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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

    HARUN

    From €115,000/week
    5 cabins
    124 ft
    Custom
    10 guests
    Refit: 2022
    200 Litres/Hr

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    MEMORIES TOO

    From €92,000/week
    5 cabins
    95 ft
    Azimut
    12 guests
    Refit: -
    450 Litres/Hr

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    IZANAMI

    From €11,900/week
    3 cabins
    56 ft
    Beneteau
    6 guests
    Built: 2022
    7 Litres/Hr

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    28 reviews
    Jetski

    4LIFE

    From €35,000/week
    4 cabins
    85 ft
    Princess, UK
    8 guests
    Built: 2013
    500 Litres/Hr

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    Jetski

    COOKIE

    From €35,000/week
    4 cabins
    78 ft
    Maiora
    9 guests
    Refit: 2022
    480 Litres/Hr

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    HERMINA

    From €29,400/week
    5 cabins
    102 ft
    Halkitis Shi
    10 guests
    Refit: 2015
    180 Litres/Hr

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    Jacuzzi

    OCEANUS

    From €47,000/week
    4 cabins
    70 ft
    Fountaine Pajot
    8 guests
    Built: 2022
    22 US Gall/Hr

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    ENTRE CIELOS

    From €29,700/week
    5 cabins
    104 ft
    SU Marine
    12 guests
    Refit: 2018
    170 Litres/Hr

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    3 reviews

    ANDIAMO

    From €14,500/week
    5 cabins
    48 ft
    Lagoon
    10 guests
    Built: 2019
    20 Litres/Hr

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    SERENITY 86

    From €17,500/week
    4 cabins
    85 ft
    MURAL SHIPYARDS
    8 guests
    Refit: 2019
    80 Litres/Hr

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    Jetski
    Jacuzzi

    AQUA LIBRA 131

    From €155,000/week
    5 cabins
    131 ft
    Sunseeker
    11 guests
    Built: 2018
    400 Litres/Hr

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    13 reviews

    MYRA

    From €23,000/week
    6 cabins
    90 ft
    Custom Built Aluminum Cutter
    12 guests
    Refit: 2022
    60 Litres/Hr

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    Jetskis: 2
    Jacuzzi

    ALALYA

    From €155,000/week
    6 cabins
    155 ft
    ISA, RODRIGUEZ GROUP ITALY
    12 guests
    Refit: 2020

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    LOVE BOAT

    From €28,500/week
    10+ cabins
    118 ft
    BODRUM SHIPYARDS
    36 guests
    Built: 2013
    90 Litres/Hr

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    3 reviews

    ESTIA ZEUS

    From €25,000/week
    4 cabins
    74 ft
    Azimut
    8 guests
    Refit: 2021
    370 Litres/Hr

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