Stunning Koufonisia Island is Where Greeks Vacation (& You’ve Never Heard of It)

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Koufonisia Island Greece

A few years ago, as international travel was slowly beginning to return in the wake of the pandemic, my husband and I took a trip to Santorini. We had visited a decade ago on our honeymoon so this was our second time traveling to Greece’s most famously scenic island. 

This trip was a much different experience from our honeymoon trip. Cruise ships had not yet resumed sailing the Greek Islands and most American travelers had yet to dust off their passports. It was a trip I will always remember for two reasons. 

First, because we had Santorini nearly to ourselves. No shoulder-to-shoulder sunset viewing in Oia or packed ferries. It was heaven. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.

And second, because we discovered a new hidden gem on that trip. 

While chatting with our driver one day, we got into an in-depth discussion about the pros and cons of the various popular Greek Islands.

I’m always on the hunt for new Greek islands to discover so I asked him what his favorite island was. His answered surprised me. Mostly because I’d never heard of it (and I smugly thought I knew them all).

His answer? “Koufonisia. It’s where the Greeks go to vacation.”  

It has the most fantastic beaches in all of Greece, he continued, and barely any tourists. Well, obviously I immediately filed that little tidbit of info away for a future trip.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will undoubtedly blow on more flights (it’s a vicious cycle).  All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you. 

This past summer, we finally made it to tiny Koufonisia. And it was love at first sight. 

We visited 6 new (to us) islands on that trip and Koufonisia and charming, car-free Hydra were our hands-down favorites.

What makes Koufonisia special?

Known for its unspoiled beauty and laid-back charm, Koufonisia somehow remains relatively unknown in a sea of uber-popular islands in Greece’s Cyclades island group. Koufonisia is part of the “Small Cyclades,” a group of lesser-known islands like Schinoussa, Iraklia, and Donoussa, which are great for island hopping.

Koufonisia Town Greek Islands
Koufonisia Town

Koufonisia actually consists of two islands: Ano Koufonisi (Upper Koufonisi), which is inhabited, and Kato Koufonisi (Lower Koufonisi), which is uninhabited but easily accessible by boat. 

Together, they offer a tranquil escape from the busier islands of Greece. If you’re looking for pure relaxation, stunning beaches, and a taste of authentic Greek island life, Koufonisia is the place for you.

Koufonisia Greece
Koufonisia, Greece

The main island is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and sandy beaches, many of which are within walking distance of the main town. In fact, Ano Koufonisi is so small it’s easy to explore on foot or by bike. And a gorgeous coastal path connects most of those lovely beaches.

Unlike Mykonos or Santorini, Koufonisia feels quiet and serene, with a focus on simplicity and nature. Traditional Greek tavernas, fresh fish, and warm hospitality are highlights here. You’ll find a slower pace that feels worlds away from modern life.

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When to Visit

Like the rest of the Greek Islands, the best time to visit Koufonisia is between May and September. During these months you’ll find sunny skies and calm seas. July and August are peak months in the Greek Islands and I normally advise against visiting during these busy high season months.

But on Koufonisia, it doesn’t seem to matter. We visited in early July and somehow it still felt like we had the whole island to ourselves. 

So if you’re visiting other islands on your trip, you may want to visit during the shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and a more peaceful experience. But for Koufonisia, any time from May to September is fair game.

How to Get There

There’s no airport on Koufonisia which is a big part of its charm. The closest airport is on nearby Naxos and the easiest way to get to the island is to fly to Naxos and take the ferry.

That was our choice since we also love Naxos and it was the perfect way to spend a little time on both islands during our stay.

Read More: 7 Reasons Naxos is the Best Greek Island (for pretty much everything)

You can also fly to Santorini and take the ferry from there. The non-stop Seajets fast ferry takes just under 2 hours. Either option is preferable to taking the ferry all the way from Athens (via Piraeus) which takes a minimum of 5 hours.

Blue Star Ferry Koufonisia Greece
The Blue Star ferry departing Koufonisia

From Naxos, the fast ferries can get you there in as little as 40 minutes or take the scenic route on the larger Blue Star Naxos ferry which takes 2 hours.

We chose the mid-day Blue Star ferry because we were between hotels anyway and I love to upgrade to business class on the Blue Star ferries. It’s super affordable splurge and a much more comfortable ride. 

Tip: The absolute best site for booking ferries in Greece is FerryHopper.com.

Where to Stay on Koufonisia

Unlike most Greek islands, charming Koufonisia isn’t known for 5-star resorts. But while Koufonisia may not have swanky resorts, its charm lies more in intimate accommodations with understated elegance. Think boutique hotels and family-run lodgings with Ionian Sea views.

