Getting from Arki to Koufonisia

If you are heading to Koufonisia from Arki you are making your way from one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Dodecanese to one of the Small Cyclades, on the opposite side of the Aegean. 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 Arki to Koufonisia running in summer on the wider Blue Star route that connects the Dodecanese with the Cyclades. The service runs a limited number of times per week and takes many hours with stops along the way through multiple islands. A more practical approach is to take the ferry from Arki to Leros, fly to Athens and then fly to Naxos and take the local Express Skopelitis ferry 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. Arki has no airport either. Taking the local ferry from Arki to Leros, 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 local ferry from Arki to Leros, fly to Athens and then fly to Naxos and take the short ferry across to Koufonisia. It is the most practical approach. Check the ferry schedule from Arki carefully before booking your flights as services run only a limited number of times per week. Book ahead in summer as Koufonisia has very limited accommodation and the island fills up fast.