These small and beautiful islands, few of which have any amenities, 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.

Koufonissia has a fine sandy beach at Finikia (Pano Koufonissi), where the water is crystal-clear, and (on Kato Koufonissi) further beaches with coarse sand. The remains of buildings from the Hellenistic and Roman periods have come to light.

At the pretty harbour of Messaria on Schinoussa, there are ruins of medieval fortifications.

In Heraklia, where there is a cave (Ai-Giannis) with superb stalactites, traces of the Cycladic civilisation have been found.

Keros 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.

Donoussa, too, with its incomparable beaches, has traces of prehistoric habitation.

A few rooms available for rent in Iraklia, Pano Koufonissi and Shinoussa.