The Small Cyclades, one of the loveliest Greek island groups, is located between Naxos and Amorgos. The Koufonisi islands (Ano Koufonisi and Kato Koufonisi) Schinoussa, Iraklia, uninhabited Keros, and, slightly further away, Donousa, are the main islands making up the Small Cyclades, which also include some rock islets. These small, mostly barren islands feature some of the Aegean’s most impressive beaches. Sailing in the area is the best way to become acquainted with the regional offering.
Iraklia
Start your exploration of the Small Cyclades from Iraklia and the island’s Alimia beach, at the southwestern section. Enjoy your first swim at this small bay with superb waters. If you are a diver, check out the Nazi German hydroplane that sunk in the area, seven metres deep, during World War II. Then carry on in a southeasterly direction towards Karvounolako beach, blessed with transparent waters, as well as to Tourkopigado, making a stop, along the way, at Merihas beach, a place of rugged beauty. Before mooring at the Tourkopigado harbour for supplies or a fresh fish meal at one of the tavernas, stop at Livadi beach, considered one of Iraklia’s most beautiful beaches.
If you have time, step ashore and head up to the castle, situated at the top of a small hill directly above the beach. The Alimia and Tourkopigado beaches are also good spots for anchoring overnight.
Schinousa
Next, set sail for Schinoussa, located directly across Iraklia. Schinoussa, one of the most popular islands of the Small Cyclades, attracts many boats during summer. This island’s coastline is stunningly lacy, so much so that it can easily keep visitors from continuing their sailing tour of the other islands. Sail around the island and dip into the exquisite waters at its small bays. Most of Schinoussa’s beaches are clustered in the island’s south, Tsigouri being the most popular. At the island’s southeastern section, Pori, a small beach, is a small corridor of land virtually covered by a narrow rocky stretch. The waters here are amazing. Sailing around the island, headed toward the north, leads to Psili Ammos beach, close to the settlement Messaria. This beach offers a combination of sand, rocks and transparent waters. Slightly before reaching the beach, look out for some gorgeous small bay with sensational waters.
Carrying on, sail past Fykio and head east towards Gerolimnionas, a small sandy beach with crystal-clear waters.
Then, continuing towards the harbour, a couple of small bays, such as one close to the Agios Nikolaos chapel, are really worth swimming at. At Mersini, the harbour, stop for a fresh fish meal and also pick up some fava beans, for which Schinoussa is renowned. Three beaches, Liolios, Almyros and Psili Ammos, are ideal spots for overnight anchoring. Ofidousa, a small barren islet directly opposite Schinoussa’s Ai Vassilis beach, narrows down to a thin strip at its middle section to form two beautiful, remote beaches, also worth anchoring at.
Koufonisi islands
From Schinoussa, set sail for the Koufonisi islands. At microscopic Kato Koufonisi, Lakoi, its best-known beach, features tall, narrow rocks immersed in the sea, forming four small bays. At the island’s southeast, Pezoulia offers a setting of wild beauty, created by surrounding rocks, tall and rugged-looking. Nero, a long and narrow beach on the east side, and Fykio, on the west coast, are similar to Pezoulia. Detis beach offers superb waters and a white pebbled shore. Directly opposite, the islet Glaronisi features, on its east side, incredible coves with amazing waters between tall rocks.
At a short distance, Ano Koufonisi possibly offers the most fascinating coastline of all the Small Cyclades. It includes sea caves, unique beaches, such as Gala, formed by a hole in a rock, and Pisina, as well as sandy beaches. Italida and Pori, both offering transparent waters, are the most popular beaches of the island. Behind Pori, the renowned Xylobatis caves must not be skipped. The location’s towering, reddish rocks feature spectacular sea caves that are great spots for swimming. The south and east sides of Ano Koufonisi are fine areas for anchoring overnight.
Keros and Agios Nikolaos
Keros is an uninhabited small island opposite the Koufonisi islands. Spending the night on Keros, as well as the smaller Daskalio islet to the west, is prohibited as a result of archaeological discoveries made at both locations. Swimming, however, is permitted at both islands. The south side of Keros is lined with many small bays wedged between tall rocks. These bays, featuring immaculate waters, are ideal for swimming and overnight anchoring.
The sea area between the islet Daskalio and Keros is also terrific. While sailing north towards Donousa, make sure to visit the rock islet Agios Nikolaos, whose west side, beyond a narrow section, features a lovely beach with marvellous waters. A beach that is just impressive is situated directly behind, on the east side.
Donousa
Donousa, a small barren island, also offers superb waters, appreciated even more when on a sailing tour. Livadi, endowed with golden sand and transparent waters, is considered this island’s most beautiful beach. This beach is easiest approached by boat as the overland route requires at least one hour of walking. Kedros beach, also beautiful, features golden sand with pale turquoise waters.Slightly beyond Kedros, Vathy Limenari, a rocky beach with blue waters, is ideal for seclusion. This spot is wind-protected, making it ideal for overnight anchoring.
The same goes for Livadi. Fokospilia, a retreat for Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) on the east coast, has tall rocks and is another must-see area. Kalotaritissa, towards Donousa’s northeast, and the smaller Trypiti, directly alongside it, are both fine anchoring spots. Evening swims are a delight here. On the west side of the island, Aspros Kavos, a cape featuring tall white rocks, also hosts Toichos, a gigantic sea cave with blue waters, definitely worth seeing.
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