Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Koufonisia (Uper)







Koufonisia (Greek: Κουφονήσια) is a former community in the Cyclades, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Naxos and Lesser Cyclades, of which it is a municipal unit. It consists of three main islands.












Koufonisia consists of three main islands, Kato (Lower) and Pano (Upper) Koufonisi, and Keros, that belong to the complex of Small East Cyclades. Geographically, it is located on the southeast side of Naxos and on the west side of Amorgos. Uninhabited Keros is a protected archaeological site from which a large number of ancient Cycladic art pieces have been excavated in the 20th century.









Pano Koufonisi is the smallest and most densely populated island of the Cycladic island group. It has an area of 3.5 km2 (1 sq mi) and 366 residents. 









The main occupation of the locals is fishing and, in recent years, tourism. Compared to its population, it has one of the biggest fishing fleets in Greece. The white windmill on the east side of the port welcomes visitors when they arrive on the island. 












The settlement of Chora on the southwest coast of Koufonisi is a characteristic example of Cycladic architecture. Its sandy beaches make up the island's picture. 










Koufonisi has only been developed the last ten years, as far as tourism is concerned, so the natural beauty and its traditional colour has remained unfaded. [source]







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