Famous for their exotic ambiance and pristine beaches, the Koufonisia islands are the best holiday destination for those who want a break from reality.

Unreal turquoise water, glittering sand, laid-back atmosphere, and Cycladic architecture create a true wonder amid Cyclades archipelago.

Koufonisia is part of the Small Cyclades  and is composed of three small islands, Ano  Koufonisi, Kato Koufonisi as well as Keros. They sit in the heart of the Aegean sea, between Naxos and Amorgos. They are also very different from each other. While Ano Koufonissi is where the center of the islands’ activity is, meaning  hotels, restaurants, bars and sights, Kato Koufonisi is uninhabited and can only be reached by boat from Ano Koufonissi.

At a short distance is the deserted Keros island. It has been designated as an archaeological site under protection.

They were named Koufonisia  because of the existing huge caves which gave the impression to pirates who viewed them from a distance that the islands were hollow.

They’ve been inhabited since prehistoric ages.  They were conquered by the Romans in 2nd century B.C. and fell in Venetian hands in the 13th century A.D. Later, the islands fell under the Ottoman rule in the 16th century A.D. and was liberated along with the other islands when the revolution of 1821 started.

Findings suggest the existence of a Cycladic civilization with evidence from its very early years. Archaeologist Ulrich Köhler in 1884,  discovered The Harpist and The Flute Player along with two female statuettes, which were clear samples of marble sculptures from the Early Cycladic period. Remnants from an ancient Roman civilization were used to establish the present village of Chora which was part of a large Roman settlement that extended up to Loutro. Relics and marble slabs from Early Christianity were discovered on the premises of Saint George and Saint Nicholas churches.

Kycladic architecture is prevalent on Koufonisia. The exterior surfaces of houses and all other buildings are painted white and blue in order to match with the boundless blue of the Aegean Sea and create a modern but also magic atmosphere.

The best Koufonisia beaches are Foinikas, Loutro, Italida, and Pori, in Ano Koufonissi and Nero, Detis and Panagia in Kato Koufonissi.

Most of the ferry itineraries depart from the port of Piraeus and the trip lasts around 7-8 hrs.

Koufonisia is the place  that knows how to preserve its traditions and natural virgin landscape.