keros. Daily excursions via boat are offered.
Do
Beaches
There are many beautiful beaches, the best being in the island’s south east. The wind mostly comes in from the north so the sea tends to be rougher on the north side of the island.
There is a nice small beach in the main village (Ammos beach) but it is nothing compared to other beaches on the island. Walking counter-clockwise around the coast from the main town will lead you to successively more and more beautiful beaches! These are, in order, Athena Beach, Finikas Beach, Italida Beach, Alejandra Beach, and the Natural Pool in amongst the cliffs. Further along, you'll reach Pori beach, known for its nudity and cliff-jumping, and finally Gala beach on the peninsula.
- The Natural Pool
- Cliffs
- Inventure's Bay
- The water shuttle about to make a stop
- Alejandra Beach
- Italida Beach
- The bay on which the main town is situated
- Ammos Beach
Other beaches worth exploring include:
- Charakopou
- Fanos
- Parianos
- Pisina
- Platia Punta
Buy
The excellent Veneti supermarket stocks everything you will need at good prices. It is a large, tall building near the port, with an attention-grabbing sign in Greek letters only (“Beneth”).
There are three ATMs on the island, one of which is outside the supermarket, but there are no banks. Most shops accept payments by card.
Eat
There are plenty of places to eat. The Giorgoula bakery has great bread, pastries and pies as well. The large cafe restaurant facing the port is not recommended.
Drink
It is not recommended to drink tap water. 6x 1.5 litre bottles of water costs €2.50 at the supermarket (June 2023).
Sleep
There are plenty of guest houses and hotels in and near the village. During the high season (June-August), booking in advance is recommended. Free camping is allowed on Kato Koufonisi (the neighbouring island) only.
Stay safe
Koufonisi is a generally very safe destination. The biggest danger is sunburn and heatstroke. You can buy reasonably priced sunscreen at the Veneti supermarket.
Cope
There are good free gender-segregated toilets and showers available at the port. The showers are clean and have hot water, but the toilets are often without toilet paper.
Go next
Daily excursions via boat to Kato Koufonisi are offered. Nearby islands worth a visit include Donoussa, Schinoussa, tiny Iraklia, Amorgos and the enormously popular island of Naxos.