Koufonisia Things to Do

Ask anyone why you should visit Koufonisia and the answer is always going to be the same: for the beaches! Though the tiny Koufonisia may lack impressive monuments, its beaches rank among the very top in the Cyclades and are a sight in themselves! What makes them stand out is their distinctive turquoise color, while the fact that the island has remained untouched by mass tourism means that they are particularly suitable for getting away from it all. The idyllic coves of Kato Koufonisi are even more secluded, offering you a unique chance to become one with nature. Here are some of our favorite beaches in Koufonisia:

• A visit to Pori is, beyond the shadow of a doubt, the very best thing to do in Koufonisia! Stretching in the heart of a lovely bay, it is, indeed, the par excellence place to go to experience the essence of the island. Its mesmerizing turquoise waters are sure to steal your heart, while the wider area abounds in stunning natural sights, such as the Devil’s Eye and Gala.
• Commonly known as Italida, Platia Pounda is immensely popular and, during the summer months, it is literally flooded with visitors who come to revel in its fine golden sand and sparkling crystalline waters.
• Another great choice is Nero, which is easily accessible via the water taxis connecting Ano and Kato Koufonisi. Characterized by a wild beauty, it is the most visited swimming spot in Kato Koufonisi.

Discover the beaches

Sprawling around Koufonisia Port, the picturesque Chora —the only settlement on the island— is a prime example of Cycladic architecture, boasting a maze of cobblestone alleys and traditional whitewashed houses adorned with blooming bougainvilleas and blue-colored doors and windows. Thus, roaming around this picture-postcard village is easily one of the best things to do to experience the atmospheric vibes of Koufonisia. Around the streets of Chora, you will find plenty of small shops with handmade souvenirs, as well as the vast majority of the island’s taverns and cafes, where you can sit back and relax, taking in the sublime views of Keros.

In the late evening, don’t miss the chance to gaze at the glorious sunset from the restored windmill dominating the port — it is hands-down one of the top sunset viewing spots on the entire island! The area of the traditional boatyard, with the adjacent blue-domed chapel of Agios Nikolaos, is also a great place for a walk and, of course, for plenty of memorable pictures.

More about Chora

Your experience of Koufonisia would definitely be incomplete without a trip to Kato Koufonisi. Forming part of the Koufonisia cluster of islets, it is a tiny paradise with secluded, dreamy coves and a single tavern, the legendary Venetsanos, which you should not miss visiting for its mouthwatering local delicacies. As walking is the only way of moving around, it is a true heaven for hikers; just come prepared with water and a pair of walking shoes, and the various trails will reward you with magnificent views of the Aegean Sea and all the surrounding islands! One of the best things to do if you don’t feel like spending the day at Nero is to explore the scenic coastline and find the spot of your dreams in Pezoulia, Detis, or Hawaii, a beach that literally does honor its name!

The best thing is that reaching Kato Koufonisi is a piece of cake, as water taxis operate frequent routes throughout the day, from early in the morning to late evening!

Explore Kato Koufonisi

Looking for a place to stay in Koufonisia? The island offers many snug options! These are our favorite hotels and accommodations on the island:
• Named after Richard Bach’s famous seagull, Jonathan Livingston, the upscale Ionathan Suites fuses traditional Cycladic architecture with modern elements and is equipped with all the necessary conveniences for a truly comfortable stay. Besides offering outstanding sea views, it also treats guests to a nice outdoor swimming pool.
• Boasting stunning sunrise and sunset views that have given the accommodation its name, Iliovasilema Studios comprises a set of cozy rooms with private balconies that make it perfect for relaxation.
• For something completely different, consider opting for the Windmill Villa, a unique boutique hotel housed inside a restored traditional windmill! Affording panoramic views in three directions, it is just the place to head for in order to combine authenticity with complete privacy.

