Getting from Syros to Koufonisia

If you are heading to Koufonisia from Syros you are making your way from the capital of the Cyclades to one of the Small Cyclades, in the same island group. 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 no direct ferry from Syros to Koufonisia. Getting there by sea means taking the ferry from Syros south through the Cyclades to Naxos, which runs several times daily in summer and takes around 2 to 3 hours, and then taking the local Express Skopelitis ferry to Koufonisia, which takes around 45 minutes and runs almost daily in summer. This keeps the journey entirely within the Cyclades and avoids Athens and Piraeus entirely. Alternatively take the ferry from Syros to Piraeus and board the direct Piraeus to Koufonisia ferry, which runs daily in summer and takes around 5 to 9 hours.

Getting there by air

Koufonisia has no airport. The nearest airport is Naxos. Syros has a small domestic airport with limited connections from Athens. Taking the ferry from Syros south to Naxos and then the local ferry to Koufonisia gives a total journey time of around 3 to 4 hours and avoids Athens entirely. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Syros south through the Cyclades to Naxos and then the local Express Skopelitis across to Koufonisia. It keeps the journey entirely within the Cyclades and avoids Athens entirely. Check the schedule carefully before booking as departure days vary by season. Book ahead in summer as Koufonisia has very limited accommodation and the island fills up fast.