Small Cyclades Lines

Small Cyclades Lines operates the Express Skopelitis, a key service for the Small Cyclades islands. The Small Cyclades (sometimes rather disparagingly called Minor or Lesser) are a group of islands close to Naxos that offer a more traditional holiday experience for the traveller who is willing to explore a little off the beaten track. These islands are often called the hidden gems of the Cyclades for that reason.

The inhabited member islands are:

• Iraklia
• Schinousa
• Koufonisia
• Donousa

For the Small Cyclades Lines schedule check out the Express Skopelitis website.

How do you get to the Small Cyclades

Well of course there are no airports here. You can fly from Athens or get the ferry into Naxos or Amorgos and then get another ferry to take you to the smaller islands.

One of the ferry options is the Small Cyclades Lines Express Skopelitis, often considered the lifeblood of the Small Cyclades. It is not just another ferry, just another transport option. Yes in the summer, it provides a link for tourists to visit the lovely islands and bring vital tourism Euros to the locals. But the service also offers the locals a year round lifeline, providing them a way to get to Naxos for vital services. It often continues to sail in extreme winter weather when other services have given up and the skill of the Small Cyclades Lines captain in negotiating the tricky waters is well known.  It is used to transport families, the sick and all sorts of cargo and vehicles – the biggest problem is when it has to go for annual servicing in Athens and there is no service.

History of the Express Skopelitis

The history of the Samll Cyclades Lines Express Skopelitis boat is intertwined with the visionary seafarer, Captain George Skopelitis, who founded the ferry company in 1978. He was born and raised in Naxos and had a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the Small Cyclades islands due to their geographical isolation. With a strong commitment to improving the accessibility and livelihoods of these communities, he embarked on a mission to establish the Express Skopelitis ferry.

Throughout the years, the Small Cyclades Lines Express Scopelitis ferry became an integral part of the transportation network in the Cyclades. Its regular schedule and dependable service provided a vital connection for the local population, facilitating access to essential services, such as healthcare, education, and commerce. Moreover, the ferry played a crucial role in unlocking the tourism potential of the Small Cyclades islands, attracting visitors and supporting the local economy.

If you want to look at an atmospheric documentary on the Skopelitis, have a look here:

Express Skopelitis documentary

Express Skopelitis ferry experience

Well it’s old school – no super comfy seats and lounge bars here. The smell of the fuel, the spray hitting the open deck – it’s not a cruising experience. But it’s perfect for the route it follows and the best introduction to the Small Cyclades islands – you really feel like you’re going back in time. The boat goes from Amorgos to Donousa to Koufonisia to Schinousa to Iraklia to Naxos and back to Amorgos – 6 days a week. The crew remain remarkably friendly and professional despite the gruelling schedule.

And the value! Only a few euros to jump between islands – it all helps to keep the cost down and provides island hopping on the cheap.

What are the attractions of the Small Cyclades islands?

The Small Cyclades islands are best suited to the more relaxed traveller looking for an authentic Greek experience who is willing to travel outside the well known and obvious locations. That’s not to say the the Small Cyclades do not have attractions similar to their better known neighbours – it’s just that they are not so well known. For example some of the beaches will rival any in the Cyclades – visitors can unwind on the soft sands of Koufonisia’s Pori Beach, explore the dramatic cliffs of Iraklia’s Livadi Beach, or revel in the natural beauty of Schinousa’s Tsigouri Beach – the best part is that they will be much quiter than the famous ones.

And just as importantly, the food is excellent,  showcasing traditional Greek flavours and local specialties. Sample freshly caught seafood, succulent grilled meats, and savoury cheeses, all accompanied by locally produced wine or the refreshing ouzo. Locations like Mikres Cyclades on Koufonisia will rival any Greek gourmet experience and places like Deli Restaurant and Bar on Schinousa will keep you going from breakfast to nightcaps.

And there are beautiful places to stay with simple but stylish villas like Blue Harpist on Koufonisia and Schinoza Luxury Suites on Schinousa offering a relaxing environment.

So the Small Cyclades Lines ferry provides the perfect way to get away from the pressures of life. You don’t even need to worry about getting a car – some of them are small enough to walk around!