Koufonisi is an islet of the South Cretan Sea, 10 miles southeast of Makriyalos. Its current name, Koufonisi, is said to derive from the many caverns and caves created by the sea and the rain corroding and shaping the soft rock. The island is not inhabited at present, but it is full of human activity remains, starting from Protominoan times and reaching the post-Byzantine era. The island features very beautiful sandy beaches and its greatest part is covered by thin sand, not very different from African deserts. The visitor will be amazed at the beauty of the white rocks next to the infinite blue and enjoy the peace and quiet of the natural surroundings while swimming in its turquoise waters. It is accessible by private boat or by organised boat trip from Makryialos.