Pano (Upper) & Kato (Lower) Koufonisi are the smallest islands of the complex of Small Cyclades. They are located 3 miles southeast of Naxos and are divided from a narrow strait. According to the tradition, the original name of the islands was Koufionisia, due to the hundreds of caves that made them seem hollow (koufios in Greek).

The two islands were centers of the Cycladic civilization and present a great history, revealed from archaeological excavations. They are inhabited since prehistoric era and as the years passed by, they were dominated from various populations.

Pano Koufonisi (5,77 km2 and 366 residents) is the smallest inhabited island of the Cyclades. People are mostly occupy with fishing as well as with tourism, while the island has a remarkable growth during the last few years.

It is well known especially for the beaches with glassy waters and the fact that it can preserve the purity of the scene even during the high season of tourism. Almost all the beaches are sandy and the most famous are the beaches of Platia Pounta (Italida), Fanos, Xarokopou and Pori.

Kato Koufonisi (4,4 Km2) is more or less uninhabited. The transport to the island is provided from Pano Koufonisi on a daily basis by a small boat.

The most famous beach of the island is Nero, but anyone can still explore the caves-beaches along the coastline. It is worthy to visit the small church of Virgin Mary, which is built on ancient ruins.