Image by Mila Atkovska / Shutterstock

Small Cyclades

The six tiny islands that lie between Naxos and Amorgos have gone through millennia of civilisation and upheaval, from being densely populated trading centres in the days of antiquity and then fortified Venetian outposts to pirate havens and impoverished fishing backwaters during WWII before recently remerging in the spotlight as increasingly fashionable getaways. Today, only four have permanent populations – Iraklia, Schinousa, Ano Koufonisi (Koufonisia) and Donousa – and they remain very distinct from one another in character and topography, with Koufonisia in particular welcoming sun-worshippers, Schinousa and rugged Donousa appealing to hikers, and Iraklia famous for its cave pilgrimage.

Donousa is the northernmost of the group and the furthest from Naxos; the others are clustered near the larger island's southeast coast.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Small Cyclades.

  • Beach

    Livadi Beach

    Wide sweep of white sand to the east with shallow, clear waters ideal for swimming. There's a taverna across the street from it.

  • Beach

    Kedros Beach

    Gorgeous sweep of white sand, an easy walk from Hora, and popular with naturists. There's a decent taverna here as well.

  • Beach

    Pori Beach

    The island's best beach – a long sandy crescent to the northeast and a bay popular with yachts.

  • Beach

    Livadi

    Appealing white-sand beach, reachable by a 30-minute walk from Mersini.

  • Cave

    Cave of the Sacred Icon of Agios Giannis

    The Cave of the Sacred Icon of Agios Giannis features a large open cave plus white-painted rocks surrounding the tiny entrance to the main sequence of caves. A torch is useful for an initial hands-and-knees crawl along a low-roofed tunnel that leads to caves full of stalactites and stalagmites. The cave can be reached on foot from Agios Giorgios in less than two hours (one way) and in around 1½ hours via Panagia.

  • Beach

    Fanos Beach

    Narrow strip of white sand to the east, with a beach bar and some discreet naturism at one end.

  • Beach

    Livadi Beach

    The largest of Schinousa's beaches, long and sandy, with calm waters to the southwest.

  • Beach

    Finikas Beach

    Long, narrow sandy beach to the east with calm waters and a taverna.

  • Beach

    Psili Ammos

    Secluded, sandy cove a 10-minute walk from the village of Mesaria.