Fourni

© Manos Mitikas

The Island of Pirates

Emerald Waters, Mulberry Trees and Cobblestone Alleys Under the Echo of the Saracen Pirates
Used as a shelter from the pirates of Corsica, the microcosm of Fourni is formed from a miniature archipelago of deserted islands and rocky reefs. Imagine a mysterious escape destination away from the rest of the world with mesmerizing sceneries and emerald waters. The pace of life of Fourni exudes an aura of tranquility and peacefulness with the spirit of Poseidon wandering around the island. The village of Kambos has managed to maintain the architectural heritage of Fourni. Traditional houses, mulberry trees ad cobblestone alleys spread around the picturesque natural harbour. The lacy coastline of the island is beautified from the pristine beaches, countless coves with colourful boats, mulberry trees and old windmills. The hospitality of the locals and the beauty of the landscapes endeavour to captivate your eyes, an island away from the ordinary. Will you take the chance to experience something different? One have to indulge in new pursuits beyond the mainstream and look with a different glance around so that he can remember what has been forgotten; to live and appreciate simple moments in a real treasure of unspoilt nature like Fourni. Unveil the mysteries of Fourni!

 

Discover Fourni

Best of Fourni

The Capital of Fourni

The Settlement of Kambos is the capital of Fourni located on the western side of the island. Traditional houses, mulberry trees and cobblestone alleys spread around the picturesque natural harbour. The life of the village centers around the main square with the big plane tree offering shade and coolness. Fourni hosts one of the largest fishing boat fleet in the Aegean, so it is highly advisable to taste the fresh fish at the seaside taverns.

The Ancient Quarry of Petrokopio

The Ancient Quarry of Petrokopio is located on the western coast of the island. The marble quarries of Petrokopio used to supply many towns of the Mediterranean, especially Ancient Miletus. Excavations have brought to light traces of the ancient quarry. Just above the beach, one can admire traces of chunks and gravel of marble.

The Beach of Kassidi

The Beach of Kassidi is one of the most beautiful beaches of Fourni. It is a white sandy beach with turquoise waters located on the southwest side of the island. The beach is isolated ideal for those looking for tranquillity and seclusion.

The Island of Thymaina

The Island of Thymaina is an idyllic island located opposite Fourni. The life of the village is concentrated in the sole settlement of the island. The most impressive attractions include the Chapel of Agios Dimitrios with panoramic views of the surrounding areas, the beautiful beach of Keramidou and the delicious seafood in the seaside taverns. Excursion boats operate from the harbour of Fourni.

Archaeological Sites

The Acropolis of Fourni is located on the hill of Agios Georgios. Archaeological excavations have brought to light the remnants of the acropolis of the island along with the remains of the cyclopean walls. Today, parts of the walls are the sole surviving remains.

The Ancient Settlement of Kamari is located on the west side of Kamari. Archaeological excavations have brought to light remnants of buildings that extend from the slopes of a low hill to the seabed of the sea. On the hill, there are remnants of granite and limestone columns while one will find marble plates inside the churchyard of the Archangels.

The Ancient Quarry of Petrokopio is located in the heart of the bay of Petrokopio. Excavations have brought to light traces of the ancient quarry as the coast is covered with chunks and gravel of marble.

The Tower of Agia Triada is located on the settlement of Chrisomilia. A series of remnants of marble architectural parts and foundations are scattered all over the hill. On the north side of Agia Triada, one can see the remnants of a sanctuary, which is believed to be dedicated to God Poseidon.

Promenades & Villages

Kambos is the capital of Fourni located on the western side of the island. Traditional houses, mulberry trees and cobblestone alleys spread around the picturesque natural harbour. The life of the village centers around the main square with the big plane tree offering shade and coolness. Fourni hosts one of the largest fishing boat fleet in the Aegean, so it is highly advisable to taste the fresh fish at the seaside taverns.

Kambi is a picturesque settlement located one kilometer away from Kambos. Passing through the three windmills, you will be amazed from the beautiful bay of the area. The bay of Kambi is one of the favorite moorings for the lovers of sailings.

Chrisomilia is a charming settlement located on the north side of the island. The settlement has been characterized as one of the most picturesque fishing havens in the Aegean. Chrisomilia is known for the beautiful beach and the delicious fish taverns. The easiest way to visit the area is by boat, as the road network has not good.

Sunset Spots

Spot: Beach of Kasidi, West Fourni

Spot: Hill of Korakas,  Highest Point of Fourni

Spot: Village of Kambos, West Fourni

Excursions

Boat Trip: The island of Thymaina is an idyllic island with a tranquil atmosphere embellished with whitewashed houses of traditional architecture. The life of the village is concentrated in the sole settlement of the island. The most impressive attractions are the Chapel of Agios Dimitrios with panoramic views of the surrounding areas, the beautiful beach of Keramidou and the delicious seafood in the seaside taverns. Excursion boats operate from the harbour of Fourni.

