KOUFONISIA USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Koufonisia COMMUNITY: 22850 71379
Koufonisia POLICE STATION: 22850 71375 22850 71375
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A pair of small islands southeast of Naxos and west of Amorgos called Koufonissia.A strait of 200m wide separates the two islands. Pano Koufonissi( which is often called simply Koufonissi ) is the smallest island of the Cyclades, with a surface area of just 3,5 sq. km, but is now densely-populated. Of it's 284 inhabitants, 110 are youngsters a proportion unique for Greek datum. The schools ( kindergarten, primary, high and senior high ) of the island educate collectively 70 pupils today.
Koufonissi is a fishing village and all the families here occupy themselves with fishing. The little cultivation that exist on the island, the sheep and cows essentially only cover the needs of locals. The residents themselves say that there are more fishing boats than families on the island The fact is though that with 35 vessels( without including smaller ones or boats used for catching octopus ) Koufonissi offers the largest fishing fleet
in Greece proportional to its population.
Tourism has caught on in Koufonissia just in the past ten years, the place has still preserved much of its original charm.Despite that during the last few years it is becoming increasingly more difficult to discover a lonely, unspoilt beach.The golden sand and glistening sea at the peaceful,rarely visited Koufonissia is compensation for a holidaymaker. A white windmill on the left of the harbour pier seems to welcome the visitor whilst higher up is Hora, with its whitewashed houses.
From the minute you set foot on the island, the locals make you feel very welcome. They are eager to transport you with their farming vehicle to the most remote beaches of the island,whilst the cost of a boat ticket to Kato Koufonissi, Glaronissi or one of the islands beaches is logical.The prices of accomodation and food are also very reasonable. On the island one can find several restaurants and tavernas, a post office, hotels and rooms to let (in Hora and in" Harakopo" ). Generally, camping is prohibited apart from on the beach at "harakopo", approximately 1,5km. from the port, there is a campsite which offers adequate facilities.
Koufonissia have frequent ferry-boat connections with Piraeus and Rafina and the surrounding island services are covered by "dolphins " (daily connections with Ios - Santorini - Amorgos - Naxos - Paros - Mykonos - Syros ) and the legendary "Skopelitis" which winter - summer carry out a daytime itinerary between Amorgos - Donoussa - Koufonissi - Shinoussa - Iraklia - Naxos and a return trip.
Koufonisia - FESTIVALS
On April 23rd Agios Yiorgos is celebrated who is also the islands patron saint.
During the duration of the celebration there is a procession of the icon whilst the fishing caiques accompany them and food ("patatato", a potato dish) is served free and is paid for by the festival organiser , after a draw of participants taking part in the celebration.
On the 15th of August Panayia (Virgin Marys nameday ) is celebrated in the chapel on Kato Koufonissi.
After the service, food is offered by the residents and then they are transported by caique which race against each other to Pano Koufonissi where a party follows.
A new festival is that of the local fishermen , on the 24th of June, where captains of the caiques prepare fish soup, which is served free to those congregated on the jetty.
Later a party follows where traditional organ music and dance take place.
SURROUNDING ISLANDS
Various,small, uninhabited islets surround Koufonissia such as Glaronissi, Tsouloufi, Louvardari,Drima, Plakes, Lazaros and Voulgaris
Koufonisia FOOD
Dont forget to taste fresh fish and lobster , local wild goat, sour myzithra cheese and pasteli ( a honey and sesame sweet )
Koufonisia KEROS
This rocky island , without a harbour, southeast of Koufonissi was one of the most important centres of Cycladic Civilisation (3000 - 2000 B.C) Excavations on the western side revealed archaeological finds of great value , of which were 100 marble idols. Two of those "Arpistis" and "Avlitis" are displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Athens, whilst also imposing is the1,40m idol of "Megali Mitera".
Another interpretation is Keros also identifies itself with Asteria, an island which according to mythology was the birthplace of the archaic Gods Apollon and Artemis.The supporters of this theory take us back to the time of the poets Homer, Orpheas and other ancient sources. Certain researchers maintain that a unique style of Cycladic idols were used as starting points of inspiration and models of the female body stretched out which is outlined on the islands mountain ridge. The spectacle which the island has to offer is during the two Solstices, it is not only magical but also of mystic sequence above the female form on the mountain ridge, the moon rises in June and the sun in December, one could say that the heavenly bodies that give light to Earth are born here, behind the woman of the rocks of a forgotten, sacred island.
A break on Koufonissia is an escape from the usual daily routine. The inhabitants are hospitable and are smily, warm - hearted people.The restaurants and tavernas serve fresh fish and seafood at very logical prices. Amateur fishermen will of course have the oppurtunity to catch their own lunch as the islands rocky caves are ideal fishing areas.One can easily cover the island by foot, and a car is really unnecessary here. One can also visit the surrounding islands either by charter caique or to use Koufonissi as a starting point for daily island hopping in the Small Cyclades.
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