We are glad to invite you to discover the Small Cyclades, a group of islands southeast from Naxos, not so popular but still stunning and with unspoiled charm. How to reach from Naxos?
Every day, from the port of Chora, the famous ferry Skopelitis, on its route to Amorgos, stops in each island that form the Small Cyclades Archipelago: Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonissi and Donoussa and finally Keros. Let us tell you something more about it!
We start with the most famous, Koufonissi, which is made up of Ano Koufonissi, that means the habited island and Kato Koufonissi, uninhabited paradise. Koufonisia is the name of the archipelago that includes the 2 Koufinissi and the small island of Keros.
The center of Koufonissi is Chora, where the ships arrive every day and where there are several hotels, restaurants, tavernas and small bars! The sea of this island is indescribable, the blue color will leave you speechless.
In recent years mass tourism has literally invaded this little paradise, especially in the central months from June to August, so we recommend you visit it in the other months to better enjoy the wild charm! Pori Beach is something you have never seen, a horseshoe-shaped bay accessible both by small taxi boats departing from Chora and by foot. If you decide to walk, it takes about one hour from Chora but the walk is worth it, you’ll find yourself crossing all the beaches until you get to Pori and you can stop at every beach for a restorative bath!
The other beaches are: Megali Ammos which is the beach of Chora, the wild Finikas, Fanos, Italida, and Devil’s Eye famous natural pools carved into the rock, perfect for those who love to dive and swim in transparent waters.
It is also worth a visit in Kato Koufonissi island, uninhabited but equally charming, accessible from the port of Chora by taxi boat in about 10 minutes time. Here you can spend the day walking the island to discover its beaches.
Keros is an uninhabited and not popular island. With an area of 15 sq.km it is mountainous and arid, and it is famous for its archaeological finds. For this reason, the island is protected by the Government. It is considered the heart of the Cycladic civilization and seems that in this island was born the Cycladic Art over 2000 years ago. There are no beaches but on the other hand there is a wonderful sea. Legend says that the rock of the island is magnetic and therefore able to emit positive and benefic flows to those who touch it! Is that true? You must go in person to find out!
Iraklia is the most meridional of the 4 islands and has only one road 8 km long, it stretches for 18 km and counts 115 people. Correct, you got it! if you spend a holiday on this wonderful island you will probably end being friend with all of them! Like the other Cyclades, those who go on holiday to Iraklia seek peace and tranquility, a holiday in the name of walks and deserted beaches, a place where you can really pull the plug, disconnect and immerse yourself in the Greek atmosphere made of real and genuine traditions! We recommend you visit the Cave of the sacred icon of Agios Giannis, which is about a 2 hours walk. Legend says that the cave ends on the island of Ios! On August 28th, a religious ceremony is celebrated lit only by candles… something really unique!
Donoussa is the most easterly island, measuring 13 sq.km and with 160 people. Stavros is the main center and port, the other villages are Troulos, Messaria, Mersini and Kalotaritissa. Recommended to see absolutely are the small beaches of Stavros, Kedros, Bruises and Kalotaritissa. The island is also an ideal destination for lovers of walks since almost everything is only accessible by foot. In the evening you can enjoy a typical dinner in the few taverns in Stavros.
Finally, Shinoussa is located southeast of Naxos and is probably the wildest of all. Measuring only 9 sq.km, the main center is Panaghia, a beautiful village with its white houses and tavernas. If you really want to isolate yourself from the World, this island is your ideal destination. Here, too, you can walk to the beaches, the most famous and Psili Ammos with its turquoise water and fine sand.
So, are you ready to book your next holiday?
Please read also our articles to see all the accommodations we have in the Small Cyclades:
