In brief
Small Cyclades is a group of small island south and west to Naxos Island; Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonissia, Keros, Antikeros, Daskalio, Donoussa. Koufonisia (Pano Koufonisi) is a tiny island with excellent beaches and attracts lots of visitors, Schinoussa is very quiet, Iraklia is quiet with some nice beaches and Donoussa is the most remote from the group and it has fantastic beaches and it is very quiet too. .
General Information
The Small Cyclades consist of nine islets situated south of Naxos, between Amorgos and Ios. The complex consists of Iraklia, Schinoussa, Donoussa, Koufonissia, Keros, Antikeros, Drima, Makaries, Daskalio and Agios Ioannis. Only four islets are currently inhabited; Iraklia, Ano Koufonisi, Schinoussa and Donoussa.
Small Cyclades is a group of small island south and west to Naxos Island; Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonissia, Keros, Antikeros, Daskalio, Donoussa. Koufonisia (Pano Koufonisi) is a tiny island with excellent beaches and attracts lots of visitors, Schinoussa is very quiet, Iraklia is quiet with some nice beaches and Donoussa is the most remote from the group and it has fantastic beaches and it is very quiet too. .
General Information
The Small Cyclades consist of nine islets situated south of Naxos, between Amorgos and Ios. The complex consists of Iraklia, Schinoussa, Donoussa, Koufonissia, Keros, Antikeros, Drima, Makaries, Daskalio and Agios Ioannis. Only four islets are currently inhabited; Iraklia, Ano Koufonisi, Schinoussa and Donoussa.
Iraklia has a surface area of 19 sq. km and rocky ground with bushes and cedars, while its highest peak is Papas (419 m.). The locals, residing in the two settlements of the island, are occupied with fishing.
Donoussa, situated on the northeastern part of the complex, has four settlements. In the "Fokospilia" (cave for seals) there is a flock of seals living there today.
Schinoussa has a total surface area of 9 sq. km and one settlement.
In Koufonisia swarms of tourists come to swim in the beautiful sea. Kato Koufonissi has a surface area of 4.3 sq. km, Pano Koufonissi has one of 3.8 sq. km and the canal between them is 200 m. wide.
The climate in the Small Cyclades is dry and summers are cool. The cultivation is limited to early garden products and fruits, adequate only for local consumption.
These small and beautiful islands, few of which have any amenities, are an ideal destination for those in search of solitude and peace. The rugged beauty of the barren landscape, the sea-lashed rocks, the little coves along the coastline, a chance to get away from the crowds and the culture of technology – these are the charms which attract visitors to these virtually virgin islands.
These small and beautiful islands, few of which have any amenities, are an ideal destination for those in search of solitude and peace. The rugged beauty of the barren landscape, the sea-lashed rocks, the little coves along the coastline, a chance to get away from the crowds and the culture of technology – these are the charms which attract visitors to these virtually virgin islands.
Archeological excavations have shown that the islands were inhabited in prehistoric times.
In Iraklia, where there is a cave (Agios Ioannis) with superb stalactites, traces of the Cycladic civilisation have been found.
At the pretty harbour of Messaria on Schinoussa, there are ruins of medieval fortifications.
At Koufonisia, the remains of buildings from the Hellenistic and Roman periods have come to light.
Keros has yielded the remains of settlements from the Early Cycladic period, together with archeological finds of the same date which are considered among the finest anywhere in the Cyclades.
Donoussa, too, with its incomparable beaches, has traces of prehistoric habitation.
In Iraklia, where there is a cave (Agios Ioannis) with superb stalactites, traces of the Cycladic civilisation have been found.
At the pretty harbour of Messaria on Schinoussa, there are ruins of medieval fortifications.
At Koufonisia, the remains of buildings from the Hellenistic and Roman periods have come to light.
Keros has yielded the remains of settlements from the Early Cycladic period, together with archeological finds of the same date which are considered among the finest anywhere in the Cyclades.
Donoussa, too, with its incomparable beaches, has traces of prehistoric habitation.
The four of the nine islets of the small Cyclades preserve the typical Cycladic style in their settlements. The white houses with blue doors and the wooden, painted balconies are decorated with red geraniums. The houses are joined with the narrow slate alleys, which are frequently whitewashed by housewives. Tourism has not yet altered the remote islets of the complex, which preserve the Cycladic tradition on every occasion.
Like all people of the Cyclades, the locals love dances and all-night feasts, and the religious celebrations are the ideal occasions for fun. The feasts of the Virgin Mary (August 15th), Agios Georgios (April 23rd) have special, fertile character. The islanders, after going to church, set big tables to participate in the feast from a contribution of "panigiras" (the person who accepts financial responsibility), appointed by the Saint, every year. In Koufonissia, on the day of St George, there is a litany of his icon and fire works, followed by a free meal and wine, offered to all attendants. The feast ends with local dances, danced by every inhabitant.
Things to taste & buy
The tavernas on the small Cyclades offer all kinds of seafood and local dishes. The seaside tavernas in Koufonisia serve "Kakavia" with wine or ouzo, while the ouzo-shops in Iraklia and Donoussa are known for snacks prepared especially for ouzo.
On the islets of the small Cyclades, one can buy local products of excellent quality. The best known are the local products of Iraklia, such as "myzethra" (the famous local cheese) and fresh honey.
On the islets of the small Cyclades, one can buy local products of excellent quality. The best known are the local products of Iraklia, such as "myzethra" (the famous local cheese) and fresh honey.
