Beach with sand and turquoise waters and in the background sailing boats and land with high mountains.

Koufonisia

NOW 24 °C

Next 5 days

FRI 27 °C
SAT 30 °C
SUN 26 °C
MON 26 °C
TUES 26 °C

Source: National Observatory of Athens /meteo.gr

A piece of heaven in the Lesser Cyclades

Koufonisia is the name of two little islands in the Lesser Eastern Cyclades: Ano Koufonisi and Kato Koufonisi are separated from each other by a 200 m. wide narrow strait. Nearby Naxos Island is located east, Amorgos is to be found west, as well as deserted Keros Island, which is a protected archaeological site where great ancient artefacts were unearthed, dated to the Cycladic Civilisation Period (a Bronze Age civilisation which flourished οn the Aegean Islands).

Ano [or Pano] Koufonisi (meaning Upper Koufonisi) is the only populated island of the two. It is a destination preferred by those who wish to relax on their holidays, in a place with golden-coloured sandy beaches sheltered from the wind, small natural seawater pools with turquoise waters, enchanting natural surroundings, traditional feasting - the local way - and oh-so-fresh fish & seafood dishes. Leave your worries behind and visit this picture-perfect spot of land in the Lesser (or Small) Cyclades, that covers a mere 5.7 sq.km surface. You can explore the entire island on foot, by bicycle or by boat in just 3 hours.

The locals love their festivals. On St. George’s feast day, panigyras [a person who carries the icon of the saint] takes St. George’s icon on a tour around the island, while local boats follow him along the coastline, in honour of the saint. The ‘fisherman’s festival’ takes place on June 24th, where delicious kakavia soup is served (prepared with a variety of small freshly netted fish). The feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God takes place on August 15th and islanders visit Kato Koufonisi for the religious festival in honour of the Holy Virgin.

Aerial view of a white and red boat in crystal clear sea next to small beaches surrounded by rocks.

Koufonisia means ‘hollow islands’, and tradition has it that they were named so by the pirates who once roamed the Aegean. They viewed the islands’ large sea caves from a distance and believed the land was hollow!

Around the island

Pano Koufonisi

A white windmill will welcome you at the harbour entrance. Chora, a typical Cyclades island village with whitewashed houses and picturesque alleys stretches right in front of you. The church of Agios Georgios (St. George - the island’s patron saint) is located at the centre of the village.

Rent a bike and enjoy your ride along the island coastline. If you love walking, follow the paths from Chora to Pano Meria and discover the beauty of the inland areas. The main road of the island starts east of the harbour and ends in Pori, the popular exotic beach that is not to be missed.

Sail to Glaronisi, the uninhabited islet just 600 m. away from Kato Koufonisi, or rent a boat to get there. This islet is very popular with seagulls who prefer to lay their eggs there or simply land there to get some rest. The island was named after them, as the first part of Glaronisi is the word ‘glaros’ which means seagull in Greek.
Swim in the turquoise waters and explore the marine caves, where you can enjoy the serenity and peace of mind that these natural surroundings can offer you.

Kato Koufonisi

Kato Koufonisi is practically deserted and you can visit it by boat from Pano Koufonisi. Explore its beautiful sandy beaches, walk about the lovely inland and visit the church of Panagia (the Holy Virgin Mary), built on ancient ruins.