Koufonisia beaches

The Koufonisia in spite of being small, as are all the small eastern Cyclades, offer some of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of Greece. Dreamlike golden beaches with crystalline emerald and turquoise waters circled by san dunes or sculpted rocky outcrops with their unique golden colors and many hidden coves. The mountains of Naxos and Amorgos protect them from the strong northern summer winds called the Meltemi characteristic of the Cyclades islands. Crowded or not, all the beaches of the Koufonisia have been formed almost as though they are attempting to seduce you into staying forever!

At the upper Koufonisi, to the northwest you will find Parianos, a cove with a wide sandy beach well protected from the winds and a favorite harbor for the picturesque small fishing boats. It is the generous wide harbor beach with clear shallow waters a short distance from the village which is preferred by the locals, children and anyone not wishing to go too far.

The most beautiful beaches however are gathered on the eastern side of the island.

At the end of the beachfront road you will see Finika also known as Harokopou, whose name comes from the hotel restaurant at that location belonging to Dimitris Mavrou. This is a golden beach with turquoise waters which is preferred by families.

This is followed by another beach with similar golden sands and waters called Fanos sometimes also Defteri meaning Second (beach). There is a hotel at that location which opened recently and the area and waters are a favorite of the younger generation an all who partake in sea sport.

Continuing east we meet many hidden coves for those that wish to be alone and end up at Italida or Platia Pounda, which is the most popular of the islands beaches and perhaps one of the most beautiful in the Cyclades. A small cove at the one end is favored by those who feel a swimming costume is not essential.

Even farther to the east we see many more small coves with sand or pebbles and rocks that form caves and among them is Pisina a natural hollow pool which is what the name means with crystal clear waters.

Northeast of upper Koufonisi is Pori, a big golden beach and also among the most beautiful of the Cyclades ideal for wind surfing. it is paradise on earth accessible by a road from the inland where two beach bars are a favorite watering hole for all visitors.

At the very northern end of the island is Xylovati promontory with a splendid view of Naxos and Gala where you can dive for sea caves in the clear Aegean waters.

Lower Koufonisi offers beaches just as beautiful but even more remote and the best known are Fykio, Deti, Nero and Pezoulia.