The best hotels in Koufonisia

Thanks to its long-standing fishing tradition, Koufonisia is an excellent choice for tasting fresh fish and seafood with an original twist. Geographical proximity to Naxos and Amorgos also means that the gastronomic identity of Koufonisia has been heavily influenced by that of its neighbors, resulting in a plethora of yummy dishes like the patatato stew. Thus, taking the time to sit back and savor the local delicacies is hands-down one of the very best things to do during your stay! Look out for such delicious mezes as octopus stew, fried squid, shrimp pasta and crab pasta, and pair them with the excellent Koufonisian rakomelo, an alcoholic drink made by combining raki with honey and spices or aromatic herbs.

Besides the above-mentioned Venetsanos, some of our favorite food spots in Koufonisia include Laska, a stylish restaurant designed in the Cycladic style, the historic Melissa —the oldest tavern on the island— and Mikres Cyclades, whose enticing recipes will leave you craving for more. The scenic Kalofego at the edge of Pori Beach is another excellent choice as well.

The top places to eat

One of the most —if not the most— extraordinary swimming spots you will come across in Koufonisia is, unarguably, a ravishing natural pool located halfway between Platia Pounda and Pori. Ranking among the very few such wonders in the entire country, it never fails to captivate visitors with its sparkling emerald waters. Legend has it that it was created by none other than Poseidon, the mighty god of the sea, who wished to make a gift of it to his beloved Nereids; and though the true cause of its formation is, of course, much more prosaic, the Natural Pool is, indeed, a place of fairytale beauty! If you’re into diving, don’t forget to bring your scuba mask along, so as to explore the narrow underwater passage that connects the pool to the sea.

More about the Natural Pool

One of the best things to do while in Koufonisia is to avail yourself of the island’s advantageous location in the heart of the Small Cyclades and go on a thrilling day trip to one of the neighboring islands. The enchanting Amorgos, with its fabulous beaches and mystery-filled sea caves, is probably the best option, but the laid-back Schinoussa and Iraklia, which also form part of the Small Cyclades complex, are also excellent choices. The ferry crossing is fairly short and routes are available on a daily basis, so don’t think twice about booking your ferry tickets to these hidden gems of the Aegean!

Book your ferries

Though the nightlife in Koufonisia is more low-key than in other islands of the Aegean, you will still find quite a few great options for a delightful night out. Most drinking establishments are concentrated in Chora, around the picturesque port, and are just the place to head for in order to enjoy a refreshing drink or cocktail while taking in the stunning views of Keros and Kato Koufonisi as the moon bathes them in its silvery light.

Nightlife in Koufonisia

Being one of the main transportation methods around the diminutive Koufonisia, hiking is a great way to explore the stunning coastline and marvel at the panoramic sea vistas from the most spectacular viewpoints. One of the best things to do is to follow the coastal route, which will take you past some of the most popular beaches on the island’s southeastern coast until you reach the mesmerizing Pori and the Ksylompatis Caves. Hiking up to the peak of Profitis Ilias, the highest point on the island, is also a highly rewarding experience you shouldn’t miss out on.

Looking for yet more dreamy coves where you can unwind and reconnect with nature away from noisy crowds? Then arranging a boat ride to Glaronissi is one of the best things to do before leaving Koufonisia! Named after the seagulls that constitute its only permanent residents, the tiny Glaronissi has been declared a Natura 2000 protected area and is fringed by mind-blowing turquoise waters whose memory will stay with you forever. On the islet’s eastern coast, you will also find an impressive cluster of rocks with sea caves and translucent waters that lend themselves to snorkeling and scuba diving.

Information about Glaronissi

For a more authentic experience of the Koufonisian culture, don’t miss the chance to join in one of the colorful local festivals. Many of these celebrations are held on the feast days of saints and are invariably accompanied by drinks and delectable food, as well as by plenty of folk music and dancing till the wee hours of the morning. The biggest such feast is celebrated in the chapel of Panagia in Kato Koufonisi on the 15th of August, the day of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, while other events to look out for are the Fisherman’s Festival and the Koufonisia Classical Music Festival.

Discover the local festivals

But that's not all! There are a lot more things to do, like sipping coffee in a local cafe with a wonderful sea view! 
We invite you to explore even more options that the island has to offer: