Sail with M/S DOXA II to the island Koufonisia an hear about the two versions, as far as the name of the island is concerned. According to the first one, Koufonisia was the ancient name of the gulf which is between Koufonisia and Glaronisi. As a matter of fact, the full name was "Koufos Limin", which means lee port, where ships can anchor.
According to the second version, which is supported by Manesis, this name was chosen because of the large number of caves and sediments without boisterous rocks that are found on the island.
Very interesting is that Koufonisia were inhabited since Prehistoric Times according to archaeological findings. Excavations in Epano Mili brought into light important findings that date to the first years of Cycladic Civilization. One of the most important findings from this period is a fryer shape vessel with a nine-ray star on it, exhibited in Naxos' museum. Excavations in the east shore brought into light findings of the Hellenistic and Roman times. Find out many other informations after visiting with M/S DOXA II the island.
Read some more details about the history. In the course of history, Koufonisia followed the fate of the rest of Cyclades islands. They were dominated by the Venetians and the Turks, who run against each other for the governance of Aegean Sea. Residents of Koufonisia, either because they needed to or because they wanted to, were often joining their forces with the residents of Mani or with other pirates, who were using the channel between Pano and Kato Koufonisi as a safe shelter. In 1830 Koufonisia were set free along with the rest of Cyclades islands and incorporated with the young Greek nation.
Some words about the geographic. You will see yacht with M/S DOXA II to Koufonisia that it consists of two islands, Kato and Pano Koufonisi and it belongs to the complex of Small East Cyclades. It lies on the southeast side of Naxos and on the west side of Amorgos. Koufonisia also includes the tiny, uninhabited island of Keros. Keros is a protected archaeological site from which a large number of ancient Cycladic art pieces have been excavated in the 20th century. Examinate more about that island, after staying with M/S DOXA II there.
KATO KOUFONISI
Travel with M/S DOXA II first to Kato Koufonisi which is located next to Pano Koufonisi, Shoinousa and Keros and it's almost uninhabited, as there are only a few rural houses on it. The most characteristic sight of the island is the small church of Panagia that is built on the jetty, on top of ancient ruins. In its small, photogenic port anchor only fish and tourist boats that take the tourists to the magic beaches of the island. Stay here for relaxing on board of M/S DOXA II.
PANO KOUFONISI OR KOUFONISI
Following you can sail with M/S DOXA II to Pano Koufonisi which is the smallest and most densely populated island in Cyclades islands. Koufonisi is a true fishing village, as the main occupation of the locals is fishing. Compared to its population, it has one of the biggest fishing fleets in Greece. The white windmill on the east side of the port will welcomes you after arriving with M/S DOXA II on the island;
The settlement of Chora on the southwest coast of Koufonisi is a characteristic example of Cycladic architecture. Its heavenly beaches - the majority of them are sandy - are part of the magic picture of the island and you can enjoy all of them with M/S DOXA II. Koufonisi has only been developed the last ten years, as far as tourism is concerned, so the natural beauty and its traditional colour has remained unfaded.
Choose with the crew of M/S DOXA II the beach you like to go for swim.
If you prefer to stay some more days with M/S DOXA II on the island, you can prefer to visit the museums and the archaeological findings. Keros is an archaeological site, characteristic of the Cycladic civilization and culture.
There are many places of interest that you can visit after arriving with M/S DOXA II and during his stay on Koufonisia, such as the central and the back port, the piscatorial shelter, the carnagio, the windmills and the churches of Agios Georgios, Agios Nikolaos and Profitis Ilias. The fishermen in their small boats (caiques) is a characteristic picture of the island. The full-moon nights and Keros' view in the moonlight are a unique experience for the visitors. Very interesting is that according to the residents of Koufonisi, the contour of the deserted island in the night reminds of a female, prostrated Cycladic statuette. According to the same description, the first full moon (in 21 of June) is coming up from the vagina of this female figure. The church of Virgin Mary is one of the most important sights on Koufonisi, whereas, in Keros apart from the archaeological findings, someone can enjoy the magic sunrise. M/S DOXA II which is completely at your disposal will show you everything you wish and let you celebrate every event takes place on the periode you stay on the island. For example the Saint George day. On his name day that is on the 23rd of April, there is a procession of the saint's icon. "Panigiras", who is an islander votary to the Saint, is going around the island holding the icon in his hands. The roads that he passes by are full of roses. All the taverns of the island take part in the feast.
Also Easter is celebrated traditionally on Koufonisia. On Good Friday the port is floodlit by torches and on Easter the sky is full of fireworks. On the last Saturday of June the "feast of the fisherman" is organised on Koufonisia. Young people dance traditional dances and the most popular island songs are heard. Fresh fish, delicious snacks and drinks are offered, while listening to the music of the instruments.
