ISLAND

Small Cyclades: A lost paradise

Small Cyclades islands are suitable for isolation and relaxation. Consisting of small islands both inhabited and uninhabited. The cluster of islands composed of Donousa Heraclea, Keros, Koufanisia and Sxinousa.
These islands will be loved especially by those who love the simplicity and measurement. Chora and the smaller settlements have a strong Cycladic color, beaches that are covered with golden sand and cooled by the crystal and fresh waters.
If one could characterize Small Cyclades with few words, it would be a lost paradise.

The islands that consist Small Cyclades:

Donousa: It is the northernmost island of the group. Around Donousa there are uninhabited islets, Chtenia, Skoulonisi and Makares. In this island there is a myth that Dionysus hid Ariadne  when she was abandoned by Theseus on Naxos. The features of Donoussa are caves that are scattered throughout the island. The most known is Fokiospilia which is the refuge of the mediterranean seal. Donoussa is an island ideal for relaxing holidays, sightseeing and of course swimming in the crystal waters.
On this small island you can visit the ruins of the settlement of the Geometric period and the cave Tixos. Furthermore, tourists worth visiting the Church of the Holy Cross, which is the patron of the island. Interesting are the churches of Virgin Mary and Saint John’s.

Heraclea: The island is the westernmost island in the cluster and is located between Ios and Naxos. It is a mountainous island with few inhabitants, it has much vegetation and clear waters. Husbandry is developed in Heraclea. The island is divided into two settlements, St. George and Chora.
In this island, tourists will have the opportunity to visit major monasteries such as the Church of the Virgin Mary, the Church of Saint George and the Church of Taxiarxi.

Koufonisia: Those are two small islands, the Upper and Lower Koufonissi. Lower Koufonissi is uninhabited but the Upper is inhabited and the recent years there is a tourism bloom. The island has great beaches and green waters that charm the eye. The people are friendly and smiling, thus creating a beautiful atmosphere that makes tourists want to revisit for their next holidays. The two islands decorate the eastern Aegean.

Keros: It is a rocky island and one of the most important centers of Cycladic civilization. In Keros excavations have revealed archaeological finds of unique value. The island is uninhabited and those who wish to swim should go to the port “Parianou”.

Schinousa: Schinoussa is at the center of the Small Cyclades and its advantage in the sheltered harbor. It Has a population of 120 residents and it is devided in two villages.On the island, tourists could visit and admire the ruins and the medieval castle.

Beaches

Tourists will find beautiful beaches at all islands of the cluster. In Donousa, visitors will have the opportunity to discover pristine beaches with crystal clear waters. Proposals for tourists are the beaches of the harbor, Deep Limenari, Livadi, Kedros and Kalotaritissa with three beaches,Vlychou, Sapounoxwma and Mesi Ammos. At the bottom of the stunning beach Kedros tourists can see the shadow of a shipwrecked German ship from the Second World War.On Heraclea island, guests will swim in the pristine beaches or  in the pebbly and rocky beaches. Tourists could also explore the coastline by boat. At Kato Koufonissi the holidaymakers starting from the beach of the port will find leeward beaches, each one more beautiful than the other. Arriving at Pori, a circular bay, the tourists will have the chance to swim in the best beach of the island. The most popular beaches are Charokopou and Platia Punta.In Charokopou beach there is a small campsite with amenities to accommodate the visitors. Kato Koufonissi and Glaronissi can be reached by the tourists by boat and find the peace that they seek by deserted beaches. These beaches are mosttly prefered from nudists mainly because of the lack of sight.

Finally, in Schinousa island tourists will find 15 beaches, so different from eachother that will satisfy even the most discerning traveler. For those who love underwater fishing and water sports in general, the waters of Schinousa are ideal.

Entertainment

These beautiful islands offer to visitors a variety of options for entertainment. There are many taverns with homemade foods, ouzo and fresh fish. Sometimes, in restaurants, feasts are taking place some with folk instruments and folk dances. In Koufonisia operates disco and a bar with music that will fill the visitor’s nights with memorable moments.

As for the festivities that take place at the Cycladic islands, the celebration of St George with the procession of the icon is the most impressive. The Holy Week is celebrated in a special way in which the port illuminates from one end to another with torches. The day of resurrection the whole place is enlightend by fireworks. On the last Saturday of June at Koufonisia at Fisherman's Festival, the tourists will enjoy fresh fish, appetizers and drinks while the instruments play insular pace.

Finally, tourists that will experience a night of full moon in Koufonisia will notice the ridge of Keros. They will also be able to enjoy a unique sight on the horizon, where it seems like a couple lying in the Aegean.

Internal Transport

The distances within the islands are small, so they are covered with agricultural vehicles, small tractors, animals, or simply by walking. In many areas the tourists can reach by boat after consultation, and discover paradise corners.

How to get there

Those who wish to visit the lost paradise of the Small Cyclades, can be transported by ferry from Piraeus. Schedules performes widely all year to Donousa, Koufonisia, Heraclea and Schinousa. The trip takes 8 to 15 hours. There are daily departures to the islands from Naxos.

Useful phones

Community Donousa: 22850-51600
Clinic: 22850-51506
Police: 22850-71375
Port Authority of Naxos: 22850-22300
Community Heraclea: 22850-74184
Telephony Service: 22850-71098
Community Koufonissia: 22850-71379
Community Schinousa: 22850-74250

Επιμέλεια: Σταυρούλα Παπαδοπούλου