Sailing

Koufonisia are an ideal destination for those with a leisure boat. Whether you have a speedboat, a sailing boat, or even a small sail-powered vessel, it is more than enough to explore and enjoy Koufonisia and the surrounding uninhabited islets. The locals of Koufonisia were traditionally seafarers and are still fishermen today. They know the sea well and are always willing to help any fellow mariner who visits their island.

Ano Koufonisi has a marina (a Safe Haven for Leisure Boats), where you can stock up on water, diesel, gasoline, electricity, food, drinks, and whatever else you may need. Now that you're rested, a new summer day is dawning and your nautical spirit is fully awakened. A great idea is to head for a beach — maybe a secluded one, where it will be just you and your company — or even an uninhabited islet where the only company will be the sun and the seagulls. All of these are found around Koufonisia.

Below, we will divide them into sections and help you locate them.

On Ano Koufonisi, there are beautiful beaches, but they tend to be crowded with swimmers, so you may not enjoy them as true seafaring explorers — and your boat might disturb the peace of vacationers. However, there are still places worth visiting.

North of Pori Bayand Pori Beach, you'll find Xylobatis Bay. Here, you’ll discover two sea caves. You can easily swim inside them; one is a through-cave and the other is a blind cave that ends in a small beach.

Kato Koufonisi is a small, uninhabited island. During summer, it becomes popular, especially at Laki, Detis, Nero, and Pezoulia beaches. Still, it is worth circumnavigating the island to admire its beauty and discover hidden, smaller beaches that most visitors miss. Between Ano Koufonisi, Kato Koufonisi, and Keros, you’ll find Glaronisi, a deserted islet surrounded by turquoise waters and small lovely beaches.

North of Ano Koufonisi, before you reach Donousa, there are four uninhabited islets: Prasoura (also known as Kopria), 4.3 nautical miles away; Strongyli, 8 nautical miles away; and Makaronisia, located half a mile from Strongyli and 9 nautical miles from Koufonisi.

The Makares is two small islands very close to each other, surrounded by crystal-clear blue-green waters and beautiful beaches.

Sailing around Keros is a wonderful experience. The history of Keros reveals its powerful presence — during the Bronze Age (3200 BC), it was a unique religious center, possibly of global significance. Today, it still retains its wild and striking beauty. One of its many coves or small beaches will surely capture your attention, inviting you to dive into its crystal-clear turquoise waters.

South of Keros, on the side not visible from Koufonisia, there are eight uninhabited islets: Megali Plaka, Plaki, Lombardiaris, Ano Antikeri, Kato Antikeri, Agios Andreas, Lazaros, and Tsouloufi. All of them have stunning underwater landscapes, turquoise waters, and small coves ideal for swimming directly from your boat.

To the west of Keros, just 100 meters away, lies Daskalio, and to the east, about 90 meters from the coast, is Voulgari.

hese small islands are scattered around Koufonisia. Don’t forget your fishing rod, line, or spear gun. The waters around these islets are teeming with fish, making fishing a true pleasure.