Schinoussa is a tiny island in the Cyclades archipelago with the best size-to-number of beaches ratio I have ever encountered around the Aegean Sea. Follow my Schinoussa travel guide to discover why this island has a steady fan base, people from Greece and abroad who go to great lengths not to miss a single summer far from its shores. See the best places to stay and our 5 best boat trips from Paros, Naxos, and Koufonisia to Schinoussa.
Its picturesque harbor Mersini is just that – a place to embark and disembark (and swim in its crystal clear waters), its Chora is a single-street main town, and its only village Mesaria is great if you like hiking.
Swimming, sunbathing and gourmet dining is what constitutes daily summer reality on Schinoussa and I loved it!
Best part – almost no cars on the island as everything is so close, walking is the preferred mode of transportation.
Introducing Schinoussa island
This miniscule 3.3 sq mi island located in the Small (or Lesser) Cyclades, just south of Naxos, offers unparalleled opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation without the crowds or even attractions.
Expect no significant archaeological sites, ancient excavations, age-old temples or churches, or other cultural heritage locations. There are no chain hotels (only rooms to let), beach clubs, nor nightclubs either.
What to expect, though, is an island visited by Athenian upper crust (often by yachts), who prefer islands untouched by mass tourism, a place with almost 10 fantastic beaches and even more good restaurants.
A place for proper summertime rejuvenation in the authentic Cycladic setting.
Schinoussa Map
How to Get to Schinoussa by Air
Schinoussa has no airport, another thing adding to its charm. You have to take a ferry to reach Schinoussa.
The closest airport is in Naxos or Paros, both serving only domestic lines to Athens and Thessaloniki. From there, daily ferries set sail to Small Cyclades.
How to Get to Schinoussa by Ferry
Large wide-hull Blue Star ferries from the Piraeus port of Athens depart 3 times a week and take around 7 hours to reach Schinoussa (ferry tickets €52 per person, one way) before continuing to other Cyclades islands.
Quicker solution is to fly to Naxos and take one of the daily ferries to Schinoussa (1.5 hours, ferry tickets €7 per person, one way) operated by the legendary Skopelitis family.
Island Hopping
Schinoussa is an integral part of the Small (or Lesser) Cyclades Archipelago, a complex of 5 tiny Greek islands south of Naxos and east of Amorgos.
Koufonisia, Donoussa, and Iraklia (Small Cyclades islands) are close by (less than an hour away) and perfect for island hopping since you don’t lose much time getting around.
I would always couple Schinoussa with a larger, more vivid island, like Naxos and Amorgos for an ultimate Cyclades experience.
Getting Around Schinoussa: Local Transportation
One moves a lot on Schinoussa as the island is shaped like a reversed grape cluster and the beaches are scattered all around the island. So, if you prefer walking to driving, this place is for you.
I rented a small scooter to move around and found the only existing road of Schinoussa very easy to navigate. Some of the approaching paths to the beaches are steep and non-paved, but nothing extreme.
Distances are small; the two most distant points of the island (between the beaches of Gerolimnionas and Lioliou) are 3 mi apart.
Hiring a Car, Quad/ATV, or Scooter
Scoters are an integral part of Greek island culture and with Schinoussa it is no different. You can rent a car, scooter, or a quad with Jason, close to the entrance to Chora.
Walking and Hiking
Walking constitutes daily activity on Schinoussa and a simple visit to the beach means hiking some of the terraced slopes of the island, and marveling the Cycladic landscapes dropping down to the Aegean Sea.
Although each hike is a connection between a beach and a Chora or Mesaria village, my preferred one is a walk to Psili Ammos beach, passing vineyards and old stone island houses.
Charakas Gorge, running along the ridge of the island, is a good place for rock climbing.
Public Bus System
There is no public transportation (bus or taxi) on Schinoussa island – upon arrival/departure, the owners of your accommodation will whisk you to/from the port.
During the stay, you walk or rent a vehicle.
Best Time of Year to Visit Schinoussa
High Season (June – August)
High season is the best to visit Schinoussa, as it gets rather quite during the rest of the year.
Even in the peak of summer, in August, Schinoussa island doesn’t feel crowded. Its limited accommodation capacities, together with the low-key character of the visitors, lack of loud nighttime entertainment and vehicles make Schinoussa peaceful even during the warmest summer months.
Shoulder Season (April – May, September – October)
With no landmarks, attractions or ancient sites, Schinoussa is really a beach holiday island best enjoyed during the warm summer months of high season.
