Google MapSmall East Cyclades
There are on the seaside of southeast of Naxos and northwest of Amorgos. They are famous for their wonderful quiet beaches and crystal water of theirs.
Other smaller but uninhabited islands are Avelonisia, Agios Andreas, Argilos (or Agrilos), Aspronisi (or Ligari), Venetiko, Voulgari, Glaronisi, Klidoura, Lazaros, Makares, Melantioi, Mosxonas, Ofidousa, Plakes, Plaki, Prasoura, Skandia, Skylonisi and Tsouloufi.
They have regular connection with Naxos and Amorgos and some of them are connected straight with Pireus port.
Iraklia
Located between Ios and Naxos, with a ring of islands around it, Irakleia is endowed with rolling hills, picturesque coves, a particularly interesting flora and old stone-paved pathways which make it the ideal place for relaxed summer holidays. Populations of monachus monachus, the Mediterranean monk seal, and caretta – caretta, the sea turtle, live by the island’s shores. Life follows a particular pattern here on its two villages – both pretty as a picture: Agios Georgios (where the island’s harbour is) with a lovely sea view and Panagia with white cube-shaped little houses.
Schinousa
Located roughly in the centre of the Minor Eastern Cyclades group, you will find popular Schinoussa, S of Naxos and NE of Irakleia; those who visit it will enjoy enchanting sunset views, lee inlets, pretty little villages, golden sand beaches and a quiet way of life that is “disturbed” only by the famous feasts held on the island. It is unnecessary to drive a car here as the 9 sq. km area is quite easy to explore on foot, in one and a half hour at the most! There are three villages: Chora (Panagia) is truly a sight not to be missed, as the characteristic Cyclades small houses have gardens teeming with basil pots and bougainvilleas; sheltered Mersini used to be a pirate hideout, today it is one of the safest harbours for small boats in the entire Aegean; Mesaria is the smallest village with kitchen gardens and small vineyards everywhere you look.
Koufonisia
Koufonisia is a small group of two islets, E of Naxos and W of Amorgos; these are Pano Koufonisi and Kato Koufonisi, and they are separated by a narrow 200 m. wide strait. They were named Koufonisia because of the existing huge caves which gave the impression to pirates who viewed them from a distance that the islands were hollow! At a short distance you will see the deserted Keros island. It has been designated as an archaeological site under protection, as major Cycladic Art finds have been unearthed there many a time. Out of the two islands, Pano Koufonisi is the only populated one. Koufonisia are a favourite destination for those who seek to relax on their holidays and look for sheltered golden sand beaches, small natural pools of turquoise waters, feasts in the original ‘island way’ and seafood fresh from the sea.
Donousa
The northernmost island of the Minor Eastern Cyclades group lies between Naxos and Amorgos. Donousa or Stavros is the capital town and a tourist destination. Mersini, Charavgi (Mesaria) and Kalotaritissa villages are picturesque and definitely worth a visit. Tourists will enjoy hiking across the countryside that is sweet-smelling with herbs, as the island area is just about 13 sq. km.
Accommodation
For your accommodation at Small East Cyclades, you can book a room in one of the hotels and rooms to let.
At Schinousa, Koufonisia , Donoysa but also Iraklia, there are hotels, guesthouses, rooms to let, furnished rooms and studios of several categories and types, that can satisfy visitors demands for a pleasant stay.
You will find nice hotels, guesthouses, and rooms to let, from all categories and price variety.
