Best Beaches in Koufonisia, Greece

Koufonisia is a tiny island but its beaches punch far above its weight. The coastline on the south side is a continuous stretch of golden sand, turquoise shallows, and sculpted rock formations that would not look out of place in the Caribbean. People who visit Koufonisia for the first time often say it has the best swimming water they have found anywhere in the Cyclades, and they are probably right.

The island is small enough to walk across in about an hour. Chora is the only village, sitting next to the port on the west side, and from there a coastal path runs east along the south shore, passing one beach after another. You do not need a car here. You do not even really need the bus. Just follow the path and stop when you find a cove you like.

Koufonisia sits in the Small Cyclades group between Naxos and Amorgos, connected by the Express Skopelitis ferry and seasonal fast boats. Check our guide on how to get to Koufonisia for ferry connections and the Koufonisia bus timetable for the summer shuttle service to the eastern beaches.

Which Koufonisia Beach Suits You

The island’s star beach: Pori Beach is a long arc of fine sand with shallow water that stays turquoise all day. It is the most popular beach on Koufonisia and you can see why the moment you arrive.

Families with children: Fanos Beach has calm, shallow water and just enough natural shade from the rocks to keep small children comfortable. It sits along the coastal path, easy to reach on foot from Chora.

The famous natural rock pool: Pisina is not a beach in the traditional sense. It is a natural swimming pool carved into the rock by the sea, with deep clear water enclosed by low cliffs. People jump in from the rocks and swim in water so clear you can see 10 metres down. This is the single most photographed spot on Koufonisia.

Something quiet and undiscovered: Nero Beach and Ludiko Beach sit further east along the coast path. Fewer people make it this far, and the reward is near empty coves with the same crystal clear water.

Close to the village: Ammos Beach is the nearest sandy beach to Chora and the port. If you arrive on a morning ferry and want a swim before you even check in, this is where to go.

Planning Your Beach Days on Koufonisia

The south coast path from Chora is the only route you really need to know. It runs east past Finikas, Fanos, Italida, and on to Pori, Pisina, and the remoter coves beyond. The whole walk from Chora to Pori takes about 40 minutes at a gentle pace, and you pass half a dozen swimming spots along the way. Bring water and sun protection because there is very little shade on the path itself.

During summer a small shuttle bus runs from Chora to Pori Beach, which is useful for the return journey when you are tired from a full day in the sun. The Koufonisia taxi page has numbers if you need a lift. Boat trips also run from the port to the sea caves along the south coast and across to the uninhabited island of Kato Koufonisi.

The Koufonisia map shows the full path and beach positions. For a complete picture of the island beyond the beaches, see our main Koufonisia island guide, the best caves in Koufonisia, and the getting around Koufonisia page.