Shoulder Season might be perfect for those seeking solitude around an isolated place with no tourist infrastructure.
Low Season (November – March)
With less than 250 local inhabitants, many of whom spend some of the winter months in Athens, Schinoussa can feel rather remote during the winter.
| Month | Avg. Temp. (°C) | Avg. Temp. (°F) | Min. Temp. (°C) | Min. Temp. (°F) | Max. Temp. (°C) | Max. Temp. (°F) | Rainy Days | Precipitation (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11.6 | 52.8 | 10.2 | 50.4 | 12.7 | 54.8 | 9 | 79 |
| February | 11.7 | 53.1 | 10.3 | 50.6 | 12.9 | 55.1 | 8 | 68 |
| March | 13.2 | 55.7 | 11.7 | 53.1 | 14.3 | 57.8 | 5 | 42 |
| April | 15.0 | 59.1 | 13.5 | 56.4 | 16.3 | 61.4 | 3 | 19 |
| May | 18.2 | 64.7 | 16.7 | 62.1 | 19.5 | 67.2 | 1 | 10 |
| June | 21.8 | 71.3 | 20.4 | 68.8 | 23.1 | 73.6 | 0 | 1 |
| July | 24.0 | 75.1 | 22.7 | 72.9 | 25.1 | 77.2 | 0 | 0 |
| August | 24.4 | 75.9 | 23.3 | 73.9 | 25.5 | 77.9 | 0 | 0 |
| September | 22.3 | 72.2 | 21.2 | 70.1 | 23.6 | 74.4 | 1 | 6 |
| October | 19.3 | 66.8 | 18.1 | 64.6 | 20.5 | 68.8 | 3 | 27 |
| November | 16.2 | 61.2 | 14.9 | 58.9 | 17.3 | 63.2 | 5 | 44 |
| December | 13.2 | 55.7 | 11.9 | 53.4 | 14.2 | 57.6 | 8 | 71 |
How long to stay in Schinoussa?
Schinoussa is a relaxing island and if you are looking for a place to unwind during the summertime, spend at least 7 days here.
You will quickly get into the slow rhythm of the island and properly (re)charge your batteries.
If including Schinoussa on your island hopping voyage, plan at least 2 nights here.
Schinoussa’s Top Tourist Attractions
Best thing of all – there are no attractions on the island!
There are a handful of beautiful, low-key activities that help you get into the Schinoussa mood and they become your favorite holiday memories as soon as you leave the place.
Explore Chora
Chora is the most interesting part of the island and a place where the quintessential Cycladic feeling springs behind each corner of whitewashed cubic houses, adorned with bushes of basil and bougainvillea. It is also a place where you go for dinner, drinks, and grocery shopping. So, while there (every day), do not forget to visit:
Folk Art Museum of Schinoussa – a tiny museum containing objects from the pre-modern everyday life of the islanders, gathered mainly by donations from the local families.
The Church of Panagia Akathi – this beautiful, white and blue church, large by the standards of the island, holds the important icon of Panagia (Virgin Mary) of Akathi, the protector of the island.
Kafeneio Chara – the emblem cafe of the island, Chara’s is the place to try Greek coffee, have a drink or a fresh juice, take that perfect island photo or savor traditional Greek sweets.
Plan your evening meals
Dining in Schinoussa is on the level of the most prestigious islands in Greece. Fantastic traditional and contemporary food in a stylish setting stands in contrast to the low-key vibe of the island and provides one of the reasons to visit Schinoussa.
Make sure to visit:
🍽️ Deli – the place to try local meat dishes perched high on the cliffs of Chora with amazing views of the island and the Aegean Sea.
🍽️ Kira Pothiti – one of the best places to try proper traditional Greek food.
🍽️ Nikolas tis Schinoussas – best seafood restaurant on Schinoussa, set in the lovely harbor of Mersini that, in the centuries past, served as a haven for pirate boats and their loot.
Visit Vrachos Bar
Vrachos is an interesting concept – a joint (and a restaurant as of recently) in the middle of nowhere, 15 15-minute walk from Chora, that doubles as the island’s music and dance bar, a place that keeps running until late hours.
A great choice for night-time drinks and entertainment.
Book a boat trip to the sea caves
Schinoussa is a beautiful island to discover by sea and a local red boat called Aeolia does just that – makes sure you see all the wonders of the island, including the beaches inaccessible by foot or the island’s sea caves: Maniatis Cave and the Fishermen’s Cave.
