SMALL CYCLADES

The Small Cyclades are a group of lesser-known Greek islands, part of the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea.

They include Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonisia, and Donoussa. The islands are known for their serene beauty, clear waters, and traditional Greek village life, and are much quieter, more isolated, and more authentic compared to their famous neighbors, especially Mykonos or Santorini.

Iraklia, the largest yet least populous, is known for its unspoiled landscapes and significant archaeological finds. Schinoussa is famed for its pristine beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Koufonisia, consisting of Ano (Upper) and Kato (Lower) Koufonisi, attracts visitors with its stunning beaches and vibrant local culture. Donoussa, the most remote, is ideal for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.

These islands are accessible by ferry, primarily from Naxos and Amorgos. Their limited tourist infrastructure, with fewer hotels and restaurants, preserves their quaint and uncommercialized charm.

Things to do in the Small Cyclades are hiking, swimming, boat trips, and exploring traditional villages, and for many people that is more than enough.

Year Round

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3-4 days

Historic Center

What to expect

The Small Cyclades offer quiet, small islands with simple charm, crystal-clear water, and a very slow pace. Expect tiny villages, a few tavernas, beautiful beaches you often reach on foot and almost no nightlife. Costs can be a little higher as almost everything is ferried in

Ferries are less frequent, walking or riding a bike is common, and the whole vibe is peaceful, friendly, and wonderfully low-tech.

Language: Greek, but most people in tourist areas speak English ( and more)

Currency: Euro

Credit Cards and ATMs: There are a couple of ATMs on the main islands, but it is a good idea to have a reasonable amount of cash in case of power outages. Most tavernas will take credit cards, but some places won’t.

things to do on Naxos
where to stay in Koufonisia

Best time to visit the Small Cyclades

June – September

Many things close on the 3rd Sunday of September.

How long to go for

At least 3 nights

How to get around

You can walk almost everywhere. On Koufonisi, there are two sea buses that go around to the various beaches.

Which islands are in the Small Cyclades?

The Small Cyclades include
• Ano Koufonisi
• Kato Koufonisi
• Donousa
• Schinoussa
• Iraklia
• Keros
• Agios Georgios (Vorioi Sporades residents count it, but administratively tied to Koufonisia)
• A handful of tiny uninhabited islets like Drima, Plakes and Antikeri that sit within the same cluster

The inhabited islands are Ano Koufonisi, Donousa, Schinoussa and Iraklia – Ano Koufonisi having the largest population of around 400 people.

How do you get there?

Ferries from Naxos, Amorgos and Athens. The Skopelitis boat connects Amorgos with all the Small Cyclades and is the main island hopper.

Do you need a car?

No. All four inhabited islands are walkable, and beaches are close to the main villages.

In fact there are no hire car agencies on these islands. If you are staying at a remote villa ( some on Koufonisi) you can organise to have a car brought over from Amorgos.

Bike riding is popular on Koufonisi, and there are places on the waterfront to rent from.

What is there to do?

Actually, not a lot, which is a big part of their appeal.

The beaches are amazing, so swimming and water activities are the #1 things to do, followed by eating and relaxing. 

You can also do sailing trips around some of the islands/islets and over to Amorgos, in summer.

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