Koufonisia indeed has some of the best beaches in Greece. Pori, Gala,italida and Nero are wonderful to swim and lay on the soft sand all day. It is very easy to go to the beaches, as taxi boats make tours every day. Or you can try walking
Koufonisia, consist of three islands; Pano (=Upper), Kato (=Lower) Koufonisi, and Keros. Of the three, only Pano Koufonisi is inhabited. Koufonisi was forgotten for years by Gods and men, until word-of-mouth made it “famous . Koufonisi, , has also been described as heaven on earth, because of the picture perfect turquoise waters and endless sandy beaches. The island’s popularity started increasing in the late 1990s, resulting in its gradual metamorphosis from backwater, to hip destination for 20- and 30-somethings. Most distances on the island can be covered by foot or a bicycle.
Folk Museum
The museum was created in 2011 at the initiative of the then Head of the new municipality of Koufonisia, Antonis Koveos.
It opened officially on June 30, 2011.
The council, local inhabitants and many friends contributed enormously to the work required.
The exhibits have been provided by the inhabitants – they tell their story and memories.
You will find it next to the church of St George, by the old water fountain.
Domestic utensils, big and small, the tools of the farmer’s labour, the fisherman’s, the ship’s carpenter’s, old picture frames, all reminding us of times gone by.
Open daily..
Windmills
The museum was created in 2011 at the initiative of the then Head of the new municipality of Koufonisia, Antonis Koveos.
It opened officially on June 30, 2011.
The council, local inhabitants and many friends contributed enormously to the work required.
The exhibits have been provided by the inhabitants – they tell their story and memories.
You will find it next to the church of St George, by the old water fountain.
Domestic utensils, big and small, the tools of the farmer’s labour, the fisherman’s, the ship’s carpenter’s, old picture frames, all reminding us of times gone by.
Open daily..
Karnayo (Dockyard)
This is where repair and maintenance of sea vessels is done.
The Koufonisia own the largest fishing fleet in Greece in proportion to their population.
There used to be two dockyards on the island, but only one of them remains in operation as the other one closed after its owner retired.
The one still in operation is located in the Loutro area. It is the only one in Mikres Cyclades.
The work there remains almost exactly the same as it was in the past.
Pisina
A natural swimming pool awaits you in the eastern part of the island.
Walking along the cliff path towards the east, past Platia Pounda beach and before you get to Pori beach, about halfway, you will find a large rock pool, big enough for several people to swim in.
It is perfect for diving, too.
It might be one of the amusements that Neptune once provided for the entertainment of the Nereides, his sea wives.
To Mati Tou Diavolou cave
Just before you get to Pori beach on the cliff path, at the cape at the end of the cove, there is a small cave called Devil’s Eye (To Mati Tou Diavolou)
It is difficult to find as its entrance is not visible from the path, so below we are providing some directions we hope will help.
If you are standing on Pori beach, facing the sea, the cave is on the right hand end of the cove.
On the cliff path from Platia Pounda to Pori, past Pisina, you walk about 250m, until Pori beach comes into sight. There you stop and look to the right towards the sea to locate an opening between the rocks. You walk through turn right after about 20 steps and there is the entrance to the cave. It is low, you must stoop to enter. On the right hand side of the entrance there is a hole through which the sea comes up and floods the cave floor to be sucked back down again. That is Devil’s Eye.
The power of the sea, the deep sigh of the ever rising and falling water, the lovely view from the cave make for a riveting sight.
Tripiti or Gala
An enormous hole in the ground containing a beach.
Gala is located on the Pori peninsula, on the left hand end of the cove.
You will find it by following the path from the left hand end of the beach walking towards the east.
You cannot see it until you get there.
You can climb down to the beach for a lovely swim inside the cave and if the sea is calm, swim through the narrow passage to the open sea and back.
The name Gala (milk) was given by visitors from the colour of the water inside the cave. The original name is Tripiti.
The caves at Xylobatis Cove
North of Pori, at a distance of about 150m is the rocky cove of Xylobatis. There are two caves inside it on the right hand side, one with two entrances, the other with only one, but with a small beach inside, ideal for those seeking a cool, peaceful, secluded haven.
Access to the caves is only from the sea, but they are easy to swim to from the rocky beach – all you have to do is climb down the rocks, a bit steep, but not too difficult.
The cove is on the way of the north sea current. If there is a strong northerly wind blowing, access to the caves becomes difficult.
Lakki Beach
Pebble beach with aquamarine waters at the base of an elongated cove. Sheltered from the wind. It is located at the end of the old hamlet on the left.
Detis Beach
A small beach very near the old hamlet on the eastern side.
Sandy, with aquamarine waters. Sheltered from the seasonal winds and northerly winds in general
Nero Beach
Pebble beach with aquamarine waters at the base of an elongated cove. Sheltered from the wind. It is located at the end of the old hamlet on the left.
Pezoulia Beach
In the southern part of the island with fine pebbles. Sheltered from northerly winds. If you do not have a boat you can reach it by taking the excursion boat to Nero beach, the second stop, and then following the footpath that leads to the right of the palm trees. When you reach the top of the slight elevation, you continue in a southerly direction (left). You will come down to a flat area, called Aloni from its round shape. You may make out the remains of an ancient theatre. You can’t miss the beach.