5 REASONS TO VISIT KOUFONISIA

Koufonisia islands are absolutely magical! Literally a small heaven on earth!

The island complex consists of 2, the upper (pano) Koufonissi and the lower (kato) Koufonissi.

• Pano Koufonissi is the most popular, with the main port having ferries calling from the mainland, hotels, apartments for rent, famous beaches, many taverns, bars and plenty of options!
• Kato Koufonissi is mainly for daily excursions (departing from the upper one), reaching the beaches by boat taxis (15-20 minutes distance) and free camping, with only a local beautiful tavern available.

When should I go: late July and first two weeks of August, the island is super busy. However, this year the island was fully booked since June for the rest of the summer till early September… Angel’s tip: Some people book their accommodation for Koufonisia already since the previous summer, so I would strongly suggest to book your accommodation latest on April/May for July-August.

Where is it: in Cyclades island complex between Naxos and Amorgos. Islands close by: Irakleia, Schinousa and Keros which is uninhabited.

How can you go: by ferry from Piraeus & Rafina port or by plane/ferry to Naxos island and then a ferry to Koufonisia(Pano Koufonissi).You can book your tickets here: Ferryscanner.com

Duration of the trip: Many ferry companies and options to choose from. 4:30hrs to 8-9 hrs trip duration if you choose to take a ferry from Piraeus to Koufonisia. Otherwise, a ferry to Naxos with travel time varying between 3:30-6:30 hours, while a plane is less than 1 hour from Eleftherios Venizelos airport. The trip Naxos-Koufonisia lasts from 40 minutes to 2:20 hours depending on which ferry you will choose. You can have a look for tickets here: ferryscanner.com , ferries.gr , viva.gr , ferryhopper.com

Useful info: The island has only 1 taxi . Tel: +30698 73 37 290 . Angel’s tip: call him in advance since there is only one and has many requests despite the small distances.

A wonderful Greek island in Cyclades that you need to visit ASAP! See below why!

 

1. THE ISLAND ON FOOT.

Of course you can have a car in Koufonisia or better a motorcycle in this island but it is NOT necessary. You should stay in town and everything will be on foot. The port, bars, restaurants, supermarkets, coffee shops. The only things that are a bit far, are 1-2 beaches but also for this there is a perfect solution: boats departing every 30 minutes from the main port, with a cost of 5 euros round trip. Of course you can always walk as well. Angel’s tip: in case you want to visit the island by your own car book some weeks in advance since very often tickets are sold out!

 

2. UNREAL TURQUOISE WATERS

There are several options to access the beaches, either on foot or by car/motorcycle if you have, by bicycle or by boat (2 companies). The boats depart every 30 minutes or 1 hour for beaches in Pano Koufonissi and their stops are in Foinikas beach, 1 more stop between Fanos and Italida beach and 3rd stop in Pori beach. Phone No. : +30 2285071438, +30 6945 042 548 Prasinos tours and +30 6979682768 Mavros Tours. Angel’s tip: We were 12 people together and we chose Mavros tours that was flexible & very kind to come pick us up even after the regular working hours, I guess because island mid of July was not so crowded and we were a large group of people!

• In Pano Koufonissi there are amazing beaches with crystal clear waters that you can relax all day. Angel’s tip: all are unorganized so be prepared and have with you tents, beach umbrellas, water or even a small fridge that you can keep all your drinks and food cool.

Italida beach: I would say the most famous one, sandy and wonderful. 20 minutes walk from the town or 10 minutes by boat. There is a tavern in the previous beach, called Fanos, just 5′ on foot where you can buy drinks or something to eat!

Pori beach: Incredible long sandy beach, 45 minutes on foot from the town, 7 minutes drive and 30 minutes by boat. There are 2 taverns from where you can buy something to drink or eat. Angel’s tip: Close there you can find the Ksylompatis Caves, very impressive and you can jump from above when it’s not windy, if you are risky!

Foinikas beach: 5 minutes by boat, 15 minutes on foot and 4′ driving. There is a restaurant at the beach with drinks as well.

Fanos beach: 10 minutes by boat and 5′ drive. There is a restaurant at the beach with drinks as well.

Ammos beach: 3 minutes walk from the town, it is insane that the beach next to the port has these colours!

Pisina: a natural swimming pool where you can feel the magic that nature creates ! You can get there on foot (11 minutes) either from Italida or Pori beach and have your camera with you for some cool pics!

