Κουφονήσια

The islands

Koufonisia

Welcome

On Koufonissia space and time dimensions are different from what established theory has led you to expect.You don’t need a watch.

If you have brought it along, put it away in the deepest recess of your luggage.You will get up when your eyes seek the scenery.Eat when your taste buds seek delight.

Drink when the spirit is satiated.You do not need an elaborate wardrobe.

Bring your most casual clothes, they will suit the carefree mood of the place.

Walk in the sun or the moonlight and smile at the contented faces that you will see along the way.

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Folk Museum

The museum was created in 2011 at the initiative of the then Head of the new municipality of Koufonisia, Antonis Koveos.
It opened officially on June 30, 2011.
The council, local inhabitants and many friends contributed enormously to the work required.
The exhibits have been provided by the inhabitants – they tell their story and memories.
You will find it next to the church of St George, by the old water fountain.
Domestic utensils, big and small, the tools of the farmer’s labour, the fisherman’s, the ship’s carpenter’s,

old picture frames, all reminding us of times gone by.
Open daily.

Windmills

The main occupation of the islanders used to be the production of basic

commodities for their families. One of these was wheat.
For grinding this into flour there were two windmills, which to this day stand proudly and adorn Koufonisi.
The first towers above the harbour, and appears to welcome visitors.

The second windmill is located near the shipyard,

in the Loutro area. It was built around 1830.
It has been designated a Modern Monument of the Preindustrial Era

Karnayo (Dockyard)

This is where vessels are repaired and maintained. Koufonisia have one of the largest fishing fleet in Greece regarding to their population. On the island used to exist two small dockyards, but only one of them remains in operation as the other one closed after its owner retired.

The one still in operation is located in the Loutro area. It is the only one in area of Mikres Cyclades.

There, the procedure of work remains almost exactly the same as it was in the past.

The caves at Xylobatis Cove

North of Pori, at a distance of about 150m is the rocky cove of Xylobatis. There are two caves inside it on the right hand side, one with two entrances,

the other with only one, but with a small beach inside, ideal for those seeking a cool, peaceful, secluded haven.
Access to the caves is only from the sea, but they are easy to swim to from the rocky beach –

all you have to do is climb down the rocks, a bit steep, but not too difficult.
The cove is on the way of the north sea current. If there is a strong northerly wind blowing, access to the caves becomes difficult.

Churches

Over the centuries, ever since at least 3200BC in the early Cycladic period or Bronze Age, the Koufonisia have been constantly inhabited. Over this time a number of religions have flourished here, offering hope and comfort to people but also shaping the laws.
Paganism, the Olympian and Roman gods, early and Byzantine Christianity, Catholicism and even the Muslim faith during the Ottoman occupation have left traces, some only discernible to archaeological researchers. Nowadays the inhabitants are Orthodox Christians.

Beaches

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