36:55.77N 25:36.01E Koufonisia

Ariel of Hamble
Jim and Valerie SHURVELL
Sun 16 Jun 2019 14:39


Friday 14th June, 2019.

With Frank and Sue being with us we want to show them as much of the Cyclades as we can so as none of us have been to Koufonisia this was the island we were going to next visit.

We motored out of the little harbour after I got fresh warm bread from the bakery and set off for our new destination. The wind was a little freckled as we headed from the harbour and out of the large bay and around the outlying rocks and down the east coast of Paros.  The wind picked up and we sailed over 20 miles of the 28.91 miles. Once we passed Naxos main town and headed down the west coast we started to pick up the breeze and it wasn’t long before we were reefing and taking the genny in.  The sea had white waves which got more so as we headed down to turn the corner with Iraklia in front of us. We passed Skihnousa and sailed at top speed to Koufonisia with the wind building all the time. Just before the entrance to Koufonisia village harbour we took down the main with very blue water all around us. Jim took the decision to see if there were any places on the wall in the small harbour although we couldn’t see from the sea only masts in a line. Jim steadied Ariel reversed in and thank goodness the harbour man “Mike” called us into a space with a lazy line pick up.

If there had been no option we would have anchored in the little bay but with the forecast of strong winds for the weekend it would have been uncomfortable.

A great little island with not so many people as other islands and only visitors who arrive like us on boats or on the ferry.  Quite a bit of work has gone on with the narrow roads being quite new and the paving on the roads up to the chora being beautiful to look at.  Everywhere is painted white and blue and very few places are run down. Several hotels with pools are around the harbour with small coach transport to the port. We spotted the gyros hole in the wall shop where you stand and queue for your take away. There are several windmills on the island and one has been turned into a bar with amazing views and fabulous cocktails.

On Saturday night we were treated to local dancing and music until 4.09 a.m.!!!!!

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