The Best Beaches in Schinoussa Island
Tsigouri Beach
A sandy beach on the western side of the island that is perfectly protected from the northern winds and features a fantastic lunch bar/restaurant that lets you use sunbeds for free.
The road stops halfway, so you have to walk to the beach.
25 minutes on foot from Chora.
Livadi Beach
Another great western-side sandy beach, featuring natural shade and a nice lunch place called Livadi Cafe + Restaurant.
20 minutes on foot from Chora.
Psili Ammos Beach
One of the finest beaches on the island, Psili Ammos is great when staying in Mesaria. Its northeast position allows for turquoise waters, very fine sand and there is some natural shade too.
The beach is not organized, so bring everything you need along.
30 minutes on foot from Chora.
Other beautiful beaches I loved were Lioliou Beach, Gerolimnionas Beach, Almyros Beach, Fikio Beach, Mersini Beach, and Aligaria Beach.
Schinoussa Cuisine: What to Eat in Schinoussa
🫘 Fava – much better than the famous Santorini fava, this one is made from local yellow split pea beans and served with olive oil, onion, and capers.
🍅 Local vegetables – especially figs, watermelons, and tomatoes.
Where to Stay in Schinoussa Island
At only 3 square miles and with 18 beaches, you’re always close to the water, even if you’re staying in Chora, just up the hill from the Port. Here are three options to get you started.
Archipelagos Hotel
Stay in one of these 7 little stone bungalows above Tsigouri Beach for a tranquil stay. There’s a shared swimming pool, and Chora is within walking distance from this 3-star hotel. You can lie by the pool, looking out over the Aegean Sea and feel perfectly at peace with the world.
The rooms have tiled floors and are simply furnished.
Theasis Luxury Suites
With breakfast provided, free wifi, and air-conditioning, this is some of the Schinoussa’s best accommodations and certainly the most highly reviewed. it’s located in Chora and does not have credit card facilities, it’s cash only.
The rooms are modern, bright and light, with good Nespresso machines (and lots of coffee pods), and a balcony from where you can look out to see for miles around.
Paralos Lodging
These apartments in Chora are newly built with kitchens and balconies and are surrounded by good restaurants and tavernas. There’s a free shuttle from the port, concierge services, car hire, and luggage storage facilities.
The bedrooms have king-sized beds and the 35 square meter apartment can fit three guests.
5 Best Day Tours to Schinoussa Island
If you’re in Paros, two of these day tours leave from Piso Livadi Port and one handily from Naousa. There’s also an excellent tour leaving Agia Anna in Naxos, and our final pick leaves from lovely Koufonisia Port on Koufonisi Island.
Naousa: Explore Koufonisia, Schinousa, Iraklia & Naxos
A new tour by Cyclades charters with a maximum of 8 passengers and two pick up and drop-off locations. This is a speedboat with 2 hours spent in Koufonisia, 1 hr on Schonoussa, and lunch in a traditional taverna on Naxos Island.
Paros-Full Day Cruise to Iraklia, Schinousa & Naxos-Semi Private
This 9-hour day tour divides its time equally between Iraklia, Schinoussa, and Naxos Islands. This is a lovely large sailboat and this is a private tour – so it’s only your party. There is a meal, snacks, and dessert served between stops, and you can snorkel over a plane wreck at Alimia Beach on Iralkia.
From Paros: Lady K Sailing Cruises (Semi Private/Shared)
This small group sailing tour from Piso Lavadi in Paros sells out quickly. It follows the same route as the private tour above, and takes 10 hours. This is predominantly a sailing tour, with some swimming stops.
From Naxos: Schinoussa and Iraklia Sailing Cruise with BBQ
On this 9-hour boat tour from Naxos, you’ll dive about the World War II sunken plane at Alimia, in Iraklia, the swim at some of the most beautiful spots in Iraklia and Schinoussa. You also get time to explore Agios Georgios, the picturesque capital of Iraklia,
From Koufonisi: Naxos, Schinousa, Iraklia Day Trip by speedboat
This lovely new speedboat whisks you to South Naxos, Koufonisi, Kato Koufonisi & Scinousa on this day trip from Koufonisi. There are wine and local snacks onboard. This is my favorite of the day tours because you get sufficient time on land to explore each of the stops.
Emergency and Useful Numbers
Emergency 112
Ambulance 166
Schinoussa Health Center +30 22850 71385
Schinoussa Police Station +30 22850 71375
Schinoussa Port Authority +30 22850 55395
