Description of the attraction
Koufonisia (Koufonisi) is a group of islands in the Aegean Sea southeast of Naxos. The group consists of three small islands - Pano Koufonisi (or simply Koufonisi), Kato Koufonisi and Keros, which are part of the Lesser Cyclades. The islands were inhabited since prehistoric times and were an important center of the Cycladic civilization.
Pano Koufonisia is the smallest (its area is only 3.5 square kilometers) and the most populous island of the Cyclades archipelago. Most of the locals are engaged in fishing. In recent decades, the tourism industry has been actively developing on the island. Picturesque landscapes, magnificent beaches for which the island is so famous, azure waters of the Aegean Sea and an unusually relaxing atmosphere attract more and more tourists from all over the world every year. The only settlement and main port of the island is Chora, located on the southwestern coast of Pano Koufonisia. It is a pretty fishing village with charming white houses with blue doors and shutters typical of Cycladic architecture, old windmills, and a host of cozy restaurants and taverns serving the freshest seafood and fish. Among the sights of Pano Koufonisia, it is also worth noting the churches - St. George, St. Nicholas and the Prophet Elijah. In addition to traditional beach activities, diving, fishing, scuba diving, cycling and hiking are especially popular on the island. You can also organize an exciting excursion along the picturesque shores and explore the incredibly beautiful Pano Koufonisia caves, as well as visit the nearby islands.
The islet of Kato Koufonisia (4, 3 sq. Km) is separated from Pano Koufonisia by only a narrow strait about 200 m wide. It is an almost deserted island with several village houses and a small pier where fishing boats and tourist boats dock. The main attraction of the island is the Church of the Virgin Mary located near the harbor, built on ancient ruins.
The uninhabited island of Keros is the largest island in the Koufonisia group. Its area is almost 15 square kilometers. Keros is an important archaeological site of the Cycladic civilization and is under state protection.
