Small Cyclades: a paradise in Aegean

If you are looking for a vacation in a tiny, picturesque paradise, this perfect cluster of islands is waiting for you! The Small Cyclades bring to your holidays all the magic that can be found in an island destination. Travel to exotic beaches with crystal clear waters, and if you are smart enough to visit them off season, you will really have them all to yourself!

Which are the islands of the Small Cyclades

The inhabited islands of the complex are Donoussa, Iraklia, Ano Koufonissi and Schinoussa. Keros and Kato Koufonissi are the most well known of the smaller ones. Other, even smaller islets are Avelonisia, Agios Andreas, Argilos, Aspronisi, Venetiko, Voulgari, Glaronisi, Klidoura, Lazaros, Makares islets, Melantioi islets, Moschonas, Ofidoussa, Plakes islets, Plaki, Prassoura, Skandia, Skylonisi and Tsouloufi.
Organize the ideal and most summerish island hopping in the Small Cyclades, as well as in other fantastic destinations where you do not need a car.

Donoussa

What to do in Donoussa

Start your visit from the settlement found at the port, called Stavros. The other settlements are Messaria, Mersini, and Kalotaritissa. There you will see the picturesque Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Dive in Fokospilia, a large cave that used to be a pirate stronghold. Rent a boat to reach the Cave of the Wall. You will hardly resist the temptation to dive in its blue waters. Hike to discover the five different marked routes of the island. All of them require a 20-40 minute walk, while for the Stavros – Kalotaritissa hike you need about 1.5 hours to cover 4.5 km.

Church in the village of Stavros in Donoussa

Where will I swim in Donoussa

Kedros has turquoise waters and small pebbles. It is a rather famous spot, since Forbes magazine put it on the list of the 8 best beaches in the world for 2018.
Tip: Do not forget your mask! Here you will get to visit the wreck of a German ship from World War II.
Stavros is the beach at the port, with clear waters and sand.
Livadi is an unorganized beach accessible only on foot or by boat.
Mesa Ammos is a secluded beach with fine pebbles. It is the largest beach in the settlement of Kalotaritissa. Its neighboring beach is called Tripiti.

Sandy beach in Donoussa

How will I go to Donoussa

Donoussa is 7 hours away from the port of Piraeus. It is connected with Amorgos, Astypalea, Heraklion, Koufonissi, Paros, Naxos, Syros and Schinoussa.

Koufonissia

What to do in Koufonissia

See the traditional mills that date back to the 18th century. One is located at the port and the other one at the Carnagio, where repair and maintenance of seagoing boats takes place. In the Folklore Museum you will see objects used daily by the farmers and fishermen of the island. Try the island's specialties like shrimp, lobster, or crayfish spaghetti. Take the boat to Kato Koufonissi and reach its highest point, the chapel of Panagia. Visit Keros, which since 1992 has been declared an archeological site.

View in Koufonissia

Where will I swim in Koufonissia

Ammos is located in the port and it offers visitors a first taste of what the other beaches are like.
Swim at the beach called Pool, in order to find out for yourself that its waters are actually as green as you see in the photos. It got its name because it really looks like a swimming pool surrounded by rocks.

The beautiful protected beach Pori in Koufonissia

The beach that does not need filters to look beautiful is Pori. Next to it is the cave "The Eye of the Devil".
If the weather is good, without strong winds, dive in the caves of Xylobatis Bay.
Italida (The Italian) is one of the most famous and favorite destination of nudists.
When you are in Kato Koufonissi, swim in Nero (Water) beach to discover the oasis with palm trees.

Platia Pounta beach in Koufonissia

How will I go to Koufonissia

Koufonissi is 7 hours from the port of Piraeus and 9 from Rafina. It is connected with Amorgos, Donoussa, Folegandros, Milos, Heraklion, Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Schinoussa, Serifos, Sifnos, Tinos and Syros.

Schinoussa

What to do in Schinoussa

Panagia Akathi Church is popular because it hosts the miraculous image of Panagia. It is located in Chora, the island’s capital.
See the three windmills, each in a different settlement of the island: One in Messaria, one in Tsigouri and one in Vargies.
The Pirate Cave, also known as the Maniatis Cave, is found on your way to the Port.
In the Folklore Museum of Schinoussa you will find objects and traditional costumes from the everyday life of the locals.

View of Livadi beach in Schinoussa

Where will I swim in Schinoussa

Psili Ammos has many reasons to become your favorite: It has a dune, white sands and emerald waters.
Almyros has shallow waters and is an ideal beach for children. It has a few trees for natural shade.
Livadi is located near the port and is the most popular beach in Schinoussa. Here you will find accommodation and places for food and drink.

Sandy beach in Schinoussa

How will I go to Schinoussa

Schinoussa is 7 hours from the port of Piraeus. Its is also connected to Donoussa, Iraklia, Amorgos, Paros, Naxos, Syros and Koufonissi.

Iraklia

What to do in Iraklia

See the ruins of the Castle located on Livadi beach, built in the 4th century BC.
Go on a bird watching stroll in the Bay of Merichas. There you will see many different species of birds passing by, and you can also do some climbing.
Take a walk in Agios Athanasios, an abandoned village with impressive architecture.
Take a walk in the picturesque settlement of Panagia, which is also known as Pano Chorio or Chora, to enjoy a great view of the Aegean.
Visit the Cave of Agios Ioannis which is the largest in the Cyclades.

View in the Bay of Merichas

Where will I swim in Iraklia

Agios Georgios is next to the port, with sand, trees and crystal clear waters.
You will reach Alimia by boat. With a mask you can see a sunken German seaplane, from World War II.
Livadi has turquoise waters and has the longest sandy beach on the island.

Traditional alley in Iraklia

How will I go to Iraklia

Iraklia is connected to the port of Piraeus and the journey takes almost 7 hours. The island is also connected with Amorgos, Schinoussa, Donoussa, Syros, Paros, Naxos and Koufonissi.

The Small Cyclades are the ideal destination for low budget holidays. Make sure to book your holiday in time, these small gems have limited facilities. That’s why the best time to go is in june or September. Book your ferry ticket to the Small Cyclades now, with Let’s Ferry.