Diving into a swimming pool and remerging from the sea, or vice versa, is just not possible, despite the development of infinity pools as close as they can be to coastlines or the installation of saltwater ocean pools that have begun appearing in other parts of the world.
If, however, you are looking for a swimming experience that truly blurs the line between swimming pool and sea, definitely head to Ano Koufonisi and look for the beach location dubbed Pisina, meaning swimming pool. The setting here is rocky, a complete contrast to the golden-sand beach features that have made this Cyclades destination renowned.
These rocky features have created a small miracle of nature at the spot, resembling a private swimming pool. Over the ages, seawater salt and crashing waves carved out a natural cavity, horizontally, the size of an actual swimming pool.
According to legend, this cavity was formed by Poseidon, god of the sea, as a gift to his beloved Nereids, the sea nymphs, so that they could also be assured of pleasure even when leaving their home deep in the sea. Expect to hear this explanation from locals should you enquire about Pisina.
Interestingly, the extraordinary thing about Pisina is that it maintains a direct link with the sea courtesy of an opening at the cavity’s bottom. It is narrow but can be swum through if approached with great care, for a double sea-and-pool swimming experience, the most unique on Koufonisia (Ano and Kato Koufonisi). Pisina’s idyllic surrounding waters are also a temptation.
Visitors are advised to be equipped with a diving mask or goggles, offering visibility and protection from sharp rocks that may be encountered at the depths of Pisina. Needless to say, this location is completely unadulterated, without any form of beach service or space to set up beach-related accessories, expect, perhaps, for a beach mat or towel.
Taking this into account, visitors must be equipped with a hat, sunscreen and cold drinking water for their stay at this little swimming spot.
How to get there
Pisina is situated at Ano Koufonisi, the smallest inhabited island of the Cyclades, on its eastern side, beyond the island’s most renowned beach, so-called Italida, meaning Italian woman, or, officially, Platia Pounta. Carrying on from this point towards Pori, Pisina is to be seen at an area locally referred to as Mati Tou Diavolou (Devil’s Eye) as a result of a nearby cave of the same name. If on the island in July or August expected to find a number of people at Pisina, even though the spot is not as well-known as Ano Koufonisi’s attractions.
If beginning from Hora, the harbour and main village, Pisina is a 45-minute walk or, if preferred, a much quicker bicycle ride. Ano Koufonisi offers smooth tracks and roads. Given the island’s small size, it makes no sense to use a car, as many visitors have found out.
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