Koufonissi Athens (Rafina) Ferry

Koufonissi Guide

The Greek island of Koufonisia is located in the Cyclades group of islands and forms part of the municipality of Naxos and Lesser Cyclades. The island lies to the south east of the island of Naxos and to the west of the island of Amorgos. Koufonisia is actually made up of three different islands: Kato (Lower) and Pano (Upper) Koufonisi and Keros which is uninhabited and is a protected archaeological site. Artefacts found on Keros during the 20th century include a large number of Cycladic pieces of art. Also uninhabited is Kato Koufonisia which is next to Pano Koufonisia, Shoinousa and Keros. Pano Koufonisi is the smallest and most densely populated island of the Cycladic island group. The small church of Panagia which has been built on a jetty above ancient ruins is perhaps the most popular sight on the island. The island's port is mainly used by tourist boats and fishing vessels. Visitors to the island are greeted by a white windmill which is located on the east side of the port. The main town on the island is Chora which is on the south west coast of the island and has many houses of typical Cycladic architecture.

Athens (Rafina) Guide

The Greek town of Rafina lies on the east coast of the Attica region of mainland Greece, on the shores of the Aegean Sea. The town is close to the town's of Artemida and Nea Makri and also to the Greek capital, Athens, which is around 25 km to the west. because of its proximity to Athens Rafina is popular with many Athenians who visit to enjoy the town's many fish restaurants that can be found lining the harbour. It is not uncommon to see the day's catch lying on beds of ice outside each restaurant.

In ancient times Rafina was named Arafinidon Alon but its history dates back to prehistoric times, but more specifically to pre-Hellenic times. In Askitario, to the south of Rafina, archaeologists have found a unique vase with a dog painted on it which has been dated back to 2,800 BC. Another significant find was near the town's port where a bronze foundry was discovered and is thought to be one of the oldest in Europe, and dates back to 1800 BC.

After the Port of Piraeus, Rafina's port is the second largest in Attica. Ferry services operating from the port depart to the southern part of Euboea and to the Cyclades islands.