Koufonissia island

General info
Koufonissia consist of two main small islands, Pano Koufonisi and Kato Koufonissi, and one uninhabited, Keros, all of which belong to the Small Eastern Cyclades cluster. They are located between the islands of Naxos and Amorgos and despite their small size, Koufonissia have a lot of fanatics who appreciate at the most their excellent natural beauties, the laid-back lifestyle and above all their exotic beaches. 

Pano Koufonissi, which is the most popular one, is a prefect example of the Cycladic landscape at its best. Having a relief of mild morphology and blessed with incomparable sandy beaches of emerald waters, delightful bays and lagoons, wonderful sea caves and soft rock formations ideal for enjoying sunbathing, Pano Koufonisi is bustled with life each year. The homonymous settlement is charming, with the bright white of its houses to make a magnificent contrast with the blue-painted doors and windows. Its picturesque narrow alleys draw you to keep on walking to the hospitable neighbours and the tiny idyllic squares.  

Although, the accommodation facilities have been adequately developed the last years, and there are always remote places that someone can take refuge in, escaping from the crowd, service and transfer  on the island may become difficult, especially the high season, (between early of June till late of August).
Nevertheless, even this inconvenience seems to have been assimilated by the easy-going atmosphere that dominates Koufonissi.

Kato Koufonissi which is found southwest to Pano Koufonissi, is settlement where   farmers and stock-breeders used to live. Today there are some cottages that their owners visit them mainly in summer.   However, the dentelated beaches with excellent waters surrounded by impressive rock formations continue to be an attractive pole for the visitors.

Keros is a small uninhabited island which has been registered as a protected archaeological site, as important traits of the Early and Middle Cycladic periods, have been found. The most important ones are the remains of the fortified settlement and the cemetery as well as parts of object of Cycladic art such as figurines and pottery vessels.

Neighbouring islands to Koufonissia are Naxos, Amorgos, Schinoussa (Schinousa) Donoussa (Donousa) and Iraklia (Iralakeia).

Historical profile
Little is known for the history of Koufonissia, however archaeological finds prove that they have inhabited since Prehistoric Times.
Koufonissia shared much the same fate of the rest Cycladic islands; they were dominated by Romans, Byzantines, Franks and Venetians.

In 1537 the Ottomans occupied the islands which had become a shelter for pirates.
After the Greek War of Independence of 1821, Koufonisia integrated in the Greek State in 1830, but in 1941 they  became under Italian and German rule until 1944, when the gained their freedom.   

Beaches
The excellent beaches of Koufonissia are their greatest asset. Pebbled or sandy one, they all are famous for their exotic waters and their beautiful surroundings. Most of them are not organized but their beauty will definitely reward you.

The most popular beaches in Pano Koufonissi are the beach of Platia Pounda, a sandy beach with fine rock formations on its coast and excellent azure waters, the beach of Finikas, a fabulous long sandy beach, the Fanos beach, a small yet fascinating beach of crystalline waters and the Pori Beach, a land sandy beach with incredible clear waters and also nudist- friendly.

Swimming to the Pisina beach, is a   unique experience, since it is like a natural pool surrounded by rocks. Through the openings of the rocks its waters are connected with the sea.

In Kato Koufonissi, the Nero beach is a beautiful long beach of pebble and sand, surrounded by cliffs.

Access
Koufonissia have direct connection with the port of Piraeus (Attica) by scheduled trips, especially during summer season.
They are also connected with the islands of Ios, Syros, Paros, Naxos, Donoussa (Donousa), Schinousssa (Schinousa) and Amorgos.