Koufonisia Car Hire

Guide of Koufonisia

Geography

Koufonisia is a collection of islands located in the eastern Cyclades, between Naxos and Amorgos. Together with Iraklia, Donousa and Schinoussa, they make up the Small Cyclades.

Koufonisia’s islands fall into two categories: Pano (upper) and Kato (lower) Koufonisia. While you can visit Kato Koufonisi, only Pano Koufonsi is inhabited. The islands are mostly flat, with picturesque sandy and pebbly beaches, particularly along the southern and eastern coast of Pano Koufonisi.

Climate in Koufonisia

Koufonisia has a typically Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. June, July and August are the hottest months of the year, though the meltemi winds – strong seasonal winds that arrive in summer – help lower the scorching temperatures. Temperatures in August average 26°C.

The coldest and wettest months in Koufonisia are December and January, when temperatures average 14-16°C. If you’re hoping for sunny days and the best swimming conditions, summer is the best time to travel to the islands.

Culture

Little is known about the history of Joufonisia, though excavations have confirmed that humans inhabited the island in pre-historic times. Like the rest of the Cyclades Islands, Koufonisia was frequently invaded and conquered by the Ottomans, Venetians, Moors and the Byzantine Empire. Due to its sparse population, it has been popular with pirates and bandits too.

Koufonisia became part of Greece in the 1830s. No garrison stations were stationed here during World War II either, and for the most part, the population and islands were left unscathed. Fishing took off with the arrival of artificial refrigeration and cheaper motor boats, and the island’s economy relies heavily on the industry.

Things To Do in Koufonisia

Meander around the main town

Chora is the only settlement in Koufonisi. But what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in charm. The tiny white-washed alleys are lined with potted geraniums and dotted with shops, tavernas, cafes and churches. Day or night, it’s bustling with activity.

Take to the sea caves of Pano Koufonisi

Koufonisi has long been popular with pirates and legend tells that most of them used to live right here, in the caves on the north side of Pano Koufonisi. It’s not difficult to see why. The shelters boast beautiful beaches and the water is dazzling, making it an excellent sport for snorkellers.

Beach hop

Koufonisi is home to some of the most beautiful sandy stretches in the Cyclades. Every beach is accessible by foot or bicycle, though some are better equipped than others. Pori beach is the most popular, located 3.5 km northeast of Chora. The crescent-shaped stretch is sheltered and the waters here are calm and clear. Finikas, a pleasant 15 minute stroll from Chora, is a beautiful sandy beach, close to a taverna.

Hop on a boat and head to Kato Koufonisi

Kato Koufonisi’s last resident left in the 1960s, but there’s still a collection of old houses and shepherds huts here. The island is home to a handful of unspoilt beaches, as well as an impressive range of migratory birds. The Virgin’s Chapel is a popular spot for wddings too. A daily boat service operates from Pano Koufonissi every hour.

Explore the Archaeological Site of Keros

This important centre of Cyclaedic civilization is located on the isle of Keros. The protected site is the hometown of the Arpisiti and Avliti, the traditional flute and harp playing figures depicted in local art. The area holds the remnants of a Cycladic cemetery. An impressive life-size statue of Megali Mitera and the figurines of Arpisiti and Avliti found here are now in the Museum of Cyclaedic Art of Athens.

Eating Out in Koufonisia

Fresh fish is bountiful in Koufonisia and you’ll find lobster, mullet and seabream on most menus. Wild goat meat, spit-roasted pork, xinomizithra (similar to feta cheese) and pasteli (honey and sesame sweets) are popular local specialities too.

Koufonoisia might be a small island, but there are dozens of excellent whitewashed tavernas dotted around the island. You’ll find most of the restaurants concentrated around Chora, though there are a few excellent options in Pori and Kato Koufonissi. Mikres Cyclades is one of the best. If you’re spending the day in Kato Koufonissi, don’t pass up the opportunity to have lunch or dinner at Venetsanos, one of the best seafood restaurants in the region. And, for the best souvlaki in town, head to Strofi.

After dinner, do as the locals do and head to Sorokos at the end of the night. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a nightcap under the starry sky.

Transport

Airport

There is no airport in Koufonisia. The closest airport is located on Naxos island, though this airport only operates domestic flights. If you are flying from Europe or further afield, you will need to take a flight to Athens Airport (ATH). Most major international airlines fly here.

From the airport, you can either take a connecting flight to Naxos followed by a ferry or take the ferry directly from Athens. The flight from Athens to Naxos takes around 45 minutes and ferries between the two islands take between 35 minutes and two hours. Ferries depart from Athens from Piraeus port and take between 5 and 8 hours.

Getting Around Koufonisia

Koufonisia is a small island and most sights can be reached by foot or bicycle. While there is no public transport network on the island, sea buses do run from the main port to specific coastal destinations during the summertime.