The Lesser Cyclades — a constellation of small islands scattered between Naxos and Amorgos — feel like Greece before mass tourism. Koufonisia, Schinoussa, Iraklia, and tiny uninhabited islets form a world of crystalline waters, sleepy harbors, and beaches so pure they seem untouched by time.
The Lesser Cyclades — a constellation of small islands scattered between Naxos and Amorgos — feel like Greece before mass tourism. Koufonisia, Schinoussa, Iraklia, and tiny uninhabited islets form a world of crystalline waters, sleepy harbors, and beaches so pure they seem untouched by time.
While ferries connect the main ports, the true magic of the Lesser Cyclades hides beyond their promenades. Many of their best beaches have no road access, no sunbeds, and no noise — just sand, rock, and the Aegean in its purest form. With YAL’OOU, they’re yours to explore at leisure, far from the gaze of the ordinary traveler.
Pori Beach, Koufonisia – A Pink-Tinted Secret
On the northeast of Pano Koufonisi lies Pori, famed for its curve of pale sand and hypnotic turquoise shallows. But just beyond its main stretch, a hidden corner awaits — smaller, softer, with hints of pink sand at the water’s edge. Arrive early by yacht, and you’ll have it entirely to yourself for a morning swim in water that feels like liquid glass.
Livadi Beach, Schinoussa – The Island’s Quiet Heart
Schinoussa is an island of whispers — small, slow, and full of charm. Livadi is its jewel: a gentle bay with calm waters, shaded by tamarisk trees. No roads lead directly to it, and reaching it from land means a long walk under the sun. From the sea, however, it’s a graceful glide into tranquility. The shallows here are perfect for floating in peace, with nothing but the sound of cicadas.
Agios Georgios Bay, Iraklia – Serenity Defined
Iraklia is perhaps the most untouched of the inhabited Lesser Cyclades, and Agios Georgios Bay holds one of its most secluded corners. Hidden behind rocky arms, this small beach offers natural shelter from the wind, making it a dream anchorage for yachts. The water is calm, warm, and inviting — a place to linger long after you’ve dried from your swim.
Uninhabited Gems – Kato Koufonisi & Beyond
Just across from Pano Koufonisi, Kato Koufonisi has no cars, no hotels, and no roads — only a handful of houses and coves that feel like the edge of the world. Boat-only beaches like Detis and Nero are wild and pristine, with sand so soft it squeaks underfoot. These are the kinds of places where hours slip by unnoticed, and the sea’s colors shift with the sun.
Why the Lesser Cyclades Belong to the Sea
Here, distances are short and the sea is always calm in summer — perfect for slow sailing. By yacht, you can string together multiple beaches in a single day: a swim in Schinoussa’s Livadi, lunch on deck off Koufonisia, and a sunset at Kato Koufonisi before anchoring under a sky dense with stars.
There are no beach bars, no motor noise, no endless rows of loungers. Just pure Aegean beauty, as it has been for centuries.
Island Time, Your Time
Evenings in the Lesser Cyclades are just as magical. Drop anchor near a quiet port, take the tender ashore for fresh grilled fish and local wine, and stroll back under a sky so clear it feels infinite. Tomorrow, there will be more coves to discover — but no rush to find them.
In the Lesser Cyclades, the greatest luxury is not what you add to your journey, but what you leave behind — the crowds, the schedules, the noise. YAL’OOU takes you straight to the heart of this rare freedom, one hidden beach at a time.