Koufonissi best of: beaches & sights, Cyclades Greece | Κουφονήσι, Ελληνικες Μαλδιβες
Two small islands, exotic beaches, unspoiled Cycladic beauty, great food … paradise
No, you’re not in heaven! You’re in Pano (upper) Koufonisi, the ultimate summer holiday destination in the heart of the Cyclades. Crystal clear waters, exotic beaches, sand that glitters like fairy dust and caves for outlawed pirates of years gone by and today’s more adventurous lovers. Savour the flavours and enjoy music inspired by nights under the moon. There are spots against an Aegean backdrop where the fun never stops, and secret places for peace, tranquility and relaxation.
What to do on Koufonisia
Where less is more
There is beauty in simplicity. Pano Koufonisi may not have all the luxuries that some other islands like Santorini offer, but it has all the necessary comforts and, more importantly, provides unspoiled natural beauty. Despite being the smallest in circumference of all the inhabited Cycladic islands (10 sq km), it has enticed travellers of all kinds as an alternative holiday option over the past 20 years.
Dive into an emerald dream
You cannot resist the sea around the magical Koufonisia. Golden coastlines, still waters and sandy shores. The urge to dive straight into the Aegean will prove irresistible! Finikas, Fanos, Italida, Pori … there is even a beach called The Pool, true to its name.
Explore by boat
If there ever was a place to visit by boat, it is the waters around Pano and Kato (lower) Koufonisi. It’s not just the hidden beaches that await discovery, but a tapestry of exotic imagery, endless hues of blue, green and turquoise. The welcoming Mediterranean is ready to offer you the most exotic swim of your life!
All roads lead to... Hora!
Hora is a Cycladic microcosm that welcomes you to wander its small streets. Pots of geraniums, white walls, romantic afternoons. At night the town comes alive: tourists and locals socialise, the mood is vibrant and fun. Strangers exchange warm glances and soft-spoken conversations, and sweet music tempts you in like a siren.
Hidden gems of Koufonisia
An idyllic hideout: the sea caves of the Small Cyclades
Legend says that pirates hid in the sea caves on the north side of Pano Koufonisi. Impressive shelters carved out by the waves, with Lilliputian beaches and the perfect spots for fishing enthusiasts.
In the Keros of Arpisti and Avliti
At night, from Pano Koufonisi, you can see the small island of Keros in the distance, shaped like a woman’s silhouette. In the morning, Keros reveals its archaeological significance. A protected site and for some even more important than Delos, it is the hometown of the Arpisti and Avliti, the traditional flute- and harp-playing figurines depicted in so much Cycladic art.
Exotic Kato (lower) Koufonisi
No one lives here anymore. There are about ten buildings altogether and a famous tavern. Moor your little boat to the quay and begin to explore on foot (or continue by speedboat for more convenience). The beaches Nero, Pezoulia and Fikio await you.
Pano Koufonisi is the smallest and most densely populated island of the Cycladic island group. The main occupation of the locals is fishing and, in recent years, tourism. Compared to its population, it has one of the biggest fishing fleets in Greece. The white windmill on the east side of the port welcomes visitors when they arrive on the island. The settlement of Chora on the southwest coast of Koufonisi is a characteristic example of Cycladic architecture. Its sandy beaches make up the island's picture. Koufonisi has only been developed for tourism in the last ten years, so the natural beauty and its traditional colour has remained unfaded.
There are many places of interest that someone should visit during his stay on Koufonisia, such as the central and the back port, the piscatorial shelter, the carnagio, the windmills and the typical churches. The fishermen in their small boats (caiques) is a characteristic picture of the island. The full-moon nights and Keros' view in the moonlight are a unique experience for the visitors. According to the residents of Koufonisi, the contour of the deserted island in the night resembles a female, prostrated Cycladic statuette. According to the same description, the first full moon (in 21 of June) is coming up from the vagina of this female figure. The church of Virgin Mary is one of the most important sights on Koufonisi, whereas in Keros apart from the archaeological findings, one can enjoy the magic sunrise. On Pano Koufonisi, the best beaches are at Loutro, Parianos, Foinikas, Fanos, Italida, and Pori where you can windsurf as well. The white windmill which stands at the harbour entrance as if welcoming visitors.
Koufonisia er lokalisert mellom Naxos og Amorgos. Hovedstaden heter Khora
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