It’s no coincidence that when anyone hears the word “Koufonisia,” their soul smiles. They close their eyes and immediately transport themselves to the site where clear blue water reflects their dream…to the endless beaches, to the vibrations of the island and the hidden caves where their worries find solace. To Chora, where the local inhabitants drink together and open their homes to say “Welcome.” There, southeast of Naxos and west of Amorgos, on Koufonisia you lose all concept of time and simply put, feel free. Koufonisia is part of the Small Cyclades, a cluster of islands in the southeastern Cyclades. Koufonisia is composed of two small islands, Ano (Upper) and Kato (Lower) Koufonisi as well as Keros. They’ve been inhabited since prehistoric ages. So many people, customs, traditions and different societies have taken root in these places and have left vital traces to be unraveled and understood by the rest of the world. Findings suggest the existence of a Cycladic civilization with evidence from its very early years. Archaeologist Ulrich Köhler in 1884, excavated and discovered The Harpist and The Flute Player along with two female statuettes, which were clear samples of marble sculptures from the Early Cycladic period. Remnants from an ancient Roman civilization were used to establish the present village of Chora which was part of a large Roman settlement that extended up to Loutro. Relics and marble slabs from Early Christianity were discovered on the premises of Saint George and Saint Nicholas churches.