Koufonisia: a guide to the tiny islands with turquoise water
Two tiny islands near Naxos, with one village, white-sand beaches and turquoise water. There are no big hotels, and you get around on foot.
- Koufonisia is two islands: Ano Koufonisi, with the village of Chora and the port, and Kato Koufonisi, which is uninhabited and reached by boat.
- The best beaches are Fanos, Italida, Pori, the Piscina natural pool and Gala, mostly 1–4 km from Chora.
- Ferries from Naxos take 40 minutes to 2.5 hours, and from Piraeus 5–8 hours.
Koufonisia suits couples and anyone after a simple holiday of sea, walking and fish tavernas. It isn't for nightlife or big hotels.
Koufonisia, Greece: what is it?
Koufonisia is a group of small islands in the Small Cyclades, south-east of Naxos.
- Ano Koufonisi is the inhabited island, with the port and the only village, Chora.
- Kato Koufonisi is almost uninhabited. A local boat leaves the port every day and takes about 10 minutes. Ferries don't go there directly.
Getting around
On Ano Koufonisi you get around on foot or by bike. (Greeka) Distances are short: most beaches are 1 to 4 km from Chora.
Koufonisia beaches
| Beach | Distance from Chora | What's special |
|---|---|---|
| Finikas (Harakopou) | 1 km | long sandy beach with views of Keros |
| Fanos | 1.5 km | golden sand, turquoise water, partly organised; busy in July–August |
| Italida (Platia Pounta) | 1.5 km | sandy, unorganised and secluded |
| Piscina | 3.3 km | a natural pool among the rocks |
| Pori | 3.5 km | soft sand, near the Ksylompatis Caves |
| Gala | 4 km | small pebbly cove under cliffs, with milky-white water |
Source: Greeka.
On Kato Koufonisi there are quiet beaches such as Nero, Hawaii and Panagia, reached by boat from Ano Koufonisi.
There is hardly any shade or facilities on the beaches. Bring water, a hat and a beach umbrella.
Where to stay on Koufonisia
There are no big hotels on Koufonisia. Accommodation is villas, studios and apartments, mostly in and around Chora. Greeka gives Koufonisi Villas, Blue Harpist, Aeris and Nysis as examples. Places fill up in summer, so book early.
Getting to Koufonisia
| From | Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Naxos | 40 min to 2.5 hours | all year, up to 5 a day in summer |
| Piraeus | 5–8 hours | daily in summer, about 3 a week off-season |
| Rafina | about 7 hours | sometimes in summer |
| Amorgos | about 30 min | regular connections |
Source: Ferryhopper. The local boat Express Skopelitis has served the Small Cyclades for more than 30 years.
Koufonisia combines well with Amorgos or Naxos: ferry from Athens to Naxos · Naxos destination page.
Kosher food and Shabbat
We found no kosher food on Koufonisia. The nearest option is on Naxos: Shabbat and kosher food in Naxos · our Shabbat page. The village has only small grocery shops, so if you keep kosher, bring food with you.
FAQ
How many days do I need on Koufonisia? Three or four days are enough for the beaches of Ano Koufonisi and a day on Kato Koufonisi.
Do I need a car on Koufonisia? No. You get around on foot or by bike, and the beaches are close to Chora.
How do I get to Kato Koufonisi? By the local boat that leaves Ano Koufonisi port every day. The trip takes about 10 minutes.
Is there nightlife on Koufonisia? Not much. There are a few bars and cafés in Chora, but the atmosphere is quiet.
