The most interesting islands to visit in Cyclades!
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Island hopping!
Koufonisi, Schinousa
There is a lot of information on the web about the islands you can visit in Greece! The options are many indeed. However, in this post, I will try to focus on probably the best islands to visit in Cyclades, Koufonisi and Schinousa, just few hours from Piraeus port.
If you are visiting Greece and you are searching for islands to explore close to Athens, then Cyclades complex are a great option.
Especially if you like to get rid of cars and explore on foot or bicycle, then Koufonisi and Schinousa are probably the best choice.
When I did this trip, I had budgeted 8 days and I had split my stay between the two. Of note, both are incredible!
Consequently, if you are seeking for island hopping inspiration in Greece, read first below. I think it will save you time and effort, especially if you are a last minute traveller…as I am!
Koufonisia/ Koufonissia
When we say Koufonissia, we actually refer to two islands: Pano Koufonisi and Kato Koufonisi. Pano Koufonisi is considered to be the main island with the hotels and restaurants, while Kato Koufonisi is actually uninhabilted. At this post, when I am referring to Koufonisi/ Koufonissi, I mean Pano Koufonisi.
Arriving at & Exploring Koufonisi
Where to stay
What to see, what not to miss
There are many ways to reach Koufonisi either directly from Piraeus in about 5h to 8h depending on the ferry, or from Naxos, Donousa, Schinousa, Irakleia, Amorgos and Santorini and therefore it ‘s a great option for island hopping.
In Koufonisi, you can get rid of your watch and your car(!) and relax.
I have visited Koufonisi twice and what I have noticed through the years is that it has changed so much from a barren line island with few rooms to let to a hotspot destination.
What is special about Koufonisi?
Koufonisi is actually famous for its beaches and the sea food. Of note, what it makes it special is that you can easily avoid your car.
Koufonisi is a small island with wonderful beaches, where you don’t need to worry about traffic, as you can explore easily on foot or by bicycle. In 45m of walk from the main village, you reach Pori, which is the most remote beach. According to my opinion, the best route is the one that follows the coast; it is really nice going from one beach to the other and facing the endless blue. Alternatively, if you don’t like walking under the sun, you can visit the beaches by small boats.
Moreover, there is a bus going to Pori, through the main road of the island.
In Koufonisi, you have great views of Keros island. Unfortunately, I don’t expect that you will be able to visit as there are restrictions due to archaelogical excavations.
The following is a great link with information to start with: http://www.koufonisia.gr/?lang=en
To read more about Keros, click here!
Koufonisi at night.
Exploring the coast line; on the way to Pori.
View of the Pori beach.
Day trips around Koufonisi
Island hopping: Kato Koufonisi- Glaronisi
You cannot get bored in Koufonisi…this is for sure! Kato Koufonisi and Glaronisi are great options for day trips.
As already mentioned, Kato Koufonisi is uninhabited. However, there are always people camping in tents under the stars. You can go for a walk to explore the island or swim in the blue waters. The boat from Koufonisi, firstly stops at Nero beach. I remember there was a taverna on the island, at the second stop of the boat or about 45m walk from Nero beach. However, it would be nice to confirm that this traverna still works and perhaps arrange for water and some food beforehand.
To get more information about the island, please check here!
Glaronisi is also another option if you find a small excursion boat from Koufonisi.
To find some information on Kato Koufonisi and Glaronisi, please also check here!
http://www.koufonisia.gr/?page_id=355&lang=en
http://www.koufonisia.gr/?page_id=116&lang=en
Schinousa
how to get there, and what to expect
My second stop in my island hopping trip was in Schinousa; a quiet island with a good number of beaches (18!) and some nice restaurants.
I certainly loved the chora, the main village of the island, for night walks and dinner.
For a complete guide on the beaches, click here!
https://www.schinoussa.com/schinoussa-beaches
Of course, I didn’t expect nightlife and clubs on the island! It’s a relaxing, picturesque place with much less visitors than in Koufonisi. The distances, though larger than in Koufonisi, can still be covered on foot or even better by bicycle.
To find some more information about Schinousa click here!
https://www.schinoussa.com/schinoussa-island
How to arrive in Schinousa?
If you decide to reach Schinousa directly from Piraeus, you will probably need around 7h by boat. You can also arrive at Schinousa through Naxos, Iraklia, Donousa, Amorgos, Koufonisi. Since the options are many, please check the link below for all the options you may have.
https://www.schinoussa.com/ferries-to-schinoussa
To book your vacations, click here! https://blogtravellover.com/book-your-vacations/
tips
Firstly, in order to find accommodation at Koufonisi, especially in August, you need to book early. The island is considered hotspot destination.
Secondly, I know that many of you are visiting the famous Santorini and would love going to Koufonisi. In this case and in general when arranging island hopping, be prepared that because of the wind and for safety reasons the ferry may not be able to accomplish the trip i.e Santorini- Koufonisi.
In this case you need to be flexible with your hotel reservations. Therefore I would suggest when planning for island hopping, to avoid August. In August, it is probably difficult to find another place to extend your stay i.e in Santorini and the “meltemia” winds bring cancellations.
Hopefully, this post provides guidance. If you feel that for some reason it didn’t answer all your questions, please don’t hesitate to use the contact form and place your thoughts. All your questions will be considered for the revised version of this post in the near future.
Thanks for reading!
More to come!
