All the beauty of Cyclades is concentrated in a tiny dot on the map. Ano Koufonisi is not just another alternative destination of the Aegean. It is the definition of heaven on earth, and a miniature one for that matter. Its total area is only 3.7 km2, which means that you can see it all in just two hours and go everywhere on foot (cars are unnecessary here). Surrounded by exotic turquoise waters, hollow rocks, caves —once grottos of pirates— and stretches of golden sand, it looks like a vast beach. Epano Nissi, as locals call it, boasts one and only settlement, approximately 400 permanent jovial residents and an unspoiled landscape that will steal your heart. Perched above the “exotic” port with the transparent sea, lies tiny Chorio —or Chora— with its pristine white Cycladic small houses, whitewashed narrow streets, the quaint church of Agios Georgios — the patron saint of the island—, and the main cobbled street, where you can find high-quality rakómelo (a traditional Greek mixed alcoholic drink), loukoumades (Greek donuts) and hearty Greek street food.