Activities

Hiking: Fourni has a network of old trails that cross the island that leads to picturesque chapels, isolated beaches and hilltops with magnificent views to the Aegean.

Sailing: Fourni is one of favourite places for lovers of sailing. Ideal anchorage points include the bays Bali, Elidaki and Kamari.

Snorkelling: Numerous remnants of houses of the ancient settlement are lying on the seabed of the beach of Kamari.

Beaches

Ambelos is a sandy beach with turquoise waters and verdant vegetation located on the north side of the island. It is one of the favourite beaches for lovers of nature and those looking for seclusion.

Agia Triada is a sandy beach with crystal clear waters and tamarisk trees located on the north side of the island. It is an isolated beach ideal for those looking for seclusion.

Bali is a long sandy beach with crystal clear waters located on the central part of the island. It is a secluded beach ideal for those looking for tranquility.

Chrysomilia is a sandy beach with crystal clear waters located on the north side of the island. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island with serene landscapes. Chrisomilia is considered to be the most charming fishing boat haven of the Aegean!

Elidaki is sandy beach with crystal clean waters located on the southwest side of the island. It is a secluded beach ideal for those looking for tranquility.

Kamari is a sandy and pebbled beach with crystal clear waters located on the northeast side of the island. The beach is an ideal spot for snorkelling lovers as numerous remnants of houses from the ancient settlement lie on the seabed.

Kassidi is a white sandy beach with turquoise waters located on the southwest side of the island. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of Fourni ideal for those looking for tranquillity.

Kambi is a sandy and pebbled beach with blue waters located on the southwest side of the island. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. The beach is well organized with numerous amenities including sunbeds, umbrellas and a beach bar.

Petrokopio is a secluded sandy beach with turquoise waters and lush vegetation located on the central part of the island. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. The easiest way to access the beach is by boat.

Psili Ammos is a sandy sandy beach with crystal clean waters located on the central part of the island. It is one of the most popular beaches of Fourni. The beach is is well organized with numerous amenities including umbrellas and sunbeds and a beach bar.

Vlychada is a sandy and pebbled beach with crystal clean waters located on the south side of the island. It is a secluded beach ideal for those looking for tranquility.

Coffee Corners, Gastronomic Delights and Cocktails Inspirations

Coffee Corners

Drosia: Coffee and Pastries, Kambos

Meltemi: Coffee, Thymaina

Platia: Coffee, Kambos

To Steki tou Skevou: Coffee, Kambos

Gastronomic Delights

Almyra: Seafood, Kamari

Delfinakia: Seafood, Kambos

Kottaras: Greek Cuisine, Thymaina

Miltos: Seafood, Kambos

Nikos: Seafood, Kambos

O Vaggelis: Seafood, Chrisomilia

Cocktails Inspirations

Kampi Beach Bar: Cocktails and Drinks, Kampi

Mylos: Cocktails and Drinks, Kambos

Psili Ammos Beach Bar: Cocktails and Drinks, Psili Ammos Beach

To Steki tou Skevou: Cocktails and Drinks, Kambos

Local Products & Specialties

The local products of the island include thyme honey, goat cheese and mizithra cheese. As Fourni host the largest fishing fleet in the Aegean, the island is renowned for its delicious fish.

The local specialties of the island include shrimp spaghetti, lobster pasta, grilled octopus and mussels.

Events & Festivals

Every 17th of July, the traditional celebration in honour of Agia Marina is held at the central square of Kambi. The feast involves traditional music and local delicacies made from the cultural association of Fourni.

Every 31st of  July, the Fish Festival takes place in the island. The festival is accompanied from traditional music and dance.

Every 15th of August, the traditional celebration in honour of the Assumption of Virgin Mary takes place in the island.  The feast involves cultural dances and local delicacies made from the cultural association of Fourni.

Every 29th of August, the traditional celebration in honour of Agios Ioannis Thermastis takes place in the island. After the liturgy, a feast is held with traditional music and local delicacies.

History & Mythology

Mythology

The island of Fourni is not associated with any myths.

History

The history of the island dates back to the Classical and the Hellenistic times. Fourni were under the occupation of the Ottomans, from which were deliberated in July 1912, when the Ikarian Revolution took place. Fourni became a part of the Greek State in November 1912. The island served one of the most important bases of operations of pirates who invaded to the Aegean Sea during the Middle Ages owing to the unique morphology of the island with hundreds of small fjords and hidden bays where the ships could be concealed. To this extend, in antiquity, Fourni used to be called Corseoi Islands, after Corsairs the pirates who used Fourni as their base.

Travel & Transport

By Air: Ikaria has a national airport operating flights on a daily basis from the International Airport of Athens. The journey usually lasts from thirty to forty five minutes. From Agios Kirikos and Evdilos, there are daily ferryboats routes to Fourni. Book your tickets with AirTickets.com!

