A beautiful and serene group of islands that will make your summer holiday a memorable one. This secluded archipelago has Caribbean-like beaches and a unique atmosphere that will leave you wanting more!
Its main settlement is Ano Koufonisi with its narrow, charming streets and local craft shops. Here you’ll find traditional tavernas, cafes and restaurants that will please all palates.
Kalofego
Koufonisi is a group of small islands that are part of the Small Cyclades. These islands are located southeast of Naxos and northeast of Ios. The small archipelago is renowned for its beautiful beaches and pristine environment. It is also home to a variety of wildlife. Whether you want to spend your vacation on the beach or exploring the island’s flora, there is something for everyone. The best time to visit Koufonisi is during the months of June and September. This is when the weather is warm and there are fewer tourists.
The main town of Ano Koufonisi is a charming place that has many restaurants and shops. The streets are filled with bright bougainvillea flowers and a number of local craft stores. You will find delicious Greek cuisine at these places. Some of the most popular dishes include lamb and fried fish. Some of these restaurants are open all day and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also enjoy a glass of wine or a refreshing Spritz while you are there.
Another great spot to eat in Koufonisi is the Kalofego restaurant. This place serves a variety of Greek and Mediterranean dishes, and it has a good reputation. The food is fresh and flavorful, and the staff is friendly. The atmosphere is also pleasant, and you can choose from indoor or outdoor seating. If you’re looking for a place to relax with friends, this is the place to go.
Besides the restaurants, there are a few cafes and taverns in Ano Koufonisi that serve traditional Greek food. The Venetsanos tavern offers delicious seafood and sea delicacies, as well as a wide range of wines and beer. It is a must-visit if you’re in the mood for Mediterranean cuisine.
The ice cream shop on the island of Koufonisi is also worth a visit. It has a lot of different flavors, including the famous pistachio ice cream. The owners of the store are extremely friendly and are happy to talk about their product. They’re very knowledgeable and will answer any questions you might have.
Venetsanos
Located at Pori Beach, the restaurant-taverna Kalofego is a definite must for a taste of the local cuisine. The abundance of colors around, the mellow and toned down music and the heartfelt cooking will make for an experience to remember. The food is a mix of Mediterranean and Greek, including grilled fish, homemade pasta, salads, risotto, and roasted goat.
The sizeable fishing fleet based on the Koufonisia Islands ensures there’s always fresh fish to be eaten here. Grilled and fried fish, chowder, vinegar-marinated octopus, and fish soup are all popular choices. The neighboring uninhabited island of Keros also supplies succulent goats to be grilled or slow-roasted, and some Koufonisia residents maintain herds on the craggy terrain.
Another favorite among visitors is the family-run taverna Venetsanos. Almost everything on the plate, from the garlicky beets to the fish soup and the slow-roasted goat, is grown, caught, or reared by the owners of this fantastically ramshackle taverna. During the summer, one of the evening departures of the tourist boats that connects the two islands is dedicated to this taverna, and a reservation is essential.
Other recommended tavernas include Kapetan Nikolas, where the cook has big experience in seafood cooking and the decoration is adorned with compass, compasses and other sea related objects, Melissa for real home made food in the small streets of Pano Koufonisi, Foinikas, where you can choose your meal from the plate show case and pay, then enjoy it at the terrace with stunning views, and Finikas, where you can have your dinner inside the restaurant or on the balcony.
For dessert, try the cheese pie at Strofi and ice cream at Fistiki. The restaurants on the outskirts of town, such as Nikitouri and Gastronautis, are also excellent.
Despite the fact that it’s an archipelago, most of the hotels on Koufonisia are situated in the main town of Pano Koufonisi and can be booked via the ferries to and from Athens or by car rental agencies. However, during the high season, especially from late June to early August, most rooms are sold out, so reserve well in advance if you want to stay on Koufonisia.
Aneplora
In a small island like Koufonisi, good food is almost as important as great beaches and comfortable hotels. The restaurants are generally a mixture of traditional and modern Greek cuisine with fresh local produce. The best restaurant in Koufonisi is undoubtedly Aneplora with its beautiful views and excellent food. This is a place to eat in style and the restaurant’s menu has been carefully curated by a professional chef. Here, you can enjoy Keros goat with crushed potatoes, green skordalia, cabbage rolls with beef tartare and fish stifado.
Another excellent option is Alinda Taverna which belongs to the Hotel Alinda. It is located in front of the hotel and serves simple traditional dishes at a very affordable price. The restaurant is frequented by locals as well which is a very good sign and the food tastes just like your yaya used to cook it.
The sizeable fishing fleet of Koufonisia ensures a continuous supply of fresh seafood to the islands, and grilled and fried fish are a staple on many menus. Other popular items include octopus with rice, fish soup and vinegar-marinated octopus. Fresh vegetables and herbs are grown locally, and there is a good variety of cheeses. The cheeses on the islands are of very high quality and the islanders are happy to share their secrets with you if you ask them.
During the normal tourist season, it is a good idea to make a reservation at one of the top restaurants in Koufonisi. This is especially true during the months of July and August when many places are full. However, there are plenty of smaller, more intimate eateries on the islands that can seat a limited number of people and are still worth visiting. Laggona is a great pit stop for freshly squeezed juices and healthy snacks, while Fystiki Ice Cream offers an array of delicious handmade ice cream with no artificial additives. Another must-visit is Sorokos, the most sophisticated bar on the island with a wonderful candle-lit setting next to the beach and excellent cocktails. The bar also has a good selection of wines and spirits.
Finikas
The beach of Finikas is one of the most beautiful on Koufonisi, and it has a fantastic tavern right slap bang in the middle. The water is a beautiful blue and the sand is soft. It is a great place for kids to swim and to enjoy the amazing scenery. There is also a great snack bar on the beach that serves grilled food and fresh drinks. It is a must for anyone visiting the island!
There are several restaurants and bars in Finikas. You can find everything from upscale dining to simple Greek food. Many of them are located on the waterfront and are perfect for a romantic evening. You can also try some local wine and drink in the picturesque atmosphere of the small town.
A meal at a restaurant on Koufonisi will cost you about 30-40 euros for two people. If you want to eat on a budget, it is best to visit the island during the off-season. It is also better to book your accommodation in advance, as rooms can fill up quickly during the summer.
It is a good idea to bring sunscreen with you and stay hydrated. The temperatures can get quite high during the day, and the sun can burn you if it is strong enough. You should always wear a hat and sunglasses, and keep your eyes protected from the sun. If you’re planning to visit the beach, be sure to pack your swimming trunks and a towel.
The island of Koufonisi is famous for its gorgeous beaches and crystal-clear waters. It is a wonderful destination for families and couples alike, and offers an experience that you will never forget. If you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind, the islands of Pano and Kato Koufonisi are the perfect choice.
There are a variety of accommodations available on the island, including hotels and apartments. Some of them have balconies that overlook the sea. You can also find rooms that have a kitchenette and a TV. Some of the more luxurious hotels also have spa facilities. They offer a variety of amenities and services, including free Wi-Fi.