Thanks to its beautiful sea and myriad of islands, Greece has established itself as a wonderful international travel destination, its identity infused with the endless blues of the southern Aegean and the iconic white houses of the Cyclades. In such a landscape with such great diversity, it’s inevitable that some spots will stand out more than others because of their especially distinct characteristics.
Although the islands have their own features reflecting an authentic Greek identity, there are some places in Greece that look like exotic destinations from across the planet, (without the palm trees). Two such places can be found in the southern Aegean, just off the coast of Astypalaia island. These are Koutsomiti and Kounoupoi, both uninhabited islets with sublime waters, which remain relatively unknown to most, as visitors typically focus on the island’s more popular beaches.
Turquoise Waters and Seductive Seclusion
The islets are both are considered as a single entity, positioned southeast of Astypalaia and administratively falling under its jurisdiction. Koutsomyti is the smaller of the two, spanning an area of 0.459 sq.km., while Kounoupi is relatively larger, boasting an area of 1.30 sq.km.
Koutsomyti is closer to Astypalaia, its beach on the southern part of the islet near the strait that separates it from its rocky neighbour, the islet of Tigani. It’s hard to miss, especially with its wooden structure on the coast, set up to serve Astypalaia’s as a watering area for their goats, which are often brought here to graze. The beach itself is pebbly, and while its appearance might be somewhat ordinary, the waters are a deep shade of blue and crystal clear, offering a unique ambiance distinct from any other part of the island. If underwater adventures appeal to you, make sure to come equipped with a snorkel and mask.
Kounoupi lies to the south of Koutsomyti, about 5.6 nautical miles from Astypalaia’s port, with several smaller rock islets scattered between them. Apart from Tigani, you’ll also spot Moni, Fteno, and Chondropoulo. The beach at Kounoupi is particularly pretty as it essentially forms a narrow land strip that connects the northern side of the small island with the south. But it’s not just the land that impresses; the waters too are remarkably clear, with a refreshing crystalline quality and mesmerising shades of turquoise, creating the illusion of a natural pool set within an enchanting landscape.
Both Koutsomyti and Kounoupoi are part of the European Natura 2000 network, honoured for their ecological significance. Furthermore, Koutsomyti is recognised as a Special Protection Area, as it offers sanctuary to rare birds such as shearwaters, black petrels, and Aegean seagulls that use the island for breeding. The Kounoupi islet, on the other hand, is the habitat for Mediterranean monk seals, loggerhead turtles, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and green sea turtles.
Getting to the Islands
Given their remoteness and the fact they are uninhabited, Koutsomyti and Kounoupoi need to be reached by boat. Indeed, many private vessels make their way here during the pinnacle of the Greek summer in July and August, with people diving into their beautiful waters and enjoying the serene and lovely views.
If you have your own boat, reaching these islands is easy. Should you aim to anchor at the beaches, do bring along the necessary equipment such as umbrellas and mats, since the beaches have no tourist infrastructure, although a wooden shack operates on Kounoupi during the summer, renting out a few sunbeds and selling drinks like coffee (both frappé and traditional Greek coffee), soft drinks, beers, and some light bites.
If you don’t have your own boat, there’s the option to visit the islets through tourist routes offered by various boats and caiques that in summer, daily set sail on day trips from Astypalaia, for instance, from Pera Gialos. However, do keep in mind that your time on the islands will be limited by the excursion timetable.
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