Small Cyclades · Greece
Koufonisia Guide.
Koufonisia is compact, easy-going and centred around extraordinarily clear water. Chora, the beaches and the coastal paths are close enough together that the island feels very easy to enjoy without over-planning.
Best for
Turquoise water, walkable beaches and relaxed island days
How long
2–4 days
Getting there
Koufonisia is reached by ferry from Athens and a number of Cycladic islands.
Plan your stay
A small island made for walking, swimming and very slow days.
Koufonisia is compact and easy to enjoy without much organisation: Chora, the beaches and the coastal path are all close enough to keep the day loose.
Walk the coast
The main path from Chora links clear-water swimming spots and makes it easy to build a day around whichever cove you like most.
Use a boat for the further beaches
A small boat trip gives you an easy way to see more of the coastline without repeating the same route on foot.
Reserve evenings for Chora
The joy is coming back slowly for dinner rather than treating the island as a one-day dash.
Where to stay
Stay in or near Chora if you want restaurants, harbour access and the easiest walk to the main beaches.
Getting around
You can do most of Koufonisia on foot. Local boats are the best add-on for beaches farther along the coast.
How long to stay
Two or three nights works well; four gives you time to enjoy the beach days without repeating the same routine.
Good to know
Before you go
It gets much busier in peak summer, so shoulder season or a slightly longer stay gives you a better chance to enjoy its slower side.
Also on Travel With Libby
I’m continuing to add more of my own photographs, exact recommendations and detailed itineraries to each island guide.