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Koufonisia

Koufonisia is a charter location in Cyclades, a yacht charter area in Greece.

The anchorages on Koufonisia:

Dhrima and Andikaros
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Parianos
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Koufonisia
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Koufonisia Overview

Nisoi Koufonisia is a pair of islands in the Middle Cyclades. Located to the northeast of Skhinousa, the islands are Kato Koufonisia to the southwest and Epano Koufonisia (or Pano Koufonissa) to the northeast. Kato and Epano refer to the ‘lower’ and ‘upper’ islands.

The main Koufonisia town is an active spot with a harbor of its own, providing tourists with provisions and accommodation. In recent years, several berths have been created in the harbor on the Epano Koufonisia. The island provides some shelter from the northerlies but is vulnerable to wind from the south.

Koufonisia is now administrated by the municipality of Naxos and the Lesser Cyclades.

Navigation and Anchoring

The whole of Koufonisia and its anchorages are open to the meltemi with only a few coves and covered channels providing some comfort. Anchoring at the Koufonisia basin and between Dhrima and Andikaros is most recommended.

Anchoring suggestion across the bays is less than five meters. Holding overall is decent as the seabed is mostly sand and weed.

Alternatively, there is a ferry terminal at the Koufonisia village that can take you around the anchorages and to and from nearby islands such as Naxos.

Chora of Epano Koufonisia | credit: Carlo Pelagalli via Wikimedia Commons
Epano Koufonisia basin, the main port of the island | credit: Rod Heikell via the Greek Waters Pilot
Church of Koufonisia | credit: Carlo Pelagalli via Wikimedia Commons
Finds from a Koufonisia cemetery, at Naxos Museum | credit: Zde via Wikimedia Commons

History of Koufonisia

Although it has not been corroborated, the island of Koufonisia got its name from the term ‘Koufos Limin’, which means a ‘lee port’ in Latin. This is ironic as the island offers very little protection from strong winds in all directions.

The island used to be known for its ancient caves. What was left of its ruins were excavated and shifted out for preservation in the neighboring Naxos Museum. Since the island was historically inhabited during the Hellenistic and Roman eras, the excavation also found utensils and personal artifacts.

As with other islands, Koufonisia also had its fair share of battles at the hands of Venetians, Romans, and Turks in ancient times. Ultimately, it was annexed by the Greek order in the early 1800s.

Historical texts suggest that Koufonissia had a decent population until the second world war, after which a rise in unemployment forced many to leave for nearby islands like Naxos and Athens in search of jobs. Legend has it that during these years, there was only one apothecary in the Lesser Cyclades, who often failed to sail to the island due to unfavorable sea conditions.

Today, only a few hundreds live on the island, with the majority of them dwelling in Epano Koufonisia. Fishing is a primary occupation.

Places of Interest In and Around Koufonisia

There is not much for sightseeing at Koufonisia except for ruins and a well-maintained church. Apart from the local culture in the chora, you can explore the beaches and the bays. There is also some Cycladic architecture to see in the village, most notably the ‘Steosa’, a peculiar form of ceiling make that is prevalent across the homes on the island.

There is a church called the Church of Panagia in Kato Koufonisi, which is said to be built on top of ancient ruins.

The Epano Koufonisia village also has a standout windmill right at the entrance of the bay. This is visible from a distance and is said to be the most recognizable quality of Koufonisia.

The island of Keros is also known for its rich Cycladic architecture. However, most of it is in ruins and unrecognizable.

 

Reasons to Visit

Apart from the usual sightseeing and resting, you can also partake in:

  • Stroll ashore or take a dip in the clear waters of beach Pori
  • Religious festival celebrations
  • Local wedding traditions
Windsurfing may be possible during season at Koufonisia | credit: Giorgos Kontaxis via Wikimedia Commons
Take a stroll on the Koufonisia village, where most of residents live - credit: Wikimedia
Church of Koufonisia | credit: Luca Conti via Flickr

Services

Koufonisia is a decent provisioning stop. You will find electricity boxes, water provisions, and food here. Berths for tourists and hotel accommodation are also available, but they may not be active throughout the year. Small cafes and tavernas offering local food line the shore of Epano Koufonisia.

Kato Koufonisia is not suited for provisioning.

Pori beach at Epano Koufonisia | credit: Yanni Haviaras via Wikipedia

    Yachts available in Koufonisia

    Jacuzzi

    RUNNING ON WAVES

    From €105,000/week
    10+ cabins
    210 ft
    Gdansk
    45 guests
    Built: 2011

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    LA KOUPETI

    From €13,825/week
    2 cabins
    53 ft
    Pershing
    4 guests
    Refit: 2023: New cover fabr
    370 Litres/Hr

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    GIOE I

    From €50,000/week
    5 cabins
    99 ft
    Tecnomar
    10 guests
    Refit: 2022
    680 Litres/Hr

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    LIANA H

    From €29,000/week
    5 cabins
    91 ft
    .
    12 guests
    Refit: 2025
    140 Litres/Hr

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    Jetski
    Jacuzzi

    TRIUMPH

    From €650,000/week
    6 cabins
    215 ft
    Benetti
    12 guests
    Built: 2021

    View

    13 reviews
    Jetski

    MEDUSA

    From €17,900/week
    4 cabins
    68 ft
    Azimut
    8 guests
    Refit: 2019
    350 Litres/Hr

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    Jacuzzi

    MOONRAKER

    From €32,000/week
    4 cabins
    118 ft
    Norship
    8 guests
    Refit: 2021

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    Jetski

    THEION

    From €38,000/week
    4 cabins
    100 ft
    Baglietto
    10 guests
    Refit: 2023
    650 Litres/Hr

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    All Included

    M/S Harmonia

    From €10,500/week
    7 cabins
    78 ft
    Custom
    16 guests
    Refit: 2017
    70 Litres/Hr

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    Jetski
    Jacuzzi

    SATORI

    From €100,000/week
    5 cabins
    136 ft
    Big Blue Yachting
    10 guests
    Built: 2017

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    Jetski
    Jacuzzi

    EVA4EVA

    From €319,000/week
    5 cabins
    146 ft
    Mangusta
    12 guests
    Built: 2025

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    BLADE 6

    From €45,000/week
    4 cabins
    93 ft
    Sunseeker
    8 guests
    Refit: 2022
    790 Litres/Hr

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    Jetskis: 2

    BONITA

    From €14,000/week
    2 cabins
    45 ft
    Azimut
    2 guests
    Built: 2017
    120 Litres/Hr

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    Jetski

    THAT’S AMORE

    From €65,000/week
    6 cabins
    140 ft
    Turkish shipyard
    12 guests
    Built: 2023

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    Aphrodite

    From €27,300/week
    4 cabins
    78 ft
    Psaros Shipyard
    9 guests
    Refit: 2020
    120 Litres/Hr

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    1
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