OverviewÂ
Koufonisia is part of the municipality of Naxos and Lesser Cyclades with covering an area of 26.025km2. Koufonisia consists of 3 main islands called Koufonisi (Epano, Pano and Ano Koufonisi), Kato Koufonisi and Keros or Karos. They sit in the heart of the Aegean Sea, between Naxos and Amogos. Kato Koufonisi in an uninhabited island and can only be reached by boat from Ano Koufonissi.
Ano Koufonissi is the main island where you will find all the excitement from shops to bars and beautiful beaches. Koufonisia has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Cyclades and the best way to explore them is by boat.
Keros is an uninhabited island and is a protected archaeological site from large number of ancient Cycladic art pieces which was excavated in the 20th century.
History
According to history the name Koufonisia originates from two places. First it was the ancient name of the gulf between Koufonisia and Glaronisi called “Koufos Limin”, which means lee port. And the second version according to Manesis, is because of the large number of caves and sediments that are found on the island.
During the 17th century Koufonisis was ruled by the Venetians and Turks. It was a constant fight against each other to control the Aegean Sea. Residents of Koufonisia, either because they needed to or because they wanted to, often joined their forces with the residents of Mani or with other pirates, who were using the channel between Pano and Kato Koufonisi as a safe shelter. In 1830 Koufonisa was set free with the rest of the Cyclades.
The sea between Ano and Kato Koufonissi was known as Kofos Limin (deaf Harbor), a name that defines a location that is sheltered and secure.
During World War II (1941 -1945) residents on Koufonisia went through difficult times and many migrated to Athens to find a job, or many men had to go to sea to earn a living. After the war only 1000 residents were left on the island.
At the end of 1960 the few remaining inhabitants of Keros and Kato Koufonisi left their homes and went to Pano Koufonisi. Communication during that time was very difficult with other islands and the rest of Greece. Transport was by fishing boat that came round every eight days. They used oars and sails on the boats. Many times, they were cut off from food and medical supplies as there was only one doctor in the four islands of Miikres Cyclades.
The telephone came to Pano Koufonisi in 1964 and electricity in 1984 when the port was built. These day Koufonisi has increased but still have a smaller population than 500 people.
Interesting Facts
Coordinates: 36°56′N 25°36′E
Island Area: 26.025 sq. kms
Coast Length:
Population: 399
Telephone code: +22850
Postal Code: 843 00
Time Zone: GMT +2:00, Summer +3:00
Capital: Chora
Highest Elevation: 114m
