Five Drops of the Aegean: Koufonisia
This route is a maritime journey across the five most distinctive islands of the Cyclades. The tour begins on Amorgos (route length 80 km, duration approximately 3 hours), continues to Irakleia (about 11 km, 30 minutes), then to Schinoussa (10 km, 30 minutes), on to Pano Koufonisi (18 km, about 40 minutes), and concludes on Donoussa (25 km, about 1 hour). This itinerary is ideal for spring, autumn, and summer, and is designed for visitors interested in local cuisine, nature, and activities such as hiking, cycling, stargazing, swimming, sailing, diving, and fishing.
Koufonisia
Pano Koufonisi, the smallest inhabited island of the group, is an earthly paradise. Its coastline, with rare sandy beaches, picturesque coves, and sea caves, forms a landscape of unexpected beauty. The sea - shimmering in every shade of blue - the natural stone arches, and the divine Aegean light make every step on the island an unforgettable experience.
Chora, the island’s only settlement, is a perfect example of Cycladic architecture, with whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, windmills, and fishing boats gently swaying in the harbor. The residents, renowned fishermen, live in harmony with the rhythm of the sea, preserving the simplicity and hospitality that define their way of life. Notable churches on the island include those of Agios Georgios, the island’s patron saint, Agios Nikolaos, Panagia, and Prophet Elias. Pano Koufonisi is ideal for hiking, especially along the coastal trail that runs the entire shoreline, passing beaches such as Finikas, Italida, and Pori.
The island’s gastronomy is unique, dominated by the freshness and aroma of the sea. Taverns serve seafood pasta, calamari, octopus, freshly caught fish, kakavia (fisherman’s soup), and patatato - a goat stew with potatoes and herbs - often made with wild goat from nearby Keros, slow-cooked in a wood-fired oven. Local myzithra cheese and rakomelo (raki infused with honey) perfectly complement any meal, while desserts include xerotigana (fried honey pastries), pasteli wrapped in lemon leaves, and loukoumades drizzled with honey. On Pano Koufonisi, the sea, the flavors, and the island’s unhurried rhythm combine to create a truly unique and memorable experience.
Route products
PDO Products
Kopanisti of the Cyclades
PGI Products
Cyclades Wine
Special Products
Fish and seafood, wild goat from nearby Keros, myzithra cheese, local cheese varieties, and rakomelo (raki with honey).
Delicacies
Seafood pasta, patatato (stewed wild goat from Keros with potatoes cooked in a wood oven), xerotigana, pasteli in lemon leaves, and loukoumades (honey fritters).
Route delicacies
Koufonisia Kakavia
The most authentic fishermen’s soup, deeply tied to the seafaring traditions of the Koufonisia islanders. It’s made with rockfish and simple ingredients such as potatoes, onions, and olive oil. The secret lies in slow simmering, which allows the fish to flavor the broth, giving it a rich, thick texture. The fish are served separately with a sauce of olive oil, lemon, and fresh parsley - a dish that captures the freshness and soul of island cuisine.