Schinoussa

Schinoussa is one of the four islands that make the unofficial group of island called Little Cyclades between Naxos and Amorgos. The other islands are Donoussa, Iraklia and Koufonissi. Like its neighbours, Schinoussa is small both in area and in number of inhabitants. There are around 130 inhabitants; many are working in agriculture and cattle breeding. It is a pristine and rustic island with a big heart that is visited by few tourists. The commercial tourism has not yet reached Schinoussa. There is not much to do and almost nothing ever happens. Here you have to amuse yourself: read books in a taverna, hike to remote beaches or have a lazy time on the balcony. Schinoussa is a perfect island for those seeking peace and quiet, and for those who like places where tourism has not yet been reached.

GETTING HERE
The easiest way is to go by air to Santorini, and from there by ferry to Naxos, which is the junction for almost all ferries to and from the Little Cyclades. The small ferryboat Express Skopelitis works the route between Naxos, Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonissi and Amorgos six days a week during the summer months. Another option is to go by air to Athens and then take the ferry from Piraeus, the port of Athens. The best Greek shipping company Blue Star Ferries operates Schinoussa up to three times a week.

Main Street in Chora.

Lioliou beach.

GETTING AROUND
Mopeds can be rented during the middle and high season. There is no bus or taxi. Most make their way on foot as distances are so short.

VILLAGES
There are only two villages: Chora and Mesaria. Chora is a handy little village which it takes about 3 minutes to pass, from the beginning to the end. It is easy to fall in love in the village; it has an endearing charm that is impossible not to fall for. Car traffic is minimal; donkeys are still common means of transport. Despite its small size, there is everything you need in the form of shops, cafes and tavernas. In Mesaria there live about 20 residents. Before you have time to say Kalimera, you have passed the whole village. Unless you stop at the only taverna in the village.

BEACHES
There are about fifteen beaches to choose from. None of them will appear in the same class as the beaches on the neighbouring island Koufonissi. If the beaches on Schinoussa would have the same quality as the ones on Koufonissi, then Schinoussa would attract more tourists; but then Schinoussa would not be the paradise as it is today.

The most popular beaches are Livadia, Psili Amos and Tsigouri. Other good beaches are Almyros and Lioliou, which is my favourite. Many think that Psili Amos is the best beach, which it takes about 45 minutes to walk to from Chora. Bring food and drink if you are going to Psili Amos because there is no taverna there.

SIGHTS
There are no historic sites on Schinoussa: no ruins, no marble quarries and no temples. Instead, the little everyday events acts like attractions: like to take a walk down to the port when a ferry arrives, to see if anyone comes or goes.

ACCOMMODATION
There are no difficulties to arrange a place to stay on arrival, unless you go there in August. Most of the times, people with rooms for rent will meet you in the port. The best choice is to follow one of them so you don't have to walk all the way to Chora. There is no bus

Psili Amos.

MORE ABOUT SCHINOUSSA
Geographical location »
Map of Schinoussa »
Ferry timetable »

OTHER LINKS
Iraklia - nearest island »
Weather in Greece »

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