Getting from Anafi to Koufonisia

If you are heading to Koufonisia from Anafi you are making your way from one of the most remote islands in the Cyclades to one of the Small Cyclades, relatively close in island-hopping terms. It has some of the finest beaches in the Cyclades and a lively summer atmosphere that punches well above its size.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Anafi to Koufonisia running in summer on the wider Blue Star route. The service runs a limited number of times per week and takes around 4 to 7 hours depending on the vessel and stops. Alternatively, take the ferry from Anafi to Santorini and connect to Naxos from there, then take the local Express Skopelitis from Naxos to Koufonisia, which takes around 45 minutes and runs almost daily in summer.

Getting there by air

Koufonisia has no airport. The nearest airport is Naxos. Anafi has no airport either. Taking the ferry from Anafi to Santorini, flying to Athens and then Athens to Naxos, followed by the short ferry to Koufonisia, gives a total journey time of around 6 to 7 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Anafi to Santorini, continue to Naxos and take the local Express Skopelitis across to Koufonisia. It keeps the entire journey within the Cyclades and avoids Athens entirely. Book ahead in summer as Koufonisia has very limited accommodation and the island fills up fast.