Ferry to Koufonisia

Koufonisia is a small complex of two islands, separated by a narrow channel (200 m wide), Pano Koufonisi and Kato Koufonisi which are located SE of Naxos and W of Amorgos. They were named after the huge caves that the Corsairs used to see from far away, thinking that the islands were hollow (in Greek koufios >Koufionisia>Koufonisia). Nearby you will find Keros, a deserted island and protected archaeological site, as periodically the excavations have brought to light remarkable works of Cycladic art. Koufonisia (Pano Koufonisi is the more developed and populated of the two, extends over 5.5 km2 and has 366 residents) is a preferred destination for those who seek peaceful holidays, a slow pace, fresh fish and beautiful beaches.
Website: www.koufonisia.gr

The small Koufonisi Islands have a long and important history as they were the center of Eary Cycladic civilization as shown by the archaeological finds on Epano Mylos. Also, neighboring Keros was one of the most important centers of Cycladic civilization. On Kero, at an Early Cycladic cemetery, findings of great importance have been found. The Koufonisi Islands have been inhabited from prehistoric ages and at various times in history have been pirate bases. They were liberated from the Turks after the revolution of 1821 and were united to Greece along with the remaining Cyclades Islands.

WHAT TO SEE IN KOUFONISIA

Apart from the settlement of Chora, which lies in Pano Koufonisi, with its characteristic small cycladic houses, attractions consist of sea caves which are found at Pano Koufonisi behind the beach of Pori. They can be accessed only via the sea. The steep cliffs form caves and small beach-pools which are ideal for a swim. A short sea journey from the Koufonisia Islands will lead you to Keros, which, apart from gorgeous beaches, provides important archaeological sites, such as the Early Cycladic cemetery, where finds of important archaeological importance have been discovered, the most important of which can be found at the Museum of Cycladic Art, the Museum of Naxos and elsewhere.

Traveling to Koufonisia
Walking in Koufonisia is truly amazing as there are no asphalt roadways and all distances can be easily covered on foot. People need just three hours to walk the whole island.
Some routes are:
From Chora to Xilopati: On your way you will see sandy beaches with deep blue waters, caves hollowed in the rocks by the waves and dunes just right next to the pathway. In Xilopati there is a well known water cave where many wild doves find shelter.
Chora-Profitis Ilias-Pano Meria. It is a route with great view following the pathways in the center of the island and leading to Profitis Ilias chapel.

Archeological sites
The Koufonisia Islands were the center of Cycladic civilization as is shown from the archaeological finds that came to light in the area of Epano Myloi of Pano Koufonisi. The finds from the archaeological site are kept at the Archaeological Museum of Naxos.
The islet of Keros, southeast of Pano Kefalonisi, was one of the most important centers of Cycladic civilization. On Keros, at an Early Cycladic cemetery, finds of utmost importance have been found, such as more than 100 marble statuettes, among which the impressive statuette of Megali Mitera with the height of 1.40 m and the famous figurine-symbols of Early Cycladic civilization Avlitis and Arpistis which are exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Athens.

Beaches in Koufonisia
The southeastern coasts of the island include most of the island's beaches such as Finikas, Fanos and Platia Pounta and are the most visited. Continuing you will see small gulfs between rocks where you can swim in quiet. You will also see Pori which is considered to be the most beautiful beach in the island. The rocky caves in the north coasts of Koufonisi and Kato Koufonisi are ideal fishing places for amateur fishermen.
There are also small boats departing from Chora which can take you to the far away beaches of the island, as well as in the nearby islets of Prasoura, Glaronisi, Voulgari, Tsouloufi, Lazaros and Megali Plaka in reasonable prices. All these islets have been announced places of unique natural beauty.

Sailing-Koufonisia
Boats can anchor at the bay of the settlement of Pano Koufonisi. The bay an opening towards the south, with a depth of 3-5 m and a sandy seabed which lends itself to a relatively safe anchoring. The quay, where the route ship makes a stop, is on the west of this beach and where one could tie their boat as well when a ship is not expected or to tie their boat from the stern onto the rocks towards the west of the quay.
Also, one could anchor at Parianos, at the fishing shelter of the island, upon agreement with the local fishermen. The shelter has a depth of 6 m at its entrance and provides a safe shelter from winds.
There is a potential spot to anchor is also to the south at the open bay of Pori which lies southeast of P. Koufonisi and where one could anchor at open sea even with high winds at a depth of 3-5 m on a sand bottom.
For the owners of yachts there is a gas station at Pano Koufonisi.

Traditional Cuisine
Koufonisia islands’ cuisine has been influenced by Naxos and Amorgiani islands’ cuisine. "Patatato” (meat in red sauce with potatoes) is a very popular dish especially in celebrations and formal occasions. Famous are also some traditional sweets such as pasteli (crunchy bars made of sesame and honey) in lemon leaves and xerotigana (diples) (fried thin crust).
Traditional Products
Fresh fish and seafood are the main island products and an attraction point for several visitors who arrive here even by boats from neighboring islands in order to enjoy a fresh and well cooked fish and seafood dish. Nevertheless, the area has also a small stock production and "ksinomizithra"(sour cheese) is its main product.

USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT KOUFONISIA

COMMUNITY: 22850 -71379
POLICE: 22850 -71375
DOCTOR'S: 22850 -71370
TRAVEL AGENCY: 22850 -71683

In the following lines, we have prepared a small user guide that will help passengers to travel to Koufonisia as easily and pleasantly as possible.
Find useful information on how to get to Koufonisia by ferry, local public transportation options to reach your overnight hotel, port addresses and embarkation offices, ferry schedules and prices, and real-time departures and arrivals.

Koufonisia by ferry is the best option you have and it can be a very nice and exciting experience and especially if you are doing some island-hopping too. Greek islanders are seasoned ferry experts and they prefer to travel by ferry because of the convenience and flexibility it affords!

There is a choice of Regular Ferries that are running frequently with stops along the way. Cars are allowed on most ferries, for an additional fee and children usually travel for half price!

Give a DATE and click on SHOW to view the ferry timetables!

Notice: Each year and depending on the period, there may be more or fewer connections to Koufonisia. The biggest shipping companies (ferry operators) announce the new ferry schedules by the end of March and the rest of them by April-June each year!

With the developed "Easy-Way" system of go-Ferry.com, you can make the most reliable and flexible online booking of your ferry ticket!
We will connect you to the booking systems of most ferry operators and will show you:

• Direct itineraries with schedules to Koufonisia
• Alternative routes to Koufonisia
• Ferry prices
• Prices for Adults, children, and babies
• Prices for all vehicle sizes
• Trailer prices
• Ticket offers*
• Early booking discount*

With all these options we offer, you can be sure that you will find the best deal for the ferry ticket to Koufonisia at a price that will suit your budget.

Select only the departure port and click on SHOW PRICES!

*if any

Arrange your ferry ticket in advance.

If your final destination is Koufonisia do not neglect to book your ferry tickets early enough to avoid last-minute surprises! We are sure that you do not want to ruin your vacation or change your destination because you will not find an itinerary available. How could you feel to be at the departure port and not be able to board the ferry to Koufonisia because it is fully booked?

On the next page, we will mention some reasons that make it necessary to book your ferry tickets to your destination in advance!

Book your ideal accommodation on the ferry to Koufonisia and arrive fresh and rested to your destination! Comfortable armchairs, business class comfort seats, outside and inside cabins or economy deck chairs. There is a range of accommodation options to choose for a day or night ride to or from Koufonisia port.