From Paros : Irakleia & Ano Koufonisi

If you’re planning a trip to the South Aegean and considering a boat tour to Iraklia and Ano Koufonisi from Paros, you’ve come to the right place. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, I’ve gathered enough info from travelers’ reviews and the tour details to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

What really caught my attention are the stunning beaches and the laid-back village vibes—perfect for anyone craving some genuine downtime. I also appreciate that the tour offers flexibility in exploring the islands at your own pace. That said, one thing to keep in mind is the limited time on each island—so if you’re someone who wants to pack in a lot, this might feel a bit rushed.

This experience seems ideal for travelers who value relaxation, scenic views, and local charm over guided tours with lots of structured activities. If you enjoy exploring at your own pace and love discovering small, authentic places, this could be just right for you. However, if you prefer more guided commentary or a more immersive, longer stay on each spot, consider whether this trip fits your style.

Key Points

• Flexible, independent exploration on Iraklia and Koufonisi with free time to wander
• Beautiful beaches and charming village scenes perfect for relaxing or swimming
• Short boat rides make for a breezy, scenic journey without long transit times
• Great value for money considering the destinations, beaches, and free time
• Limited time on islands might feel rushed if you want a thorough tour
• Good for travelers who prefer a DIY approach with minimal guided interruptions

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Trip Overview: What You Can Expect

This tour from Paros is designed as a leisurely day trip focusing on relaxation and organic exploration. Starting from Piso Livadi Port, it’s about a 45-minute ferry ride to Iraklia, followed by a 1.5-hour stop. You’ll get a chance to stretch out, walk along the small port of St. George, and enjoy some beach time.

Then, after a quick 30-minute ferry crossing, you arrive at Ano Koufonisi, where you’re given approximately 4.5 hours. That’s enough time for a good walk through the village, a swim at the beaches, and maybe a bite to eat—something many reviews highlight as a highlight.

The entire day wraps up with a return ferry and bus transfers back to Paros, making it a full, but manageable, 8-hour outing. The timing is tight but well-paced if you’re looking for a snapshot of these islands rather than an in-depth tour.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pick-up and Departure

The tour begins early in the morning with one of nine pickup locations around Paros. Options include hotels, bus stops, and the port itself, which is convenient for most travelers. The group then boards a bus or coach for about an hour, heading to Piso Livadi Port, the launch point for the boat.

The Ferry to Iraklia

The first leg is about 45 minutes over the water, a gentle ride that offers some lovely views of the Aegean. Once on Iraklia, you’ll have around 1.5 hours to explore. Most travelers enjoy wandering around the small port of St. George, which exudes quiet charm.

Iraklia is described as a tiny, idyllic spot—perfect if you’re after a peaceful break. One reviewer loved the little beach and the lack of crowds, noting they spent a relaxed day just swimming and soaking up the sun.

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Moving on to Koufonisi

The next ferry, about 30 minutes of cruising, takes you to Ano Koufonisi. This is where most people feel the trip really pays off. The island’s beautiful sandy beaches are frequently praised—some reviewers paid about €20 for loungers and umbrellas, making it easy to settle in comfortably.

The free time here, about 4.5 hours, is enough for a walk through the small village, a swim in the turquoise waters, or a leisurely lunch. The village itself is charming, with narrow streets and local eateries, making it an ideal spot for some low-key sightseeing.

Return Journey

After your time on Koufonisi, the boat heads back to Paros, with about 50 minutes of cruising. You’ll then transfer via bus or coach for another hour back to your starting point, ending the day quite smoothly.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Relaxed, Low-Key Experience

Most travelers loved the freedom to explore both islands on their own. One reviewer mentioned, “Love this type of activity. They have the transport figured out, and you get ample time to enjoy beaches and a small village.” It’s perfect for those who prefer a more autonomous itinerary rather than a tightly guided tour.

Stunning Beaches & Scenic Views

The beaches on Koufonisi, especially, seem to be a highlight—crystal-clear waters and soft sand. Several reviews describe the beaches as beautiful and almost untouched, ideal for swimming or just lounging.

Authentic Small Villages

Both islands are small and laid-back, offering an escape from the busier tourist spots. The port of St. George on Iraklia and the village streets of Koufonisi are frequently praised for their charm.

Food and Loungers

While not included in the tour price, many travelers appreciated the affordable and tasty local food options. One person mentioned paying €20 for loungers and umbrellas, which is quite reasonable.

Things to Keep in Mind

Limited Time on Each Island

The biggest critique is often about the short stay—1.5 hours on Iraklia and 4.5 hours on Koufonisi. If you’re hoping for a deep dive into local culture or want to explore every corner, you might find this a bit rushed. One reviewer suggested, “I would skip the half-hour stop at Iraklia because it’s too little time to see much.”

Weather Considerations

The tour is subject to weather conditions—bad weather or strong winds could lead to rescheduling or refunds. This is fairly standard but worth noting if your travel window is tight.

Price and Value

Considering the ferry rides, free time, and the convenience of pickup/drop-off, the experience offers good value for money. It’s not overly cheap, but the ease and beaches make it worthwhile, especially if you’re looking to relax and explore without stress.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who loves beach days, scenic boat rides, and small island villages, this trip hits the mark. It’s particularly suited for travelers who prefer independent exploration rather than guided tours with lots of commentary.

It’s also a great option if you’re looking for a relaxing day away from busy crowds, with enough free time to enjoy swimming, strolling, and tasting local food. However, if you want a comprehensive cultural tour or more time on each island, you might want to consider other options or longer excursions.

FAQ Section

Is this tour suitable if I don’t like long ferry rides?
The ferry rides are relatively short—around 45 minutes to Iraklia and 30 minutes to Koufonisi—so if you can tolerate a bit of boat travel, it shouldn’t be an issue.

Can I bring my own swimwear and towel?
Absolutely. The tour recommends bringing swimwear and a towel since you’ll likely want to swim and relax on the beaches.

What if the weather isn’t good on the day of the trip?
If weather conditions turn bad, you’ll either be offered an alternative date or a full refund, depending on the situation.

Are the islands crowded?
Iraklia is described as a tiny and peaceful spot, while Koufonisi, though more popular, still maintains a relaxed vibe, especially if you visit the beaches early in the day.

Is there a guide on this tour?
This tour doesn’t seem to be guided in detail—most of the experience is free exploration. The host or greeter speaks English, mainly to coordinate logistics.

How much does it cost?
Pricing isn’t explicitly stated here, but considering the value of transportation, free time, and the islands, it seems reasonable for a hassle-free day trip with scenic rewards.

Can I bring children?
While not explicitly mentioned, the tour’s relaxed pace and short ferry rides suggest it could be suitable for older children, especially if they enjoy beaches and boat rides.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

This boat trip from Paros to Iraklia and Ano Koufonisi offers a straightforward, no-fuss way to experience some of Greece’s most charming islands. The combination of beach time, village wandering, and scenic ferry rides strikes a good balance for those wanting a relaxing escape without the pressure of guided tours.

While the limited time on each island means you won’t get to see everything, the experience provides just enough to enjoy the highlights—beautiful beaches, quaint villages, and crystal-clear waters. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to explore at their own pace and appreciate the simple pleasures of island life.

If you’re after a peaceful day with plenty of opportunities to swim and soak up the sun, this trip could be just the ticket. Just keep in mind the time constraints and plan accordingly—you’ll leave with beautiful memories, even if you only scratch the surface of these lovely islands.

You can check availability for your dates here: