Koufonisia: The Mykonos of the Small Cyclades
Koufonisia: The Mykonos of the Small Cyclades. In the ’80s, it sounded like a rather quirky choice, deliberately isolated and nature-loving. However, today, things have changed. Holidays in Koufonisia are now synonymous with the cosmopolitan carelessness of young people who want to seize their vacation days from morning until the following day.
The exotic beaches became famous, and a multinational tourist crowd flooded the island. The nickname “Mykonos of the Small Cyclades” has been given to them as in recent years, travelers of various kinds have flocked here, from boats to alternative campers. Besides, Koufonisia is a cyclist’s paradise as there are no paved roads and the car is unnecessary.
Koufonisia and its geography
The Little Eastern Cyclades stretch between Naxos and Amorgos.
The Small Cyclades’ exotic paradise includes the two Koufonissia (Ano Koufonissi and Kato Koufonissi), Keros, and nine smaller islands scattered around the larger islands. The largest island of the community is Keros, while the only inhabited is Ano Koufonissi, which is also the seat of the community.
Pano Koufonisi
Pano Koufonissi has a population of 366 (according to the 2001 census) within 3.5 sq. km. The main occupation of the inhabitants is fishing and, to a lesser extent, livestock farming.
It is a special island, with enchanting beaches and aquamarine waters. It is the smallest, the flattest, full of life, and a multinational atmosphere.
Moreover, it is an island with exotic beaches where nudism is not taboo, full of children’s voices, fresh seafood, cheap red lobsters, and many good-natured Green citizens. The surname “Green” prevails almost universally on the island).
Beaches
Megali Ammos – the beach of Chora – gives the first sample of the exoticism of the island. Taking the coastal path, which runs parallel to the windless south coastline, you reach 10΄ at Harokopou beach.
There is also “Finikas,” the oldest tourist business on the island. Rooms for all tastes, self-service restaurant (from chickpeas to lobster) at low prices, and free transfer by minibus to and from Chora. The idyllic path continues to the beach of Fanos and the campsite. This is where the nudist zone begins, how much they are bothered by the presence of the “dressed.”
A little more walking, just five minutes, is enough to reach the famous beach of Italy (Platia Pounta). Excellent quality of golden sand, crystal clear waters, and party atmosphere characterize the most famous coast of Koufonisia.
The trail continues to Pori (30 minutes in total), the most secluded beach on the edge of the island, a hangout of sand artists, and the most passionate nature lovers of the island. Harakopou and Platia Punta gather many worlds, the Fans the quietest, while the Pori is remote and probably the best beach about 4 km from Chora.
Kato Koufonisi
The island of Kato Koufonisi has a picturesque port where the excursion boats arrive, transporting tourists spread quickly to the few but enchanting beaches.
The island is almost uninhabited, with only a few fishermen’s homes, and is mainly inhabited during the summer.
Keros
On full moon nights, the residents of Koufonisia say that Keros looks like a reclining Cycladic female figurine. Many claims that the first full moon of the summer emerges through the vagina of this female figure.
The former center of Cycladic culture with its unique archaeological treasures is a destination close to Koufonisia that you can visit with your private boat or charter a boat to take you. In Keros, you will not find sandy beaches. The coasts, however, are ideal for diving in the transparent Cycladic waters. Make sure you have the essentials with you, as there are no taverns or cafes here. The sunrise on the island is enchanting.
Tips
- Rent a bike, walk the alleys, lay your towel on one of the beautiful sandy beaches with clear blue waters.
- Try fresh fish and seafood in nice taverns and spend the night in one of the affordable rooms for rent.
- Take a walk to the white windmill, the trademark of Cycladic architecture on the edge of the harbor, and enjoy the scenery.
- Visit the churches of St. Georgios, St. Nikolas, and Prophet Ilias in Kato Koufonisi, the church of Panagia.
- Visit the nearby islands by charter boat or use Koufonissi as a starting point for daily visits to the other small Cycladic islands.
- You can follow the Divine Liturgy at the celebration of St. George, who is the patron saint of the Ano Koufonissi.
- You can dive in the crystal clear waters, taste the delicious food, swim in Pori beach Turquoise waters in Ano koufonissi. It is the most remote and probably the best beach, about 4 km from Chora, but it is worth it.
- You can visit the Folklore Museum, located next to the Church of St. George. The objects exhibited, such as (household items, tools for farmers, and fishers) are an offer of the inhabitants of the island.
Where to stay
You will stay in Pano Koufonissi -prefer Chora-, and you will visit Kato Koufonisi by boat for swimming and eating in its tavern. With an area of just 3.5 square Kilometers and an almost non-existent road network, it is rather unnecessary to get a car. After all, the island is completely flat, and even if there is no boat to all the beaches, you can go on foot. Alternatively, you might be able to bring or rent a bicycle.
When to go
In the summer months – ideally not in the high season. Similarly, September is a good time when the influx of people has stopped.
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