Small Cyclades Island Hopping 2026: The Complete Route Guide
2026: The Anti-Santorini Archipelago
The Small Cyclades — Koufonisia, Donoussa, Iraklia, Schinoussa — are four tiny islands dangling south of Naxos. Combined population: ~800. Combined tourist infrastructure: a dozen guesthouses, three dozen tavernas, and the clearest water in the Aegean.
This is island hopping as it used to feel: slow ferries between islands, host-at-the-taverna dinners, swim-hike-eat-sleep rhythm, zero club scene.
Planning your trip? Fly/ferry to Naxos first — the hub. Book ferry tickets Naxos → Small Cyclades, plus inter-island links. Bookend with Mykonos.Luxury / The ACE VIP or Athina Luxury Suites for a Mykonos/Santorini contrast.
TL;DR — The Route in 30 Seconds
- Fly/ferry to Naxos — stay 1 night
- Koufonisia (3 nights) — beaches, cliff swims, main base
- Schinoussa or Iraklia (2 nights) — quiet middle
- Donoussa (2 nights) — hiking + empty coves
- Back to Naxos or Amorgos — ferry home
Total: 8–10 days.
The Four Islands — What Each Offers
Koufonisia (Pano Koufonisi)
Pop: 400. Feel: Most developed, boutique vibe, clear turquoise water everywhere. Best for: Swimmers, couples who want style + quiet. Don't miss: Pori Beach walk, Italida cove, Kalofego taverna. Stay: Koufonisia Hotel, Keros Art Hotel (€180–450/night), guesthouses (€80–160). See also: Koufonisia travel guide.
Schinoussa
Pop: 150. Feel: Sleepy and warm — the island that feels furthest from everywhere. Best for: Solo travelers, digital quiet. Don't miss: Tsigouri Beach sunset, Chora walk at dusk, fresh octopus at Georgaras taverna. Stay: Grispos Villas (€140–280), village rooms (€60–100). See also: Schinoussa guide.
Iraklia
Pop: 140. Feel: Very authentic fishing community, dramatic coves. Best for: Walkers, swimmers. Don't miss: Livadi Beach, the Cave of Iraklia hike, Perigiali taverna octopus. Stay: Simple guesthouses (€50–100/night). See also: Iraklia guide.
Donoussa
Pop: 200. Feel: Furthest east, windswept, dedicated hiking network. Best for: Hikers, couples wanting "nothing to do but swim and walk." Don't miss: Kedros Beach (clothing optional), Stavros → Mersini → Kalotaritissa walk. Stay: Simple rooms (€50–100/night). See also: Donoussa guide.
Day-by-Day: 10-Day Flagship Route
Day 1: Arrive Naxos
- Fly Athens → JNX (35 min) or ferry (3h 40min fast).
- Stay Naxos town, dinner taverna.
- Reading: Naxos where-to-stay guide.
Day 2: Naxos → Koufonisia
- Morning small ferry (Skopelitis or fast ferry). 1h 10min.
- Check-in, swim Fanos Beach.
- Sunset walk promenade, dinner Kalofego.
Days 3–4: Koufonisia Core
- Day 3: Rent scooter, ride to Pori + Italida.
- Day 4: Boat day Keros circumnavigation or private caique.
Day 5: Koufonisia → Schinoussa
- 30–45 min ferry.
- Check in, swim Tsigouri, sunset Chora.
Day 6: Schinoussa
- Walk Mersini → Tsigouri → Almyros.
- Fish lunch at Livadi taverna.
Day 7: Schinoussa → Iraklia
- Ferry 20–30 min.
- Swim Livadi, hike to Cave, dinner Perigiali.
Day 8: Iraklia → Donoussa
- Ferry 1h 15min.
- Swim Kedros, dinner at Captain Yiorgos.
Day 9: Donoussa Hiking Day
- Full day Stavros → Mersini → Kalotaritissa.
Day 10: Return
- Ferry Donoussa → Naxos → Piraeus or Amorgos.
- Optional bookend: Continue to Santorini for 2 nights at Athina Luxury Suites.
