In one of the most remote corners of the Aegean, where the blue sea meets the rugged rock of the Cyclades, lies a garden that seems to have sprung from a dream. It is not just any garden; it is a work of art, a living canvas where nature meets the creative vision of a unique artist.
The architect who crafted it, a mysterious designer who has been residing in distant Norway in recent years, brought with him the breath of Scandinavian minimalism, harmoniously blending landscape architecture with sculptures bearing his distinctive mark.
Every sculpture, every veil of white pebbles, and every flowerbed in this garden have been designed with precision and profound thought. This is not random decoration; it is a visual narrative guiding visitors through the island’s secrets, the mysteries of nature, and the soul of the creator.
The pathways weaving through the plants unfold like a treasure map, leading visitors to hidden corners where light plays with the shadows of the sculptures, creating an atmosphere that enchants and mesmerizes.
This garden is not simply a green space; it is an invitation to journey through time and space, a meeting point of art and nature in perfect harmony. Behind this magic lies the singular vision of a creator who managed to transform a small island into a place where dreams come true.
Here, nature speaks first: crystal-clear waters, steep cliffs, sea-carved caves, and trails that guide you from one beach to another.
The island hosts only one taverna, famous for its hospitality and local dishes, while the tranquility of the place is broken only by the sound of wind and waves.
The House with the Garden-Paradise. Who is the Owner?
At the island’s highest point, an unexpected sight awaits the visitor. There stands the house of a Norwegian photographer, who lives permanently in his home country but has fallen in love with Kato Koufonissi, making it his summer sanctuary.
What impresses is not only the simple Cycladic architecture of the house but especially its garden. A garden resembling an open-air art museum: colorful constructions, sculptures made from recycled materials, and symbols that give a playful, almost fairy-tale dimension to the wild landscape. The design and realization of this challenging project are the endeavors of a gifted architect who also resides in the house.
Among the creations stands out a giant circular sculpture that resembles both a flower and an eye. With white “petals” and a vivid yellow center, it dominates the landscape as if watching the horizon. At the entrance, a lush green wrought-iron gate welcomes visitors with the message: “A smile is the prettiest thing you can wear.” Around it, iron constructions, painted eyes, and spiral symbols continue the story.
Kato Koufonisi – Garden of Art
Deeper inside, another sign reads: “Happiness is not a destination, it is a way of life.” All creations of a renowned architect-designer who also enjoys the island’s rare beauty and has turned his garden into a celebration of colors, ideas, and smiles — a dialogue with the landscape and those lucky enough to pass by.
Kato Koufonissi, with its wild beauty and sense of isolation, continues to hide surprises. At its summit, the house with the Garden of Art stands as a symbol of creativity, showing that even in the most remote corners of the Aegean, art finds a way to bloom.
