Ano Koufonisi
Island Small Cycladic island with pristine beaches
Ano Koufonisi in the Small Cyclades offers sandy beaches, clear bays and a tiny port village; visitors come for swimming, short boat trips and island tavernas.
Ano Koufonisi is a small island in the Small Cyclades group of the Aegean Sea, part of the South Aegean region of Greece. It is known for sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters and a low-density, village-scale settlement pattern.
The island’s main settlement is a compact, low-rise village that provides accommodation, dining and basic services for visitors. Beaches and secluded coves along the coast are the primary attractions for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling.
Historically and today the island functions largely as a seasonal tourism destination with small-scale fishing and hospitality activities. Local boat connections in the summer link the island to larger Cycladic hubs.
Ano Koufonisi lies in the southern Aegean Sea within the Small Cyclades, positioned between the larger islands of Naxos and Amorgos and accessible by short ferry routes during the tourist season.
- Access: Small, car-free island popular for beaches and day trips from larger Cycladic islands; boat services connect it seasonally to Naxos, Amorgos and other islands.
What to See #
- Chora (main settlement): The main village and harbour where most visitor accommodation and services are concentrated, with low whitewashed houses and small local tavernas.
How to Get to Ano Koufonisi #
Ferries run from the larger island ports in the Cyclades. Typical routes connect from Naxos or Paros; in summer there are also boats from Crete and other nearby islands. Once aboard, the island is small enough to traverse by foot or rented scooter.
Tips for Visiting Ano Koufonisi #
- Use Skala or Kamares ports on Koufonisi (Pano Koufonisi) as the usual transfer points; April-June and September are quieter.
- Rent a small skiff for early-morning swims off the eastern coves - the water is astonishingly clear.
- Walk the island in the cooler hours; the sole village's café life collapses during the heat of midday.
Best Time to Visit Ano Koufonisi #
Best in late spring or early autumn to enjoy clear waters and avoid the high-season crowds.
Weather & Climate near Ano Koufonisi #
Ano Koufonisi's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 10°C to 27°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 83 mm of rain.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 23°C. Almost no rain.
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain.
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October
October is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
