Ferry from Koufonissi to Iraklia

Koufonissi Guide

The Greek island of Koufonisia is located in the Cyclades group of islands and forms part of the municipality of Naxos and Lesser Cyclades. The island lies to the south east of the island of Naxos and to the west of the island of Amorgos. Koufonisia is actually made up of three different islands: Kato (Lower) and Pano (Upper) Koufonisi and Keros which is uninhabited and is a protected archaeological site. Artefacts found on Keros during the 20th century include a large number of Cycladic pieces of art. Also uninhabited is Kato Koufonisia which is next to Pano Koufonisia, Shoinousa and Keros. Pano Koufonisi is the smallest and most densely populated island of the Cycladic island group. The small church of Panagia which has been built on a jetty above ancient ruins is perhaps the most popular sight on the island. The island's port is mainly used by tourist boats and fishing vessels. Visitors to the island are greeted by a white windmill which is located on the east side of the port. The main town on the island is Chora which is on the south west coast of the island and has many houses of typical Cycladic architecture.

Iraklia Guide

The small Greek island of Iraklia is located at the western edge of the Small Eastern Cyclades group of islands and only has around 100 inhabitants. The island is characterised by hills, thick vegetation, clear waters with the od shipwreck on the sea floor, and scenic bays which all combine to make it one of the most unspoilt islands of the Cyclades. For nature lovers the island is home to the Mediterranean seal and the marine turtle, Caretta Caretta. The island only has two villages. Ayios Georgios, which is home to the island's harbour, and Panayia.

Perhaps because the island is so small its history remains largely unknown with speculation that is may have been a Minoan settlement in the 2nd century BC, as there is an similar city in Crete. Under Venetian and Ottoman rule, the island paid taxes but it seems that it was the only obligation the Iraklians had.

From the island's port there are ferries available that depart to the Port of Piraeus with a crossing time of between 8 and 10 hours, depending on itinerary. There are also ferry services to the other islands of the Small Cyclades and to Naxos and Amorgos.