Rina Cave and Koufonisia Day Cruise

The Small Cyclades are the scatter of little islands between Naxos and Amorgos, and Koufonisia is their best-known jewel. Its beaches have pale sand and shallow, turquoise water that looks Caribbean on a calm day, and its village is a cluster of white houses with a fishing harbour and a handful of tavernas. Nearby sits Rina Cave, a sea cave in the Small Cyclades, close to Koufonisia, that can be entered by boat or swum into, where light filters through the opening and turns the water an unusual blue. A day cruise from Naxos is the standard way to see both, and the Explore Rina's Cave and Koufonisia Cruise from Naxos is a shared boat trip that leaves in the morning and returns in the late afternoon.

A typical programme of this type sails across the strait for an hour or two, stops at the cave for a swim, anchors at one or two beaches and spends time at Koufonisia for lunch and free time. Operators differ on whether lunch is included, so confirm that when you book. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, a light layer for the boat and a waterproof bag. Snorkelling gear is sometimes provided; ask if you want it.

The crossing can be rough when the meltemi is blowing, usually in July and August, and operators may change the route or cancel if conditions are unsafe. Take motion sickness tablets if you are prone to seasickness, and check cancellation terms. Weather is the biggest variable, so build slack into your calendar and avoid booking the cruise on your last day. Calm mornings in June and September are ideal.

The trip is best for confident swimmers, but non-swimmers can enjoy the beaches in the shallows. Children are welcome on many shared boats, though the day is long, so pack snacks and games. Expect crowds at the best beaches in peak summer, when excursion boats from several islands arrive around midday.

If you prefer a quieter version, look for smaller boats or kayak trips that visit Rina Cave from the coast. The cruise pairs well with a visit to the island's cheese farms or a quiet day in Chora. Always follow the crew's instructions around the cave, as swell can change quickly and the entrance is narrow.

When you reach Koufonisia, use your free time with a plan. A walk along the path to the beaches on the far side of the main village is more rewarding than staying near the harbour, and a swim at a quieter cove is worth the extra steps. The village itself has a handful of tavernas serving fresh fish, and prices are fair for the Aegean.

Keep an eye on the clock, because the boat leaves on schedule and the crew will not wait. Pack a dry bag, a change of clothes and a small first aid kit with plasters and sun cream for the day.

Plan the rest of your trip around the weather risk. Do not book the cruise on a ferry-departure day, avoid the late-night party before an early start, and check the forecast a day or two ahead. If the sea is rough, operators may offer a different date or a refund, and it is far better to move the trip than to sail in poor conditions.

On a calm day, however, the Small Cyclades are among the most beautiful places in the Aegean, and the memory of that clear, shallow water stays with most visitors long after the holiday.