KOUFONISSIA

Koufonissia are a pair of islands – Ano and Kato Koufonissi – in the Lesser Cyclades cluster, separated by a strait just 200 metres wide. The Koufonissia community also includes the island of Keros. Visitors to the islands should not miss the opportunity to take a boat to explore the latter and savor its waters’ many shades of blue.

Archaeological findings demonstrate that the islands were inhabited from as early as the Prehistoric Period, while excavations at Epano Mili have brought to light significant findings from the early Cycladic civilisation. Fast forward to the modern day, and it’s worth noting that the islands were hooked up to Greece’s electricity grid and obtained their own port quite late, in the 1980s. But even today, despite a rise in summer tourism, the islands have managed to preserve their unspoiled charm.

Chora, the main settlement on Pano Koufonissi, is a salient example of Cycladic architecture, with numerous culinary and leisure options on offer. This island’s main attraction is its exotic beaches. With crystal-clear waters, Pori, Finikas, Italida, Gala, and Ammos (the beach at the port), along with numerous small coves, captivate visitors, leaving them eager to return. The ruggedly beautiful Kato Koufonissi features a picturesque chapel dedicated to the Panagia.

Cuisine

It’s said that Koufonissia are home to Greece’s finest fishermen. It is therefore no surprise that fresh fish and seafood play a leading role in Koufonissia’s cuisine. Some of the island’s specialties include sun-dried octopus, served as a delectable meze, and freshly caught fish, grilled to perfection. Koufonissia’s cuisine proves that nothing beats high-quality ingredients. The ‘fishermen’s festival’, held each Pentecost, vividly demonstrates the islands’ fishing tradition. Visitors to the island should take the opportunity to sample the local raki and rakomelo that, like the local cheeses, are mostly made for local consumption. Sweets available here include xerotigana and almond sweets.

How to get there

Koufonissia are part of the Lesser Eastern Cyclades and are easy to get to by ferry from the port of Piraeus.