If you're looking to experience a truly untouched corner of Crete, Koufonisi Island offers one of the most striking day trips you can take in the south. Located off the southeastern coast near Makry Gialos, this small, uninhabited island is a hidden gem known for its exotic landscapes, ancient ruins, and almost surreal beaches. The best way to explore it? Hop on board on a wooden boat for a full-day maritime escape.
What You Need to Know
Koufonisi (not to be confused with the island of the same name in the Cyclades) is a protected area rich in biodiversity and archaeological significance. Once home to a Roman settlement and later used for sponge diving, the island today remains uninhabited, wild, and strikingly beautiful.
The company offers an organized, stress-free way to visit. The boat departs from Makry Gialos harbor, cruising through the clear blue waters of the Libyan Sea. Along the way, you'll enjoy views of the rugged southern coastline before reaching the white sand shores of Koufonisi.
What You Need to Do
Swim in Turquoise Waters: Koufonisi is surrounded by pristine, shallow seas perfect for swimming and floating. The clarity of the water is exceptional.
Explore White Sand Beaches: The island’s beaches are remote and photogenic, with dramatic contrasts between sand, rock, and sea.
Enjoy the Cruise Experience: Onboard the Cretan Unique Cruise boat, you can relax on deck, enjoy refreshments, and soak in the panoramic sea views.
How to Get There
By Car: Drive to Makry Gialos, a coastal town about 45 minutes east of Ierapetra. Free parking is available near the harbor.
By Cruise: Book your trip with here. It’s best to reserve in advance during the summer season. Tours typically last 7 hours and include several hours on the island.
What to Bring
Sunscreen, water, and a hat (there’s no shade on Koufonisi)
Swimwear, towel, ...
A camera or smartphone—this is one of those places you'll want to remember
Where to Stay
While no accommodation is available on Koufonisi itself (overnight stays are not allowed), you can base yourself in nearby Makry Gialos, Koutsouras, or Ierapetra. These towns offer a variety of hotels, seaside apartments, and traditional guesthouses within easy reach of the harbor.
Koufonisi is for those who want to step off the beaten path—to feel the wild beauty of southern Crete and explore a land left almost untouched by time. With Cretan Unique Cruise, you don’t just see the island—you experience the journey that gets you there.
Activities & Tours
Looking for a guided tour to this beauty? You can book a tour here with our partner.