Getting There: Ferry Reality
Main Hubs
- Naxos → everywhere in Small Cyclades (primary hub)
- Amorgos → secondary entry (via Katapola)
- Paros → some direct to Koufonisia summer only
Ferry Operators
- Skopelitis (the legendary small boat) — daily loops, €8–15 per leg
- Blue Star / SeaJets — bigger, faster on main connections
Frequency 2026
- July–August: Daily from Naxos to Koufonisia; 3–5/week to others
- Shoulder (May–June, September): 3–5/week
- Winter: 2/week, weather-dependent
Book ferry tickets 6–8 weeks out for summer.
Where to Stay
- Koufonisia: Koufonisia Hotel, boutique + guesthouses (€80–450)
- Schinoussa: Grispos Villas (€140–280)
- Iraklia: Rooms (€50–100)
- Donoussa: Rooms (€50–100)
- Naxos bookend: Naxos town hotels (€120–280), see Where to stay Naxos
- Mykonos/Santorini bookend: Mykonos.Luxury, The ACE VIP, Athina Luxury Suites
Getting Around Each Island
- Koufonisia: Rent scooter (€15–25/day); walk within village.
- Schinoussa: Walk or ferry-port shuttle.
- Iraklia: Walk; one bus summer only.
- Donoussa: Walk. No cars for tourists.
On Naxos bookends, rent a car nearby (Naxos partners similar).
Budget Breakdown (10 Days, 2 Adults)
- Backpacker: €1,200–1,800 (guesthouses, tavernas, ferries)
- Comfortable: €2,400–3,600 (boutique Koufonisia, private transfers)
- Boutique + Bookend: €4,500–8,000 (including Mykonos or Santorini 2 nights)
The Vibe
- Music: Silent beaches, taverna bouzouki.
- Food: Fresh catch daily, no menu dumbing-down.
- Pace: Swim-walk-eat-read-sleep. Repeat.
- Dress: Swimsuit, kaftan, espadrilles. No club attire needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why the Small Cyclades and not Mykonos/Santorini?
Different trip. These are for peace, authenticity, clear water. Mykonos/Santorini for energy and icons.
Can I do all 4 islands in a week?
Tight. 8 days ideal, 10 days comfortable.
Is English widely spoken?
Yes — fluent enough.
Best island for a first visit?
Koufonisia. Most developed, best water, easiest logistics.
Is there a doctor?
Naxos has hospital. Small islands: basic clinic only. Serious emergencies = Naxos/Santorini by helicopter.
Any ATMs?
Koufonisia yes. Others unreliable — bring cash.
Can I eat vegetarian?
Yes on Koufonisia. Others more limited.
Wi-Fi?
Guesthouses yes. 4G spotty on Donoussa.
Can I work remotely?
Koufonisia yes. Others variable.
Best beach overall?
Pori Beach Koufonisia or Kedros Donoussa.
Family-friendly?
Yes. Safe, calm, kid-friendly water.
Dog-friendly?
Varies per guesthouse.
Helicopter/luxury options?
Rare. This isn't the luxury tier.
Is August too crowded?
Koufonisia gets busy (not Mykonos-busy). Others still quiet.
Shoulder season?
June and September are perfect.
Can I snorkel?
Excellent snorkeling everywhere.
Cell coverage?
Vodafone best. Other networks patchy.
Is it boring?
For some. If you need nightlife, skip. If you need rest, unbeatable.
Tipping?
10–15% is appreciated, not expected.
Can I combine with Santorini?
Yes. Amorgos → Santorini direct ferry exists.
The Insider's Final Word
Small Cyclades in 2026 is the "slow Cyclades" experience — small islands, clear water, genuine fishing tavernas, hike-swim-eat-read rhythm. Bookend with Naxos on one side and either Mykonos (Mykonos.Luxury or The ACE VIP) or Santorini (Athina Luxury Suites) on the other to contrast.
Booking order:
- Ferry tickets 6–8 weeks out
- Guesthouses direct (email the owner)
- Scooter rental day-of-arrival Koufonisia
- Flexible return options
