Koufonissia
islands Cyclades Greece made up of Koufonissia islands, Donousa island,
Schinousa island and Iraklia island: A group of small islands
situated south east of Naxos and west of Amorgos in the heart of the
Aegean sea known for their relaxed athmosphere and their sandy beaches.
These small islands were only discovered by tourists in the last few
years. They have minimal road networks and most of the traveling is
done on foot or by boat. Most of Koufonissia islands inhabitants are
fishermen. The way of life is peaceful and relaxed. The ferry boat
services to koufonisia include connections between the Small Cyclades
islands and with Naxos and Amorgos. Some days of the week there are
also connections directly with Piraeus.
Koufonissia is the name of the two islands, which
are separated by a strait 200 metres wide. Kato Koufonissi
is uninhabited. Pano Koufonissi which is known as
just Koufonissi is the smallest of the small Cycladic islands but
the most densely populated. All along the southern coast of the island
there are wonderful beaches with beautiful stretches of sand, azure
blue and green colored waters and all kinds of water sports facilities.
In Koufonissi there is a post office, petrol station, ATM, hotels
and rooms for rent, tavernas, shops selling folk art and a few bars.
Shinoussa island, situated north east of Heraklia
island, offers the visitor its own special beauty. The few Iraklia
inhabitants are concentrated in the two island settlements of Panagia
and Messaria. The harbour of Shinoussa, called Mersini, is famous
for being one of the safest harbours for small boats in the whole
Aegean and is situated 1200 metres from Hora. Shinoussa has about
fifteen small beaches, each one more beautiful than the other. Apart
from the fresh fish served in the tavernas, visitors should try some
of the other local specialties such as roast lamb with rice, small
pies made with the local mizithra cheese, Diples which isa folded
pastry with honey, kopanisti and sour mizithra, both local Iraklia
island cheeses.
Donoussa is situated opposite the eastern shores
of Naxos, away from the other small Cycladic islands. Its few inhabitants
live in the settlement of Donoussa, Haravgi, Mersini and Kalotaritisa.
The island has beautiful small beaches such as the one in the bay
where the harbour is and at Kendro.
Iraklia is the southern most island of the small
Eastern Cyclades, known for its natural beaut. Far away from the bustle
and noise of modern day life, its few inhabitants make their living
from fishing, farming and the raising of animals. There is only one
road, which connects the two villages of the island, Ai Yiorgis village
which is also the islands harbour and Panagia also know as Hora. The
road and the paths which criss cross the island lead to wonderful
beaches, the cave of Ai Yiannis, located one hour away on foot from
Hora, is one of the most beautiful caves in Greece. Apart from enjoying
the natural beauty of the island the visitor can also try the fresh
fish, the local mezedes and enjoy the traditional koufonissia music.
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