Gala beach: 10 minutes walk from Pori beach, a tiny pebbly beach called “milk” because of the white pebbles which are coated by calcium in the water. Access is a bit difficult, not recommended for young kids or people with disabilities.

If you want to be isolated in magical waters go to the other side of the island towards Parianos bay.

If you want to explore the incredible unspoiled coastline of Koufonisia, your best choice is to hire a boat. Explore amazing bays,  jump into the gorgeous waters and discover super secret sea caves around the island!  A unique experience for sure!

• You will be most probably based in Pano Koufonissi but one day you can visit Kato Koufonissi island for sure. You can take the boat from the main port and with 5 Euros in 15-20 minutes you are in Kato Koufonissi.

There, you can choose to stop either at the first or the 2nd stop where beach “Nero” is. Pezoulia beach is close by as well. I got down at the first stop but don’t get disappointed by the beach there, it is not impressive. Either turn right towards the Hawaii beach (15 minutes walk) or take the path on the left, pass through the super local tavern called  “Venetsanos” and stop at the next beaches: my favorite one is Detis.

3. GREAT ENTERTAINMENT & FOOD 

Pano Koufonissi is amazing in terms of entertainment due to the plenty food and bars options. You can find delicious local Greek food, fish and meat, fast food, brunch and cocktail bars next to the sea or in town. Below you can find some of the places that I tried or that many of my friends have visited but unfortunately I did not have the time to visit them!

• Are you looking for a bakery with fresh & delicious fravours to eat in the morning or to take with you at the beach? Visit the bakery “Giorgoula”. Angel’s tip: Don’t miss out on this bakery, I am not the easiest person to find something to eat but this bakery was extraordinary with a big variety.  Another option is “Koufonisia bakery”.
• For excellent brunch with a wonderful ambiance visit: Tzet, Mylos and Sorokos. Sofia’s Cafe & Kalamia as well.
  Angel’s tip: I loved the dish in Tzet with the poached eggs and avocado and their smoothies.
• For incredible crepes try the Cafe-Creperie called “Pirata Nero”
• For delicious souvlaki try the “Souvlaki sti Strofi” Angel’s tip: Some nights the line is huge, be patient.
• For burgers and tacos, visit the CA CHI CA.
• For loukoumades (Greek version of donuts), go to Moon Bites.
• For glorious ice-cream you should go to “Phystiki”. Angel’s tip: It is open only in the evening. They have different flavors every day & there is often a queue!
• For modern cuisine I loved the restaurant called “Mikres Cyklades” and I was recommended “Laska” as well. I cannot leave out the restaurant “Kalofego” in Pori beach. Angel’s tip: No reservations accepted at Kalofego and it is often crowded.
• For meat, the answer is “Mihalios grill house”, big portions – top quality meat.
• For seafood, I recommend “Aneplora” in Parianos bay and “Capetan Nikolas” in town. Both are close to the sea with incredible seafood. Worth mentioning is “Neo Remezzo” in town as well with no view but decent food and good service. Angel’s tip: In Remezzo cream pasta in white sauce is delicious. (but I am person I love the white cream in dishes)
  

  “Aneplora” restaurant ith delicious plates

• For delicious dishes to share and Greek food, great choices are “Armira & Pioto” in the town and the tavern in “Foinikas” beach.

My favorite cocktail bars are Sorokos , Tzet, Koufohorio and Mylos! Angel’s tip: In Mylos there is a beautiful boutique store inside the windmill with clothes, jewellery and accessories that is worth your visit (especially if you are a woman or a man looking for a unique gift!)

After the above mentioned bars, you can continue in “Nelipot” for late drinks with excellent music and shisha.

4. PICTURESQUE TOWN

It is worth mentioning that the island has a wonderful lovely little town. Pretty souvenir shops, incredible bars and restaurants on the narrow streets and of course the typical white houses with colourful flowers dominating the scene! Get lost wondering around the town, take photos, walk and do some shopping, eat, drink and enjoy!

Angel’s tip: no cars are permitted in the town since roads are too small and as I mentioned earlier my recommendation is to stay in the town if you don’t have a car/motorcycle.

5. THE BEST SECRET: LOCALS CHOOSE IT

I don’t think there is anybody that doesn’t believe that in every country the places full of locals are special and worth a visit!

Either we speak for a restaurant, a hotel, a place or an island…. Speaking for myself, when I notice many local people somewhere I strongly believe there is something remarkable I should try too!

Believe me, Koufonisia are really special, wonderful, splendid and worth your visit!

 

*For more pics you can check my highlights & posts/ reels on Instagram!*

IG : angeliki.a._