Koufonisia – the most popular islands in the Aegean Sea | Greece
Koufonisia are three well known islands – Kato (Lower) Koufonisi, Pano (Upper) Koufonisi, and Keros – in the Aegean Sea belonging to Greece. They are an important historic part of the complex of Small East Cyclades and represent the most popular islands in the Aegean Sea. They are separated by 200 meters wide strait. The islands are fairly considered as “Jamaica of Europe” because they are full of fantastic beaches of fine and bright sand.
Koufonissia form one of the eleven island complexes of Cyclades islands.
The only inhabited island is mountainous Pano (Upper) Koufonisi. According to archaeological findings, the islands were inhabited since prehistoric times. Excavations have revealed significant findings of Cycladic culture. It was a Bronze Age civilization, which developed here in the years around 3000 and 2000 BC.
Later, it was merged with the Minoan civilization. In the historical development Koufonissia followed the way of the whole Cyclades. The islands were first attacked by the Venetians and later by Turks. The residents then joined the pirate rebels and sailors.
Pano (Upper) Koufonisi island covers an area of 5.7 square kilometres. The population of the island did not exceed 400. Their main livelihood is fishing and sheep farming. Buildings on the southwest coast of the island are typical examples of the remarkable architecture of Cyclades.
Kato (Lower) Koufonisi island is smaller one, covering the area of 4.4 square kilometres. There was a village before, but today only a few, especially fishing families stay here. On this island you can find small picturesque Virgin Mary’s church..
Keros island is uninhabited as well and covers an area of 10 square kilometres. The highest point of the island is in 432 metres.
On the islands you can stay in several quality hotels. The most luxurious is the Hotel Koufonissia (just 150 meters from the beach) or Christinas House.
View Koufonisia – the most popular islands in the Aegean Sea Greece in a larger map
About Europe Explored
EuropeExplored.com serves as a resource of the very best travel destinations from within Europe, including natural attractions, cities, sights, museums, amusement and theme parks, and much much more. We hope that we can help you choose the best holiday destination for you, and ensure easier travel throughout Europe. If you have any questions, or suggestions, please comment below and We'll do our best to answer you.Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
Koufonisia is quite famous among tourists. Its the secret paradise where tourists can make their vacations more memorable and unforgettable. I had visited this island some few months back with my friends and their I felt very relaxing and fresh.
Thank you Nanina, for your confirmation, that the islands are impressive. Did you stay at some hotel on the islands?