After five days on Naxos I took the ferry and a little while later disembarked with a handful of other tourists on Koufonisia. The boats coming here are smaller than the usual ships, which is no surprise as the port itself is tiny.
disembarking the ferry @Koufonisia
There was already a glimpse of what was to come upon exiting the ferry, but I had to round the corner from the port to fully take in the view.
natural bay @Koufonisia
Koufonisia stood in total contrast to Naxos. There were fewer tourists, almost no cars, a flat landscape, and no loungers or umbrellas on the beaches. I had booked a room directly with Vivian at Dimitris Studios, without using any platform. My room looked out over the bay and through the back door of the property I could almost fall straight into the bar two doors down. This place truly felt like a little slice of heaven.
my view on the sea @Dimitris Studios Koufonisia
I spent my days on the beach or rather beaches, because even on this tiny island there is a choice to be found. In the evenings I went in search of a sunset before heading into the village for dinner.
looking for a sunset @Koufonisia
Mornings are always when I explore my surroundings, so that is what I did on Koufonisia as well. The small village has a beach formed by a natural bay, with most of the houses located behind it or to the right.
village beach straight ahead and houses behind @Koufonisia
An old covered fountain marks the crossing of the two main roads, right in front of the village beach.
old fountain @Koufonisia
Koufonisia also has an old windmill. While I have visited windmills on other islands, this was the first one I had seen that was converted into a coffee place. I am not entirely sure how much of it is still original or whether there is anything left to see inside.
windmill café @Koufonisia
Across from Koufonisia lies Kato Koufonisia, essentially an uninhabited island with numerous beaches popular for nude bathing. A small ferry boat brings you over and you can easily spend the day there. Thankfully the island has one taverna and there is even a single rental house available if you want to go completely off grid.
Kato Kounfonisia @Koufonisia
The village of Koufonisia has one main street lined with restaurants, coffee houses, and small shops. In between I came across an open blacksmith museum and a small church.
open blacksmith museum @Koufonisia
village church @Koufonisia
At night the restaurants become the focal point, drawing every tourist on the island out for dinner and drinks. They sit side by side with the locals who still live along the main street.
empty restaurants and bars in the morning @Koufonisia
private front yard along the main street @Koufonisia
Koufonisia is by far the least touristic island I have ever visited in Greece and I have seen quite a few. Probably because there are almost no cars and most people simply walk or take a boat to reach another beach. It was the perfect antidote after staying in Naxos town, which was bustling with tourists. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday, look no further. Yours, Pollybert
