After the previous day’s non-running of ferries due to wind, we were apprehensive about leaving our AirBnB and not being able to get on the ferry to Koufonisi. It was a small, ferry, much smaller than a Manly ferry, although it still was able to carry a couple of cars as well as passengers. It was an early start as the ferry was due to leave Katapola at 7:00am. We packed up and were ready to leave, but decided to duck around the corner quickly and make sure the ferry would be leaving before locking ourselves out of our accommodation. Rounding the corner we could see people embarking. We breathed a sigh of relief and went back to collect our bags.
There were already quite a number of people on the little ferry when we returned. There were. No comfy seats on this ferry, wooden slat benches on the first floor, and mop plastic moulded chairs up the very top – no roof up there either. I led us to the outside, near the front of the boat. I figured, it would be a bit more protected there as it was still a bit windy. I choose e wisely. However, it still didn’t protect us from the sea. Once out of the harbour the boat rocked and rolled. Waves smashed over the top of us. The two women next to us were screaming and laughing, it didn’t take us long to join in. We didn’t dare risk standing up to move anwhere else. Everywhere else looked like it was faring just as badly anyway. When waves were cascading down from the roof, we could see rainbows in them. The two women started singing songs in Greek as we just kept laughing. I was thankful, we were only going to the first port of call and and not a longer journey.
Our little ferry tossed its way past rocky uninhabited islands and we had a great view back to Amorgos and could see how big the island looked. Amorgos has a population of approximately 2,000 people. There are three major settlements and a number of other smaller towns and villages. I think it is the perfect size.
Finally, our little ferry reached Koufonisi. The main island of the Koufonisia group. This island gives the appearance of being flat – but it’s not, it just flatter than the others. For the first time, our hotel was there to greet us from the ferry. It’s a better way to go. Our bags were loaded in the back of the van and we were whisked away from the port. The road crossed a small sandy beach with water so turquoise it was hard to believe. It was only 9:00am, early for Greek time, but already a few swimmers had hit the water. Just a minute later and we arrive at our accommodation. We had a large room with sea views from the balcony.
We dropped our gear and headed out for breakfast and a walk around the small town. The population of Koufonisi is just 238. There is one or two small supermarkets, lots of tavernas, two bakeries and a few gift/boutique/touristy shops. It has a nice laid back feel. This island is special. The beaches have to be seen to be believed. Turquoise water, glistening sand, expensive yachts bobbing up and down. I have always said that even if I had all the money in the world I would never buy a boat. I’d hire one, complete with crew. On Koufonisi, I found myself suffering from yacht envy. How beautiful it would be to sail from one quiet sandy cove to another for a swim on a beach with not another person in sight.
As I don’t have a yacht, we took the little water taxi to a few different beaches on the island. We were never alone but there weren’t many people around either. This island doesn’t have the tourists hoards yet either but there are wonderful places to eat and drink, swim and walk. Every beach is beautiful. Most had a taverna for something to eat or drink after a swim. There was only one thing wrong with Koufonesi – and maybe it was something right rather than wrong – the internet was patchy. So instead of writing my blog I just started doing some short reels on my instagram account. After all, a picture says a thousand words, right?
I guess I was suffering from being relaxed.
The seat of my pants 
Stunning 😍
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