If you’re looking for luxury, you’ll find it at the Aeris Suites Pori in a beautiful 2-bedroom villa with a sparkling pool and sea views. Located in Pori, this one is a bit far from “civilization” on Koufonisia, but you can’t beat the amenities.

Back in town, the sleek Keros Art Hotel is a good choice with a beautiful pool just steps from Koufonissi Beach. 

Keros Art Hotel Koufonisia
Keros Art Hotel

For affordable luxury with sea views, we chose the delightful Myrto Hotel and loved it. The room was clean and comfortable with a terrace boasting perfect sea views. All just steps from the main port, beach, restaurants, and shops. 

Myrto Hotel Terrace Koufonisia Greece
Our sea view terrace at the Myrto Hotel

Things to Do on Koufonisia

Get on a boat and go to the beach! Seriously, that’s mostly it. 

So if that’s all you need for a dream vacation, Koufonisia is your paradise. 

Taxi Boats

There are basically two taxi boat companies that will take you around the islands – Mavros G Boat Tours and Prassinos Boat Tours. They both operate out of the main port interchangeably every 30 minutes. Daily tickets on either boat are just 5 euros and you can beach hop til your heart’s content. 

Koufonisia Boat Tours Greek Islands
The taxi boat ticket stand

You can also hire a boat with a guide for a private tour around the islands to visit hidden coves and snorkeling spots.

Ano Koufonisi

On Ano Koufonisi, head from the main port to Finikas, Fanos, Italida, or Pori beaches. Depending on rough seas, sometimes there’s only one drop off location but you can easily walk between the beaches via the scenic trail runs along the eastern coast of Ano Koufonisi. 

Taxi Boat Finikas Beach Koufonisia Greece
Our taxi boat dropping us off at the beach

On the day we went, the boats were only going as far as Finikas so we got off there and made a full day of walking the scenic coastal path exploring every gorgeous little cove on the way north, ending at the soft sands of Pori Beach.

Tip: Don’t miss the amazing Natural Pool between Italida and Pori!

Natural Pool Koufonisia Island Greece
Natural pool

Keep in mind that there’s nothing (no restaurants, shops, roadside stands or anything) along this part of the island so be sure to bring some water with you.

Luckily, there is a restaurant in Pori called the Wave Beach cafe so we stopped for lunch and a drink and later had them call one of the island’s few taxis to take us back to the hotel.

Koufonisia Beach Greek Islands
Koufonisia Beaches

Technically, we could have walked (yes the island is that small) but after a full afternoon in the Greek sun, a taxi seemed like the best choice. 

Near Pori Beach, don’t miss the sea caves. The coastline of Koufonisia is dotted with stunning sea caves and the Xylobatis and Gala caves are particularly interesting.  

Pori Beach Koufonisia Greece
Pori Beach

Chora Town

Aside from the beaches, be sure to explore Chora, the island’s main village. With picturesque whitewashed buildings, cozy tavernas, and small shops selling local crafts, it’s an easily walkable gem like the rest of the island.

Chora Town Koufonissia Greece
Chora Town

At the heart of Chora stands the Church of Agios Georgios, the island’s main place of worship and a focal point of local religious life. 

The Windmills

The restored windmills of Koufonisia stand as silent sentinels to the island’s agricultural past. These structures once played a crucial role in the local economy, but today they’re more of a testament or a “glimpse” into traditional milling techniques and serve as a reminder of the island’s rich history.

Kato Koufonisi 

There’s less to see and do on uninhabited Kato Koufonisi but it’s still worth a visit. Explore the Chapel of Panagia, caves, and secluded beaches.

Where to Eat

Koufonisia’s culinary scene focuses on traditional Greek flavors. Local tavernas showcase fresh seafood dishes like grilled octopus and fish, alongside Cycladic specialties like fava and kopanisti cheese.

Try dining at Captain Nikolas, a local favorite known for its homemade dishes and intimate setting. Or visit Finikas Tavern for delicious mezze platters. 

No meal is complete without indulging in Greek wine and ending with a slice of baklava or galaktoboureko—a sweet ending to any meal.

So add Koufonisia to your summer itinerary!

Unlike its bustling counterparts, Mykonos and Santorini, Koufonisia is the place Greek locals flock to when they need a tranquil escape. This relatively undiscovered paradise delivers both serenity and adventure in one compact, walkable little package.

And while you might get bored here if you like your Greek islands with nightlife, this slow-paced island is the perfect balance when combined with a few days on one of Greece’s more popular islands.

Koufonisia Greece Greek islands
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