By Boat (140 Nautical Miles): Fourni is accessible from the harbor of Piraeus. The journey usually lasts seven to nine hours. The easiest way to travel to Fourni is to travel by airplane to Ikaria or Samos and then to take the daily ferryboat to Fourni. During the summer, there are daily routes from Agios Kirikos in Ikaria and Pythagorio in Samos. Book your tickets with FerriesinGreece.com !

Mysterious Greece Tips

About Fourni

Fourni is one of the remotest islands of Greece. Actually, it is a cluster of small islands that consists from the uninhabited islands of Agios Minas, Alatonisi, Anthro, Kedro, Thymainaki, Kisiria, Makronisi, Petrokaravo, Plaka, Plakaki and Strogilo and the inhabited islands of Fourni and Thymaina. Fourni is an ideal destination for those looking for relaxation. As the size of the island is small, the road network is limited. Make sure you bring cash with you, as there is only one cash machine on the island. Discover Fourni through a photographic journey of Google!

An Excursion to Thymaina Island

The island of Thymaina is an idyllic island located opposite Fourni. The life of the village is concentrated in the sole settlement of the island. The most impressive attractions include the Chapel of Agios Dimitrios with panoramic views of the surrounding areas, the beautiful beach of Keramidou and the delicious seafood in the seaside taverns. Excursion boats operate from the harbour of Fourni.

Ask the Locals

If you need information regarding Fourni, don’t hesitate asking the locals for advice!

Camping in Fourni

Are you in love with nature? Then, Fourni is for you as it is one of the favourite islands of free campers. Keep in mind, however, that free camping is prohibited from the State of Greece.

Discover Fourni by Boat

The circumnavigation of the small archipelago of Fourni is the best way to discover the mysterious beauties of the island. Excursion boats operate from the harbour of Fourni.

Easter in Fourni

Fourni is an ideal destination for Easter. There are beautiful customs that will definitely impress you. During the Holy Week, the local people start the preparations including house painting and house cleansing. On Holy Thursday, , the locals visit every chapel of the surrounding hills and light up the hanging oil lamps; this creates a very beautiful atmosphere in the darkness of the night. On Holy Friday, the women of the village gather to decorate the Epitaph with flowers and they chant during the procession of the Epitaph at night. On Holy Saturday, the men of the village exercise the Kladia Custom, where they pick many branches and leave the at the beach, where the feast is held. During the feast, rich stuffed lamb with spices is served followed from traditional music. On the evening of Holy Saturday, a great religious feast is held with fireworks, food, drink, music and dancing. On Easter Sunday, the men prepare the lamb followed from the “burning of Judas” custom in the square of the village. This is followed from the custom of dynamites, where young men gather on the hills and they throw handmade fireworks!

Emerald, Sapphire and Turquoise Waters

The most beautiful beaches of Fourni include Ambelos, Chrisomilia, Kassidi and Petrokopio. Keep in mind that the majority of the beaches are isolated and secluded. Therefore, it is recommended to bring with you all the necessary provisions!

Exploring Fourni

Wear your trainers, get a bottle of water and start walking! Fourni has a network of old trails that cross the island that leads to picturesque chapels, isolated beaches and hilltops with magnificent views to the Aegean. Head for the lovely settlement of Chrisomilia to discover a series of sandy beaches and explore the southern peninsula of Fourni that hides a lot of spectacular beaches.

Romantic Promenades in Chrisomilia

Chrisomilia holds the reigns of the most picturesque fishing haven in the Aegean!

Sailing in Fourni

The shoreline of the island is one of favourite places for lovers of sailing. Ideal anchorage points include Bali, Elidaki and Kamari.

Spring in Fourni

In spring, the beauty of the countryside and the verdant mountainous sceneries of the island are outstanding! Bird watchers will have the opportunity to encounter numerous bird species while lovers of nature will get ecstatic from the verdant sceneries of the mountains. Fourni is a beautiful getaway from a real spring paradise!

Taste the Fresh Fish of Fourni

Fourni hosts one of the largest fishing boat fleets in the Aegean! It is highly recommended to taste the delicious fresh fish of Fourni at the seaside taverns of the three settlements!

Photo Credits

×

Note: All the images are copyrighted from their owners. Please see Terms & Conditions. You can find the original images at the following links:

Aerial view of Fourni: Kjell Arne Berntsen by Flickr

Donkey: T_y_l by Flickr

Kambi Bay: Vangelis Kondilas by Fourni.com

Kambi Villagevisit.samos.gr

Landscape: Tanzania by Wikimedia

Petrokopio BayClive Popleby Wondergreece.gr

Thymaina isle: visit.samos.gr

View to FourniWin De Weerdt by Flickr

View to Thymaina: Waldviertler by Wikimedia