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Koufonisia, an up-and-coming retreat
Not far from Schinousa is Kato Koufonisi, right next to the eastern coast of Naxos and very close to Paros. Uninhabited since the 1960s, this island is ideal for a one-day trip to relax. Dock your boat in the old village of Panagia, and swim at Detis and Lakoi beaches nearby. Another option is the bigger beach of Nero (‘water’) where you may meet other holidaymakers from Naxos and Upper Koufonisi.
If you are lucky, you may come across a wedding in the old church of Panagia and receive an invitation to the lavish dinner that usually follows a Greek wedding. If you charter a yacht in Greece in mid-August, don’t miss the feast of Holy Mary on 15th August. In the summer, you can also try delicious fish and ‘meze’ at the traditional tavern of Venetsanos in Panagia.
Ano Koufonisi
Just 200 meters from Kato Koufonisi is Ano Koufonisi, a paradise of mind-blowing natural beauty, better explored by boat. This smallish island is the star of the Lesser Cyclades, massively popular among younger Greeks, especially from Athens. You won’t need a car here, as it’s the smallest populated island of the Cyclades. You can dock in the port right next to Chora, the only village of the island.
On the southern and eastern parts of the island are idyllic beaches such as Loutro, Parianos, Foinikas, Italida, Pisina and Fanos. The highest point of the island is just 113m from the sea level, making this unique place a hiker’s paradise. Hikers will enjoy the route from Chora to the Church of Profitis Ilias, from where you can admire the Aegean Sea. On the north, visit Pori beach, as well as the sea caves in Xilobatis, including the famous ‘Devil’s Eye’.
Keros, an ancient pearl
After a few days, wave goodbye to Koufonisia and sail to Keros, a somehow bigger and different island. Although uninhabited today, Keros used to be a major hub of the Cycladic civilisation nearly 3,000 years ago. Some of the earliest examples of Greek art, including the Harp Player and the flat-faced marble statues that inspired Picasso and Henry Moore, were found in Keros. The island is a protected archaeological site. You can dock your boat to visit its lovely beaches, but you are not allowed to spend the night there.
From Keros you can sail to Amorgos in the eastern Cyclades or head back to Paros or Naxos. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, you can also visit dozens of smaller, uninhabited islets in the Lesser Cyclades where you can dock your boat and admire the rugged landscape of the Aegean Sea. Some of them are Aspronisi, Avelonisia, Venetico, Glaronisi, Makares islands, Melantioi islands, Plaki and Tsouloufi.
Enjoy your trip in this amazing part of the Aegean Sea!
