Πλοίο Blue Star στο λιμάνι των Κουφονησίων

A trip to the Small Cyclades

Ferries to Koufonisia

How to get to Koufonisia from Piraeus, Naxos, Paros, Amorgos and the neighbouring islands. Check out the main options, the ferry companies and what you need to check before booking your tickets.

Flawless organisation

There is no fixed timetable for the whole season

Ferry timetables for the Koufonisia Islands vary depending on the season, day, ferry company and weather conditions. The safest approach is to first select your port of departure, compare the available ferries and then confirm the final departure time, journey duration and fare via the official booking platform.

Main ferry routes

Where can you travel from to Koufonisia?

The options below are the main routes used by most travellers.

From Attica

Piraeus → Koufonisia

The main direct connection from Athens. High-speed and conventional ferries are available, depending on the season and the day.

  • SpeedboatThe quickest option, usually around 4 hours when there’s a direct connection.
  • ConventionalLonger journeys, more stops and often travelling at night or in the afternoon.
  • CheckDeparture gate, boarding time, seat type and baggage.
SEAJETS Blue Star Ferries
Island hopping

Naxos → Koufonisia

Naxos is the main stopover for travelling to the Small Cyclades, by high-speed ferries, conventional ferries and local services.

  • OptionsSEAJETS, Blue Star Ferries and Small Cyclades Lines, depending on the timetable.
  • DurationThere is a significant variation depending on the ship and the stopovers.
  • UsefulThe ideal solution when there is no suitable direct route from Piraeus.
Small Cyclades Lines
Central Cyclades

Paros → Koufonisia

The service operates mainly during the summer season and often calls at Naxos. It should not be assumed to run daily without checking the specific date.

  • CompaniesMainly high-speed or seasonal services, depending on the season.
  • CheckWhether the route is direct or includes a stop in Naxos.
  • TipAllow plenty of time if you are combining two different bookings.
Route checking
From Amorgos

Katapola / Aigiali → Koufonisia

Amorgos is connected to Koufonisia by the Express Skopelitis and, depending on the season, by additional ferry services.

  • Local ferryExpress Skopelitis operates services to Amorgos, Donoussa, Koufonisia, Schinoussa, Iraklia and Naxos.
  • PortCheck whether the departure is from Katapola or Aegiali.
  • ProgrammeThe days and times vary throughout the week.
Official programme
The Small Cyclades

Donoussa, Schinoussa and Herakleia

Local ferry services allow for island hopping between the Small Cyclades, though not all routes operate with the same frequency every day.

  • ShipExpress Skopelitis and other seasonal services.
  • Ideal forA multi-island tour without returning to Piraeus.
  • WarningCheck the journey date and connection time.
Small Cyclades Lines
Arranged marriage

Transport for guests

For a wedding in Koufonisia, ferry bookings should not be treated as mere personal bookings. A comprehensive plan is needed for the guests’ arrival and departure.

  • GroupsPlease compile the dates, ports of departure and number of passengers.
  • MarginHe suggested arriving at least one day before the ceremony.
  • WeatherThere must be a plan in place in the event of a delay or a change to the timetable.
Wedding Plan
Blue Star Ferries στα Κουφονήσια

Conventional ship

Blue Star Ferries to Koufonisia

Blue Star Ferries operates conventional ferries to the Koufonisia on selected days. The official information states that the journey from Piraeus can take approximately 8 hours and 25 minutes, depending on the specific service. The exact days, times and stops are displayed at the time of booking.

Official information

Practical test

What to check before you pay

The right harbourCheck Piraeus, Naxos, Paros, Katapola or Aegiali. Don’t assume that all services depart from the same place.
Final timeThe journey time varies considerably depending on the ferry and the ports of call. Check the actual arrival time, not just the departure time.
Response marginDo not book two separate tickets with a tight connection. Delays do not guarantee a guaranteed connection.
Airport transferEstimate the journey time from Athens Airport to Piraeus, taking into account traffic and boarding time.
Cancellations and changesPlease read the ticket terms and conditions, especially if you are travelling to a wedding or an event with a fixed date.
Weather conditionsCheck company announcements from the day before and the day of your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ferry tickets to Koufonisia

Is there a direct ferry from Piraeus to Koufonisia?

Yes, there are direct connections by high-speed and conventional ferries, but the frequency varies depending on the season and the day.

How long does the journey from Piraeus take?

Speedboats can make the journey in around 4 hours, whilst conventional ferries take considerably longer. The exact journey time is shown on the booking confirmation.

Which is the cheapest ferry?

There is no fixed answer. The price depends on the company, the date, the type of ship, the destination, the offer and availability. Conventional ships are often more economical, but not always.

Can I get to Koufonisia via Naxos?

Yes. Naxos is a key hub for the Small Cyclades and can be used as a stopover when there is no direct service.

When should wedding guests arrive?

To be on the safe side, it is best to arrive at least one day before the ceremony, so that there is plenty of time in the event of a delay or a change to the itinerary.

Plan your trip before you plan your day

For a wedding in Koufonisia, ensuring that guests arrive on time is part of the overall planning and not just a last-minute detail.

Start the Wedding Plan Back to the top