Kato Koufonisi
| Kato Koufonisi (Κάτω Κουφονήσι) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Waters | Mediterranean Sea | |
| Archipelago | Cyclades | |
| Geographical location | 36 ° 54 '40 " N , 25 ° 34' 38" E | |
|
||
| length | 4.8 km | |
| width | 800 m | |
| surface | 3.898 km² | |
| Highest elevation | 121 m | |
| Residents | uninhabited | |
The uninhabited Greek island of Kato Koufonisi ( Greek Κάτω Κουφονήσι ( n. Sg. ) 'Unter-Koufonisi') is the third largest island in the Koufonisia archipelago within the Small Cyclades .
location
Kato Koufonisi is located about 6 km southeast of Naxos and 20 km northwest of Amorgos . Kato Koufonisi is separated from the northern island of Pano Koufonisi by the approximately 400 m narrow and maximum 8 m deep strait of Koufonisi (Στενό Κουφονησιού) . The also uninhabited island of Glaronisi is about 600 m to the east, Keros a little more than 3 km to the southeast and Schinoussa 3 km to the southwest.
history
The settlement of the island during the 3rd millennium BC BC could be proven by archaeological excavations, which brought to light a burial ground and ruins of the Bronze Age Cycladic culture . Ruins from the Hellenistic and Roman times have also been found.
Kato Koufonisi was owned by the Panagia Chozoviotissa monastery (Παναγία Χοζοβιώτισσα) on Amorgos and served as pasture for some shepherd families. Due to limited natural resources, the island's population has declined continuously since the 1950s. The few farmers and some goatherds from Amorgos were forced to leave the islands. Kato Koufonisi has been uninhabited since the 1990s.
Kato Koufonisi today
In addition to being used as a goat pasture during the summer months, the island is visited by day visitors from Pano Koufonisi with fishing boats. There are no overnight accommodations. On the beautiful beaches there is a tavern, next to the few other buildings there is the small church of Panagia (Παναγία). At the church built on ancient ruins, a festival is held on August 15th by people from Pano Koufonisi.
natural reserve
Kato Koufonisi is part of the Natura 2000 area GR4220013 Mikres Kyklades: Irakleia, Schinoussa, Koufonisia, Keros, Antikeri kai Thalassia Zoni (Μικρές Κυκλάδες: από Κέρο μέχρι Ηράκλεια, Σχοινούσσα, Κουφονήσια, Κέρος, Αντικέρι και θαλάσσια ζώνη).
Web links
- General information about Kato Koufonisi , Greek
- Natura 2000 area 4220013 , Greek