October 22, 2020
Interesting Facts about Greece: 11 that will surprise you!
Syvota
August 2, 2025
KOUFONISSI
KOUFONISSI
The Koufonisia islands complex are often described as heaven on earth by first-comers. The experience will leave you totally mesmerized.
Their unique charm and unparalleled beauty are talked about internationally. They are spread across a landscape of endless crystal clear turquoise blue waters, rocky & cavey shores, and astonishingly unique land formations.
Koufonisi, the inhabited island offers you a gateway to a time long gone. And yes, it is as remarkably serene and breathtakingly beautiful as you may have heard.
Reasons why Koufonisi is the talk of the globe:
- Unspoiled Beauty
- Stunning Beaches with Turquoise Waters
- Authentic Cycladic Charm
- Accessible Exploration
- Culinary Scene
- Historical Significance
- Vibrant Local Festivals
- Sea Caves and Natural Pools
- Unspoiled Kato Koufonissi
- Vibrant Yet Low-Key Nightlife
Beaches
Koufonisia boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Cyclades, like Pori, Finikas, Fanos, and Ammos on Ano Koufonisi, and Nero, Detis, and Pezoulia on Kato Koufonisi.
These beaches feature soft golden sand and crystal-clear waters, often compared to the Caribbean. Gala Beach, with its unique rock formations and frothy waves, is a hidden marvel.
Water taxis and small boats make it easy to visit Kato Koufonisi’s pristine beaches or nearby islands like Keros.
Gastronomy
Rich Culinary Scene: Despite its size, Ano Koufonisi offers delightful dining options, from fresh seafood at Captain Nikolas and Aneplora to traditional Greek dishes at Mixalios Grill House and Foinikas.
Don’t miss local specialties like Xynomyzithra (goat’s cheese with honey) or psimeni raki at rakadika. Kato Koufonisi’s sole taverna, Venetsanos, is famous for tasty dishes and impromptu music nights.
Location & Connections
The complex includes three main islands: Epano, Pano or Ano (all meaning ‘Upper’) Koufonisi often merely called Koufonisi, Kato (meaning Lower) Koufonisi, and Keros. Only the first one, Pano Koufonisi, is inhabited.
Geographically, they are positioned on the south-southeast side of the island of Naxos, and on the west-northwest of the island of Amorgos. They belong to what is referred to as the Small Cyclades archipelago, which also includes the impressive islands of Schinoussa, Iraklia, and Donousa, certainly also worth a visit.
Explore and Discover
Ano Koufonisi is small enough to explore on foot or by bike, with beaches like Pori just a 30–40-minute walk from Chora. The main village, Chora, on Ano Koufonisi exemplifies traditional Cycladic architecture with whitewashed houses, blue shutters, and a laid-back vibe. It’s a pedestrian-friendly island with no need for cars, offering a peaceful escape from mass tourism.
Unlike busier Greek islands, the Koufonisia remains relatively undiscovered, offering a serene environment perfect for relaxation. June and September are ideal for fewer crowds, while even peak months retain a calm, unspoiled feel.
Experience authentic Greek culture through festivals like the Fisherman’s Festival in June or the Panagia festival on August 15 on Kato Koufonisi, featuring traditional dances and seafood feasts.
The islands are dotted with sea caves and natural pools, like the Devil’s Eye and Gala, offering unique swimming and exploration opportunities. Boat trips to hidden coves enhance the adventure.
The uninhabited Kato Koufonisi is a paradise for those seeking solitude, with pristine beaches, hiking paths, and a small church (Panagia) built on ancient ruins. It’s perfect for day trips or free camping under the stars.Vibrant Yet Low-Key Nightlife: Ano Koufonisi offers charming nightlife spots like Mylos (a converted windmill bar), Sorokos, and Scholio, where you can enjoy cocktails or an Aperol Spritz by the sea. The vibe is relaxed, with dancing under the stars or live music at places like Kalofego.
Architecture
The cherished and very charmingly minimalistic Cycladic architecture is prevalent on Koufonisia. All the buildings are predominantly painted in shades of white and blue, projecting a very idiosyncratic and unique picture that defines the term ‘abundant beauty can be found in utter simplicity’.
A typical interior of a local home in Koufonisia would usually consist of three rooms, a bedroom, a kitchen and a large room which was utilised as a living-room for the family to come together. The roofs, locally known as ‘Steosa’ was usually made of reeds, earth and wood, often a kind of wood taken from fida, called ‘kontarida’.
History
Koufonissi is due to have its own archaeological museum soon, so certainly watch this space as the area has graced us with several artefacts of great historical significance. In fact, a couple of impressive statuettes which have become symbols of the Early Cycladic civilization, known as the Piper and the Harpist, are currently exposed at the Athens Archaeological Museum and were discovered on the island. In post-classical times the area, as most of the Cyclades islands, later fell into the hands of the Venetians, followed by the Ottomans. In the 17th century the two clashed to gain dominance over the Aegean Sea. Koufonisia residents often had to join forces with the revolutionaries residing in Mani at the heart of the Pelloponese Peninsulsa, with pirates, and/or any other ally.
Mainly allies who could aid them in their struggle to survive the occupational forces, often utilising the narrow channel between Pano and Kato Koufonisi as a safe shelter. Koufonisia were set free along with the rest of Cyclades islands and incorporated into the Greek state in 1830.
Local families have often had to fight and persist in order persevere in the face of several challenges historically. They had to rely on fishing, farming and light agricultural activities since the land is dry, rocky and hard to cultivate, in order to survive.
Before the islands slowly and gradually resurfaced as the superbly authentic and remarkably beautiful destination they are now known as, the population was reduced significantly, as many had to relocate to other larger islands and even the port and city of Piraeus to make ends meet.
Being cut off from the regular itineraries between the larger Greek islands basically meant ships would reach the island sporadically, perhaps once a week and when the weather permitted it. Access to healthcare and any other sort of aid in case of any emergency was therefore not easy and often not present when needed.
August 28, 2020
Facts about Greece: Fascinating Insights to Explore – Part 1