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Small Cyclades and which is the best of these Islands
05.09.2023
The small or minor Cyclades are still a secret tip and this for many reasons. The major one might be that there hard to access. Which is good for all the folks who take the time to get there.
How to get there:
Some Cycladic Island, like Paros, Naxos, Santorini and Milos do have an Airport. Fly there, take the Ferry to the Island of your Dreams.
During Summer (High Season) Ferries are commuting very frequently, before and after, like June or September and the rest of the year, you better inform yourself before you get there.
The easiest way to do so is to check online at the Ferry companies sides like seajets.com or f.ex. ferries.gr. Although you pay maybe an extra fee, you have less hassle once you were in Greece.
Where to stay
During High Season its very recommended to book your place to stay in advance. Traveling off season, hit the Island and find your place! There so many nice, little beautiful hostels, b&bs small Hotels to discover.
Koufonisia
There two Koufonisia, a populated bigger one Pano Koufonisia, and an almost empty, smaller one, Kato Koufonisi. The empty one is highly recommended if you sail by with your boat. Cristal clear deep blue or turquoise waters, shelters bays in the south and one or the other seaturtle crawling by is not unusual here. As the wind is coming quite often from north, you find several protected bays to anchor in the south of this Paradise.
F. ex. Detis Bay, Pezoulia Beach
The bigger one, is fairly scenic, with beautiful blue waters, some nudist Beaches and some pretty little Beach Restaurants like Pori Café at Pori Bay. Koufonisia Town is super pretty, the old Windmills overlooking the port is almost too Cliché. (although its real and true).
Restaurants
Neo Remezzo, Koufonisia
no webside
Fish! Octopus! Seafood!
Fos Fanari, Koufonisia
no webside
Modern Greek Food. Super yum.
Where to stay
Utopia Hotel
My favorite! Simple yet stylish, Yoga and meditation available, but if you just seek sour privacy, you'll find it here too.
Donoussa
This most eastern Island of the small Cyclades is wonderful sleepy, although it has some really good places to eat and also a wonderful bakery (called Panama) just close to the port and ferry pier at the main village.
Climb the little hill next to the village, you have a wonderful view to Naxos. And if your lucky, one of the restaurants up there, are open. They all serve decent traditional food.
F. ex. Restaurant Simadoura.
Ios
Ios is one of the bigger and more lively Islands. But even you find a club and some parties its far from what you experience on the bigger and more accessible Island. Whatever you heard about Ios, it is even more beautiful.
Iraklia
The biggest Island of the small Cyclades offers a lot tho whom is seeking eace and nature. To me the most authentic Island in this region, for some maybe to sleepy. But the variety of hiking possibilities and lonely yet stunning beaches made me fall in Love with this jewel.
Schinoussa
Tiny island with 3 villages. You can reach almost every beach within 45 minutes walk and you might see the same friendly man on his donkey on every walk you do on that Island. Some really rich people have their holiday houses here, still its a very authentic place.
Dont miss the famous Fava - the recipes shall be from this Island originally, although you get it everywhere around Cyclades nowadays. But they claim to have the best yellow-split pea, which Fava is made of.
Restaurant
Kira Pothiti, Chora Schinoussa
no webside
Best Food in town, so fresh and with a twist.
Deli Restaurant Café and Bar, Chora Schinoussa
good for a Coffee, Frappe or Iced Coffee in the morning. Wonderful view for a Sundowner.