Between Naxos and Amorgos there are some small islands with a fantastic sea and a great story: they are commonly known as the "Small Cyclades". Donoussa, Pano Koufonissi, and Schinoussa Iraklia, the only populated, are the most easily accessible thanks to daily connections from Piraeus, Naxos and Amorgos. The locals are friendly and hospitable, always ready to tell the stories of the past and the beauty of the place. Natural beauty that make them unique among the rest of the Aegean islands. Downwind of the many beaches where you can relax and clear waters will fascinate you with different shades of blue and turquoise. Paths that lead to mystical places, delicious local dishes and tasty natural products, alongside the picturesque churches and small white houses. Today, these ports and bays of the Small Cyclades are known throughout the Aegean as the best holiday destination in sailboats and catamarans.

In the heart of the Aegean Sea, in the heart of the Cyclades islands, the Cyclades group consists of a small complex of 32 small islands, of which only 4 are inhabited, and numerous rocky islets. Small, quiet, with golden sand eed turquoise sky in a single unit. Since 1994 they are under the administrative power of the prefecture of Naxos.

Koufonissi

Koufonissi costituia has two islands located on the southeast side of Naxos and on the west side of Amorgos. A distance of about 200m between Pano (Upper) Koufonissi (or Koufonisia) from the uninhabited island of Kato (Lower) Koufonissi (or Kato Nisi). The golden sand and crystal clear waters with their unique color give an aura of magic to the island. Koufonissi also offers small bays where sometimes you're completely alone, as a private Jacuzzi lagoons, caves to swim exciting and beautiful rock formations on which to lie down and read a good book. Natual beauty aside, there is an atmosphere of relaxation and serenity. This depends largely on the fact that the island is so small that very few roads and is therefore practically no traffic car.

How to Reach Koufonissi: from Italy you should fly to Santorini (more frequent flights) or, better, to Naxos (less frequent flights but closer island). By hydrofoil, catamaran or ferry you must travel from Santorini to Naxos. You can take the ferry from Naxos (Skopelitis Express) to Koufonissi. The Express Skopelitis is small and slow, sometimes late, but it covers the Iraklia-Schinoussa-Koufonissi-Amorgos route all year round, 6 days a week in high season. A couple of times a week in high season,some larger ferries (Blue Star Ferries) and faster boats go to Koufonissi.

Schinoussa

A jewel among the small Cyclades, Schinoussa is located south of Naxos, including Koufonisia and Heraklia. Like the nearby islands, Schinoussa is very small in size and number of inhabitants. There are about 130 inhabitants, many working in agriculture and are dedicated to the breeding of livestock. It is rustic and unspoiled island with a big heart that is visited by few tourists. The tourism business has not yet reached Schinoussa. Not much to do and almost nothing ever happens. The entertainment here are reading books in the tavern, excursions to remote beaches or relax and admire the view from your balcony. Schinoussa island is perfect for those seeking peace and tranquility for those who love the places where mass tourism has not yet been founded roots.

How to Reach Schinoussa: from Italy you should fly to Santorini (more frequent flights) or, better, to Naxos (less frequent flights but closer island). By hydrofoil, catamaran or ferry you must travel from Santorini to Naxos. You can take the ferry from Naxos (the Skopelitis Express) which operates the Iraklia-Schinoussa-Koufonissi-Amorgos route throughout the year (6 days a week in high season). The alternative is to fly to Athens and go to the port of Athens (Piraeus), and then embark on the Blue Star Ferries to Schinoussa (3 times a week).

Donoussa

Located on the northeastern part of the Cyclades is a little more distant than the other islands. Donoussa is located about 15 nautical miles east of the island of Naxos (Moutsouna) and 14 north of Amorgos (Egiali). A small paradise for those who want to enjoy nature in peaceful surroundings, swimming and sunbathing. Its small marinas and the strong smell of cedar trees give beauty at this island. Of the inhabited islands, Donoussa is one that has the worst ferry connections, inquanto is slightly offset from the other islands and is much less crowded. Tourism is still in its primordial state. However it has recently grown in popularity, especially for families with children who are tired of Koufonissi where tourism has grown tremendously in recent years. In fact the two isolesono very similar: a small port village with few houses and streets, a beautiful sandy beach that divides the village, little traffic and an environment ideal fit for children.

How to Reach Donoussa: from Italy you should fly to Santorini (more frequent flights) or, better, to Naxos (less frequent flights but closer island). By hydrofoil, catamaran or ferry you must travel from Santorini to Naxos. You can take the ferry from Naxos (the Skopelitis Express) which operates the Iraklia-Schinoussa-Koufonissi-Amorgos route throughout the year (5 days a week in high season). The alternative is to fly to Athens and go to the port of Athens (Piraeus), and then embark on the Blue Star Ferries to Donoussa (3 times a week).

Iraklia

The westernmost of the Lesser Cyclades island, Heraklion is the largest extension, but the least populated with its 115 inhabitants mostly engaged in fishing and agriculture (just to tourism). And 'situated in the Chora of Naxos, 18 miles and 2.5 miles south of the headlands and Gaitani Katomeri of Naxos, Ios 6 miles east and 19 miles from Katapola Amorgos, 1 mile and 5 miles from Koufonissi Schinoussa. Heraklion is the ideal island for those who want to experience Greece and its islands as they were before. It 'also an island for those seeking peace and quiet, solitary walk along paths beaten only by donkeys, and for those who like to spend lazy days on empty beaches and lonely nights cozy and small taverns offering delicious Greek cuisine.

How to Reach Iraklia: from Italy you should fly to Santorini (more frequent flights) or, better, to Naxos (less frequent flights but closer island). By hydrofoil, catamaran or ferry you must travel from Santorini to Naxos. You can take the ferry from Naxos (the Skopelitis Express) which operates the Iraklia-Schinoussa-Koufonissi-Amorgos route throughout the year (6 days a week in high season). Three or four days a week it also goes to Donoussa. Blue Star Ferries covers the route three or four days a week.

Keros

Rocky and barren island of 15 sq km extension, Keros is about 1.5 miles south-east of the 'island of Koufonissi. It is currently uninhabited, but Keros was once an important center of the Cycladic culture. Pano view from Keros Koufonissi gives the impression that the outline of the island resembles a woman lying on her back.

How to Reach Keros: from Italy you should fly to Santorini (more frequent flights) or, better, to Naxos (less frequent flights but closer island). By hydrofoil, catamaran or ferry you must travel from Santorini to Naxos. From Naxos, as well as from other islands, there are no boats going to Keros. The only way to get there is by renting a private boat or a charter.