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Only a few miles away from Naxos, there is a group of small islands called the Small Cyclades. Four of them are inhabited now: Iraklia, Shinoussa, Donoussa and Upper Koufonisi.

These small and beautiful islands are an ideal destination for those in search of solitude and peace. The rugged beauty of the barren landscape, the sea-lashed rocks, the little coves along the coastline, a chance to get away from the crowds and the culture of technology - these are the charms which attract visitors to these virtually virgin islands.

Archaeological excavations have shown that the islands were inhabited in prehistoric times. In Iraklia, where there is a cave (Ai-Yanis) with superb stalactites, traces of the Cycladic civilisation have been found.

At the pretty harbour of Messaria on Shinoussa there are ruins of medieval fortifications. Koufonisia (actually two islands : the Upper (Pano) and the Lower (Kato) Koufonisi are those that attract the tourists, as they are full of sandy beaches with crystal clear, ultramarine waters.

Keros, a rocky, uninhabited island just off the east coast of Upper Koufonisi, has yielded the remains of settlements from the Early Cycladic period, together with archaeological finds of the same date which are considered among the finest anywhere in the Cyclades. Romantic souls will enjoy the sight of Keros on moonlit nights, as it is said that the shape of the island resembles the figure of a woman lying naked.

You will find fine beaches on all of those islands, but the best by far are the ones of Upper Koufonisi: starting from the small port with wonderful waters, you will find sandy beaches in a row, as well as small coves with rocks of amazing shapes.

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