Summer vacations are probably the kind of unofficial holidays that we’re all looking forward to.

Two long weeks without having to deal with the chaos of work is exactly what any of us needs. Most people prefer August to be their month of vacations, but I chose to be somewhere in the middle of it. That’s why I decided to take a few days away from my work and my home in the end of July and I visited Koufonisia.

Beach Views

Koufonisia are two small islands located in Cyclades (= a series of islands in Greece) and they are the perfect destination for those of you who want a quiet getaway and to be at the beach all day long. I truly longed for some days by the sea and that’s exactly what I did. During my stay at Koufonisia I visited plenty of sandy and rocky beaches, none of them organized, I got to see both islands (one of them inhabitable) and of course because I am white as snow, I managed to get a sunburn. Talk about Greek summer vacations.

The beach that I loved the most was Hawaii Beach at down Koufonisi and the one on the upper called Italida. Sandy beaches, shallow waters for a person who doesn’t really swim, like myself. I guess the beaches at Koufonisia were exactly what a person who doesn’t swim wants, you get to walk through water which feels safe. Yes, I am that freaky.

However, I must say that I did enjoy the occasional rock filled beaches, hidden from the public view around the island. One of the perks of Koufonisia is the fact that you get to walk around the island and stop for a swim anywhere you want.

Chora and Boat Tour

First things first, Koufonisia are really small. The Upper Koufonisi is the only one that’s habitable with the main village attraction and tourist incoming, we call the center of an island village “chora”, and of course the harbor. The other Koufonisi is almost a dry land, the only things that exist there are a small church dedicated to Holy Mary that operates on special occasions and a single tavern that’s open until 23:00pm. We didn’t visit the tavern, because the reviews didn’t quite convince us, but we did get to visit Hawaii Beach – a small secluded, not known to many, beach that the local boats don’t go there. Its name gives away its scenery. It truly feels like you’re in Hawaii with the waves, the white sand and the crystal waters. I have never been to Hawaii, but maybe this is how it’s like.

Local boats at the harbor are willing to take you on a ride all around the upper and down Koufonisi island for a very reasonable price. I think it costs 5 euros and the ticket is for all beaches all around the island back and forth. Those who take you around the main island are stopping for every known beach for you to take a swim, same goes for the other boats that take you to the other island. However, if you wish to visit Hawaii Beach then you need to hop off the boat at the first stop and walk a 10′ walk to get there. It’s worth it, trust me.

Chora is somewhat small. It’s just a long-paved road with various little shops and cute cafe-restaurants, all made to make you feel the whole island vibe. You will see a lot of young people occupying the wooden, colorful chairs while taking a sip of their rakomelo or ouzo. Nighttime at the island was very energetic, there was music and laughter and lots of people my age having their time of their life.

Food Stop

We got to eat some delicious brunches and lunches during our stay at Koufonisia, though we did follow a different routine from what we’re used to. We spent our days to the beach, all kinds of beaches to be exact, which is the reason why we mostly ate once a day. Sounds a bit sad, but when you get to spend your time under the sun and into the crystal blue water then somehow it doesn’t seem so bad. However, we did try some seafood on our very first night at the island which was delicious and we got to see most of island’s nightlife. Summer and cocktails are a must, don’t you think?

I loved Mylos, a cafe bar at the very top of the island where you got a very nice and romantic view of the harbor with its boats and lights. Amazing cocktails and the staff were so kind and helpful, even wearing matching kimonos that you could buy from their store just next to the cafe.

We ate two kinds of brunch, one at Kalamia and one at Opsianos. I opted for poached eggs and a much healthier breakfast since it’s summer and I would be at the water for a long time. It was also my first time tasting avocado cream and I really enjoyed it. Very refreshing, perfect for summer.

Seafood at Captain Nicolas was truly an experience. The staff there were extremely nice and eager to help you order all the right dishes to have a nice and complete meal. You get a taste of it at my photos, but I don’t show you the real thing which is a table filled with food. I was too hungry to take more photos, sorry.

In general, Koufonisia, actually the upper Koufonisi, is all about a very peaceful summer vacation. You get to spend your days on a beach with treats from the local bakery and enjoy a few moments away from everything. We saw plenty of people who seemed like they needed some days off life and I kind of related with them. When visiting the island do not forget to bring your umbrella as there are no beach bars and the sun is a bit vicious. Also, sunscreen is highly important, people!

What’s your summer destination?

*View a mini tour of my vacations on my Instagram page

Thanks for reading!

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