Sunday 24 February 2013

Koufonissia Greece.

Koufonissia,Small Cyclades,Greece.

Koufonissia is part of the so-called Small Cyclades, an archipelago in the islands between Naxos and Amorgos composed of about twenty small and very small islands of which only four inhabited by very few people: about 700 inhabitants of Koufonissia which is the main island.

The Small Cyclades islands are still very wild and poorly equipped for tourism.Historically there have been a refuge for the many pirates who roamed the Mediterranean, now is the ideal destination for the holiday. Also an ideal destination for those looking for unspoilt views and breathtaking scenery. Because here between small coves between the rocks eroded, clear water and sandy stretches Caribbean you will find yourself in a true natural paradise!
Excursions to the island of Koufonissia
Koufonissia consists of two islands separated by a narrow isthmus: Ano Koufonissia is the only inhabited of the two and essentially lives of fishing and, in summer, tourism, Kato Koufonissia is essentially a land of pastures but may be interesting destination for a trip gulet for its beautiful beaches and offering to visit the little church which stands on the island. Here the sun shines every thing of intense light, the waters are crystal clear as ever, everything seems more intense.
The magnificent beaches of Koufonissia
Certainly the major points of interest in Koufonissia are characterized by the presence of beaches, sand dunes and rocky coves along the coast. The island's small size allow you to walk (you can make a complete revolution in one day), then walk along the coast is also the way miglore to reach most of the beaches. It 'always possible to use the bus for travel. The beaches on the east coast are Finikas Harakopou and Fano. Besides appearing Fano rocks that give rise to the famous "swimming", small pools of salt water surrounded by rocks where you can bathe.
The road leads to pores, a beautiful bay of golden sand dunes which are adorned with flowers and shrubs. Thanks to the wind this place is also known as a surfing paradise.
At the end of the bay is Xilobatis, the most spectacular point of all Kofounissia. From here on the coast becomes more rocky and the land becomes the kingdom of divers can find enchanting and unforgettable underwater scenery.

Koufonisia activities

Activities in Pano and Kato Koufonisi

For those who believe that the ideal vacation is not just rest and relaxation, at Koufonisia there are many activities they can partake in:
•Swimming
 •Hiking
 •Cycling
 •Beach volley
 •Walking
 •Snorkeling
 •Fishing
 •Water sport
 •Diving
 •Wind surfing
 These are just a few of the activities available to the more adventurous. For the vacationer who really needs some rest and recreation, there are some truly beautiful remote beaches with the characteristically pristine, crystal clear waters for which the Greek islands are renowned and where you can laze about soaking up the sun and blissful quiet.
Koufonisia beaches

Beaches at the Koufonisia of the small Cyclades

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.


Access to Koufonisia
 Piraeus harbor to upper Koufonisi
•By ferry boat
•Duration about 8hrs•
Daily transports in the summer twice a week in winter.
Upper Koufonisi to lower Koufonisi
•By motor launch
•Duration about 10min.
•Daily regular transports.
Naxos – Irakleia – Schinousa – upper Koufonisi – Donousa – Amorgos & return
•Daily summer & winter.

Helipad
•Upper Koufonisi
Airport
•The nearest airport in Naxos island.

Information
•Port authority Piraeus: 210-4226000
•Port authority Naxos: 22850-22300
•Tourist office Koufonisia: 22850-71438
•Fueling station: 22850-71457
For more information about Koufonissi please visit our website
http://www.ajbholidays.co.uk/Islands/Koufonissia/index.shtml

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