8Koufonisia – The Hidden Lagoon of the Small Cyclades

Tiny, tranquil, and impossibly beautiful, Koufonisia (technically two islands: Ano and Kato Koufonisi) feels like a secret shared among friends. With crystal-clear waters, golden coves, and a relaxed pace, it’s a paradise for barefoot wanderers.  

The main island, Ano Koufonisi, is so small that you can walk around it in a day, stopping at beaches like Pori and Fanos, where the sea glows like glass. Chic guesthouses and seaside tavernas serve freshly caught fish right by the shore. It’s the Greece of decades past — simple, unspoiled, and deeply soothing.