Day 5: Koufonissi

Today marked my last day on Naxos—at least until I return on Sunday! My next adventure takes me to the charming and picturesque island of Koufonissi. Having never visited before, I was thrilled to explore this hidden gem that isn’t as well-trodden by tourists.

To make the most of my morning, I packed my bags before breakfast, ensuring I could check out swiftly upon my return. Instead of the hotel breakfast, I treated myself at a local café, indulging in creamy Greek yoghurt with honey, toast and jam, refreshing orange juice, and a large coffee.

At 10:15 am, I headed back to my room, grabbed my bags, and checked to make sure nothing was left behind. After checking out, I made my way to the harbour, strolling towards the ferry port. With my Koufonissi ferry scheduled for 11:15 am, I bought my ticket and settled into the shade at a nearby taverna, a perfect spot for catching up on my Kindle and people-watching with a cold beer.

The ferry ride was a breezy 50 minutes, smooth and enjoyable. I stood outside at the back of the high-speed ferry, basking in the sun and avoiding the travel sickness I sometimes get indoors—a perfect combination.

For my accommodation, I chose Dafnis Studios and booked directly with the owner. This personal touch perhaps led to the kind offer of a port pickup, even though the rooms were just a few hundred meters away. I was grateful for this gesture, as the bumpy roads would have made hauling my suitcase uphill quite the workout. The accommodation was simple but immaculate and perfectly situated with a stunning view of the main beach just down the hill. Having booked a three-night stay, I took the time to properly unpack and hang my clothes to keep them fresh and wrinkle-free.

Ready for some food and drink, I changed into my beach gear and set out to explore. I discovered a subtle path leading down the hill from my apartment straight to the beach. Following it, I arrived at the delightful taverna O Lefteris, which seemed like the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch.

After savouring a delicious Greek salad paired with a cold Mythos beer (what else could I ask for?!), I headed to the beautiful, smooth, sandy beach. I found a perfect spot, threw down my towel, and stretched out to bask in the sun while my lunch settled.

As the sun’s heat started to make me sweat, I grabbed my goggles and GoPro and sprinted toward the sea. Plunging into the crystal-clear water felt absolutely invigorating! The sea here is truly breathtaking: the water is incredibly clear and remains shallow for quite a distance. You can see just how stunning it is from a drone shot I captured the next day:

When I finally grew tired of swimming around the boats anchored in the bay, I returned to my spot on the beach. After towelling off, I laid back down to dry and bask in the hot sun.

Feeling refreshed, I took a short walk back to my room to cool off before deciding to explore the southeastern part of the island. I had read about several beaches online and was eager to check them out. The coastline is dotted with numerous little bays, each with its own sandy beach. As I headed counter-clockwise from the south, I encountered the larger beaches of Finikas, Fanos, and Italida (also called Platia Pounta). These beaches were busier than I had anticipated, with many tourists soaking up the late afternoon sun. Since they were nearly full, I decided not to stop and, upon reaching Italida, turned back to head home.

Feeling hungry after my light lunch, I showered, changed, and checked my phone for dinner options. One restaurant caught my eye: Lavanda e Rosmarino Trattoria Italiana, an Italian spot conveniently located near my apartment. It turned out to be an excellent choice. Arriving early, I had the place mostly to myself, which made the sublime service and food even more enjoyable. I indulged in large pasta tubes with a rich carbonara sauce for the main course, followed by a delightful ‘chocolate salami’ for dessert—a luscious chocolate mousse with chunks of biscuit.

With the evening still young, I took a leisurely stroll around the quaint main town. I circled back to my apartment via the scenic beach path around the harbour. By the time I returned, the sun had just set, marking the end of one of my best days in Greece.