If you’re looking for a Greek island with exquisite beaches that take your breath away, where the best way to spend a day is to languidly lie in the sun, and where the nights grow quiet with peaceful stillness, than Koufonisia is your place. When planning a trip to Greece, don’t miss the Greek islands, especially those of Koufonisia. The Koufonisia beaches are some of the most awe-inspiring I’ve ever seen, and this island of about 300 people still remains untouched, as renting sunbeds isn’t allowed and recreational boats and ships must stay offshore.

Some people would be bored, but I’m the type that can spend hours hiking and staring at the sea, appreciating the tranquility and the chance to unwind. If you’re like me, you will enjoy it. You will probably also want to avoid going from July-September, as I’ve heard those months can get quite busy. I went in mid-June. And, while the water was still a bit chilly, my visit was perfect.

Koufonisia, one of the Cyclades islands, is small enough to walk around, and is actually made up of 3 islands. Pano Koufonissi is where the tourists stay and is the most inhabited. Kato Koufonissi is almost uninhabited, and is great for a day trip, and Kero is uninhabited. It’s a four hour ferry ride from Athens, and the secluded Koufonisia beaches will have you daydreaming in no time.

You can take boats to your favorite beaches, but I recommend walking, as you will see so much more.  Here’s a guide to the best beaches in Koufonisia.

The Best Koufonisia Beaches

1. Pori Beach

Pori Beach is the farthest away from the port (about an hour walk), and also the most secluded. It’s a favorite for those who prefer to sunbath nude, and is made up of crystal clear waters and is the longest of all the beaches. The walk there is glorious, as you will come across secluded coves and sea caves. To Mati tou Diavolou(The Devil’s Eye) is a cave that connects to the sea and Pisina is a rugged rock formation. This beach is also a great spot to watch the sunset from. There are no restaurants on this beach, so make sure to bring a lot of water and snacks.

2. Fanos Beach

Fanos Beach has beautiful turquoise waters and golden sand. One of my favorite restaurants in Koufonisia was also here, Fanos Koufonisia where I had the shrimp saganaki dish, which was one of my favorite Greek food dishes I had on the trip.

3. Italida Beach

Italida Beach, also known as Platia Pounda, is another favorite of the Koufonisia beaches. It’s many different shades of blue, and there are no cafes or hotels on this beach, so make sure to bring water and snacks. It has powdery soft sand and is a great place to snorkel. It’s a ten minute walk from Fanos Beach.

4. Megali Ammos

Megali Ammos Beach is the closest Koufonisia beach to Hora. If you only have an hour for the beach, this is a great one to visit. But, all of the others are so much prettier, so if you have all day, definitely take the boat or walk to one of the others.

5. Sea Cliff Beaches Along The Koufonisia Beaches

You will discover many caves and cliffs if you walk around Koufonisia that you can climb down and have your own private beach. If nothing else, you absolutely must take a walk to see their untamed beauty. There aren’t many beaches in Greece as wild and undeveloped as these.

Sunset in Koufonisia

While, Pori Beach is supposed to be the best place to see sunset from, I always wound up watching from Hora town, and they were still quite stunning. Make sure to explore the town. It’s very quaint, and has excellent dining options.