How to Get to Koufonisia: A Complete Travel Guide

Travel to Koufonisia: Ferry Routes, Flights & Insider Tips

Imagine arriving on a dreamy little Greek island with zero airport announcements, barely any traffic, and more goats than people. That’s Koufonisia for you. It’s part of the Small Cyclades — the even sleepier cousins of Santorini and Mykonos — and yes, it takes a little more effort to get here. But trust us: it’s so worth it.

Let’s break down exactly how to get to Koufonisia — whether you're starting from Athens, hopping from another island, or flying in from the UK or the US. We’ll keep it simple, smooth, and just a little bit breezy — just like the island itself.

🚫 First Things First: No Airport, No Problem

Koufonisia doesn’t have an airport, and that’s part of the charm. It's a place for travelers who don’t mind a little detour for a lot of magic. So, all roads (well, seas) lead here via ferry.

🛳 Getting to Koufonisia from Athens

1. By Ferry from Piraeus or Rafina Ports

If you’re starting from Athens, ferries are your best bet. Choose from two ports:

• Piraeus Port – Closer to downtown Athens. More departures.
• Rafina Port – Closer to the airport. Fewer crowds.

Ferry Options:

• Blue Star Ferries – The most reliable and comfortable. 5–6 hours.
• SeaJets – Fast catamarans. Around 6–7 hours.
• Golden Star Ferries – Slower, cheaper. 7–8 hours.

💡 Tip: Book your ferry tickets online 1–2 months in advance, especially in summer. Want a smoother ride? Spring for business class.

✈️ Fly + Ferry Combo: Athens to Naxos or Paros

If 6 hours on a boat makes you queasy, consider breaking up the trip with a short domestic flight.

Option 1: Fly to Naxos, then Ferry

• Flight: Athens to Naxos – 30 minutes (Aegean, Olympic Air, Sky Express)
• Ferry: Naxos to Koufonisia – 30 to 60 minutes

This is arguably the fastest way to reach Koufonisia from Athens.

Option 2: Fly to Paros, then Ferry

• Ferry from Paros to Koufonisia takes about 1.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the boat.

💡 Pro Tip: Spending a night in Naxos is never a bad idea. It breaks up the trip and gives you a taste of another gorgeous Cycladic island.

🌊 Island-Hopping Your Way to Koufonisia

Already soaking up the Cyclades sun somewhere else? Lucky you. Here’s how to hop over to Koufonisia from nearby islands:

🏝 From Naxos:

• The most direct and frequent ferry connections.
• Blue Star Ferries and the charming old-school Express Skopelitis service this route.

🏝 From Paros:

• Regular summer ferry routes with SeaJets and Blue Star.
• Can be direct or stop in Naxos first.

🏝 From Mykonos:

• SeaJets offers connections, but routes vary. Check schedules.

🏝 From Ios or Milos:

• Not the easiest links. Best option is to head to Naxos first and ferry from there.

🏝 The Local Legend: Express Skopelitis

This family-run ferry is a local treasure — linking all the Small Cyclades (like Donoussa, Schinoussa, and Iraklia). It’s old-school, dependable, and full of character. Think of it as the bus route of the sea.

🇬🇧 Getting to Koufonisia from the UK

Fly directly to Athens from London (Heathrow, Gatwick, or Stansted) in about 3.5 hours. Then:

• Ferry from Athens ports
• Or connect via domestic flight to Naxos or Paros, then hop on a ferry

💡 UK Travel Tip: Budget some time in Athens — it's a stress-buster if you’re juggling tight connections or just want to indulge in a little pre-island culture (and souvlaki).

🇺🇸 From the US to Koufonisia

Getting from the U.S. to Koufonisia takes a bit more legwork — but that’s half the adventure!

• Fly to a major European hub (London, Paris, Amsterdam)
• Connect to Athens
• Then ferry from Athens or fly to Naxos/Paros and ferry on

💡 U.S. Travel Tip: Jet-lagged and ready to crash? Spend your first night in Athens and recharge before heading to the islands. A slower start = better holiday vibes.

⛵ What Happens Once You Arrive?

Koufonisia is delightfully small and easy to explore. No rental car needed.

• By Boat: Small ferries shuttle to Kato Koufonisi and beaches
• By Foot: Walk the island end-to-end in under an hour
• By Bike: Rentals available for a chill ride to Pori Beach and beyond
• By Taxi: A couple of local taxis exist, but honestly, you might not need one

🏡 Where to Stay: In the Heart or Off the Grid?

• Chora: The main village, walkable to tavernas and nightlife (light though it may be)
• Pori Beach: More remote, dreamy views, total serenity
• Some top picks: Keros Art Hotel, Aeris Suites, Mystic Villas, and Blue Harpist Villas

🏖 So, Why Make the Trip?

Koufonisia isn’t just another stop on the Cycladic trail — it’s a destination in its own right. Here’s why:

• Unreal beaches like Fanos, Italida, and Pori
• Seafood straight from the sea to your plate
• Slow, sweet days where schedules don’t matter
• Warm, welcoming locals and a strong community feel

You won’t find flashy clubs or giant resorts here — just authentic island life, and the kind of peace that sticks with you long after you leave.

Ready to trade stress for sea breezes? Koufonisia is calling. And now, you know exactly how to get there.‍