Koufonhsia- the ultimate Greek holiday destination!

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Summer holidays are almost over but these ones leave me with the fondest of memories! Especially Koufonhsia, my last destination which totally won my heart and features as one of my favourite places to nourish the mind, body and soul.

Koufonhsia, is a really small island in Cyclades an you will get there by ferry from Pireaus port (the fast ferry will take in approx. 3.5 hrs and will cost around 65 Euros with return). And when I say small I mean it; there are only 3 beaches, and you can visit all of them either by walking or cycling (there are couple of places to locally hire bikes). If you are not in an active mood you can still  use the loca bus or boat which will take you to all the beaches in no time.  Once you get there you will fall in love: they all have the most emerald, turquoise waters I’ ve ever seen in my life! But what makes it really different to the rest of the exotic islands of the Indian or Pacific ocean is the cold refreshing water that wakes up your whole body under the hypnotizing Aegean sun. If the walking/ cycling, stunning beaches and refreshingly cold waters haven’t convinced you by now there are a couple of more reasons I would totally suggest Koufonhsi as the ultimate wellbeing destination:

• It is a Yoga lovers delight: there are two outdoor shalas that you can visit during your stay, which for such a small island it is a surprise! Both of them are at Pori, the widest and admittedly the most beautiful beach in the island. The first one is located in a complex of villas called  http://myislandhome.gr/ . The shala itself is stunning: a wooden deck  shadowed by strips of white canvas, near a  small pool, overlooking the deep blue of Pori beach. This year they had open drop in hatha classes every morning and afternoon- even for those not staying in the villas.  Even though hatha is not my cup of tea, the friendly teacher (Dimitra) and stunning views from the decked shala won my heart! The second shala is available for yoga retreats- so you can visit only as part of a yoga holiday vacation. You can have a look of what is available at http://www.koufonisivillas.com/index.php/en/yoga-holidays  so keep your radar open on future events (and also start saving since it is quite pricey). Next week they have an ashtanga workshop with Corrie Annanda- if only it was one week earlier!
• The second reason to visit Koufonshi is the amazing Kalofego bech bar restaurant at Pori. I’ve been to numerous beach bars in the Greek islands but this one is among my top 3. A unique, laid back, new age tavern  which feels more like your ideal island home terrace, with atmospheric jazz, rock and country music and deliciously nutritious food that would keep even a vegan happy. I’ve tried almost the whole menu but I would totally recommend the amazing falafel, aubergine salad with tahini, lentils salad and black eyed peas dish with octopus carpaccio (you can ask it without too). They also make their own frozen yoghurt dessert which is the tastiest one I’ve tried. And incredible breakfast pots and smoothies to take at the beach and rejuvenate under the hot sun.

All in all, amazing emerald beaches, outdoor activities, yoga classes and delicious food in just a stone throw from the sea. Do you want anything more? Mail me if you want more details!