Koufonisia
Koufonisi
Ah beautiful Koufonisi Greece (aka Koufonisia)! It’s only small at 16 square kilometres but it’s got plenty to offer for any visitor who likes a relaxed environment with gorgeous scenery.
Despite its small size, Koufonisi Island has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The islands were once used as a base for pirates due to their remote location. Later, they became a refuge for fishermen and farmers. Today, Koufonisi Island is known for its unspoiled beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and pristine beaches.
The islands’ special features include their stunning turquoise waters, picturesque white-washed houses, and the limited number of vehicles on the island. This is one place where you can go without a car – most things are walking distance and you can take a boat from the port to go the beaches like Pori.
Koufonisi is renowned for its beautiful beaches, some of which are considered among the best in Greece. Pori Beach Koufonisi, with its golden sand and crystal-clear waters, is a favourite spot for sunbathing and swimming. Fanos Beach is another popular choice, known for its natural beauty and relaxing ambiance. Other noteworthy beaches include Finikas, Italida, and Nero.
The islands’ small size and relaxed atmosphere make them ideal for those seeking a peaceful and authentic Greek island experience. Whether it’s lounging on pristine beaches, exploring charming villages, or indulging in fresh seafood at local tavernas, Koufonisia offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of more touristy destinations.
Best accommodation in Koufonisi
The big decision to make is – do you want to be staying at the Chora on Koufonisi Island or would you prefer a more remote location. If you’re close to Chora, heading out in the evening for food and drinks (and coming home!) is easy – if you’re staying a little further out (eg near Pori) , it might take a little more effort. You may get a bit of noise in busier times around the Chora but it’s not Mykonos level.
Near Koufonisi Chora there are a number of small hotels, villas and rooms. Closest to town you’ve got Keros Art Hotel Koufonisi, Arhipelagos, and Aeris Suites. A little further out but still walkable are Onar Suites, Niriiedes, Sohoro, Oceanides and Nautilus.
Pyrthea Houses Koufonisia offer a comfortable stay just round from Mylos at the windmill and Teal Blue has a nice outlook on the other side of the town beach.
Near Finika Beach you’ll find Pangaia Suites and there’s Mystic Villas a little further inland.
Up behind Pori you’ll find the idyllic Blue Harpist Villas and also Koufonisi Villas and Villa Phaedra.
Best Koufonisi things to do
Given its size there is not a huge amount to see in Koufonisia – but that’s part of the attraction. You dont feel the need to jump in a car and speed around looking for things – Koufonisia offers a simple alternative – breakfast, boat trip to the beach, lunch, bit more swimming, walk a bit, rest , shower, drink, dinner – then repeat.
Perhaps its best to come to Kouf after you’ve already been to another island and wound back the pace a bit from home life – then you can really apprciate it.
Do you need a car in Koufonisia?
No – that’s one of the attractions. No car rental hassle. You can get around by walking, cycling or by getting a boat to the key places on the island from the port.
Best beaches in Koufonisi
Pori beach Koufonisi is the best known and probably the best. A wide bay with lovely sand, 2 tavernas behind the beach and (outside peak) enough room to spread out. As usual you have to take notice of the wind conditions – it can be glassy but it can be very choppy when even the boats will not come round. Access is either via boat from the port (recommended) or a longish walk – the boat service is frequent and easy.
On the way to Pori you’ll pass Finikas, Fanos and Italida beaches – nothing like Pori but good for a walking visit.
You’ll then go past Devil’s Eye , a sea cave with a pool visible from the path that lots of people enjoy swimming in and jumping from the ledges. Not for the faint-hearted.
North of Pori you’ll find Gala Beach – wild and rocky but beautiful in its own way.
And last but not least there is the town beach Ammos Beach which is definitely one of the better town/port beaches. It’s sandy and shallow so good for the families – and close to Chora of course.
Best restaurants and bars in Koufonisi
Mikres Cyclades Koufonisia is a top spot in the Chora – not the cheapest but a step above the usual tavernas with decent quality food in a nice setting. Laksa is another superior dining option.
At the other end of the sophistication scale, the hole in the wall Souvlaki Sti Strofi does a roaring trade. Order at the aforementioned hole and select your preferred gyro. Then sit at the open tables to consume. Then head to a bar to wash it down.
Other places to try include the always-busy Neo Remezzo for seafood, Tzet for broader Mediterranean offerings and Capetan Niklolas at Karnagio.
Great spots for a drink include Mylos, a great pre-dinner spot as the sun sets and Sorokos for another fantastic view. They also do excellent breakfasts there.
Island hopping from Koufonisi
Koufonisia is on the Small Cyclades route primarily served from Naxos. So any link with Naxos should work well together with the other Small Cyclades islands like Schinoussa or Iraklia (not to be confused with Ikaria).
Tips for Koufonisi
It’s always difficult to go past the Bakery Giorgula if you’re a bit peckish – always good to see what they have on offer.
Head down to the port to see what boat trips are on offer – boats head over to Kato Koufonisi for day trips and also to the uninhabited Keros Island.
How many days on Koufonisia
A minimum of 3 nights so that you can experience what the island has to offer. That would give you enough time to try all the beaches and a few of the eating options. But if you’re looking for some real relaxation and a slower pace, maybe extend that time to at least 5 nights.
How big is Koufonisia Island
Pano Koufonisia comes in at 3,5 square kms or 12kms in circumference – in comparison Central Park is around the same area and Hyde Park London is about half the size. If you wanted to walk all the way round it might take around 4 hours at a constant walking pace. So it’s not big at all.
