
Holidays in Schinoussa island
In the charming small Cyclades cluster, a little Greek paradise is perched nonchalantly; the dreamy island of Schinoussa!
The capital of this tiny island is the beautiful, like a cart postal image, Chóra or Panagià. The whitewashed houses which seem to have clung to the inland’s hillside, the picturesque streets and the magnificent view of the deep blue Aegean Sea create a magical setting, which emits peace and tranquility! Major attractions of the capital are the Folklore Museum and the church of Panagià Akathí. In the captivating Chóra, with its bright Cycladic color, you will find neat taverns and bars.
Located two kilometers on Chóra’s north, you will find the rural village of Messarià. The few houses, the vineyards, the prickly and the small gardens compose the setting of this small village. Reference point in Messarià is Evagelismos Church (Annunciation Church).
Following the only paved road on the island, you will reach the port of Schinoussa; the leeward Mersíni. There, you will have the opportunity to enjoy unique delicacies in the harbor’s well-known taverns. Do not be surprised by the luxurious moored boats!
Besides its low-key profile, Schinoussa has another, more adventurous side. If you belong to hiking excursions lovers, follow the island’s trails and bring to light its hidden "secrets". If, on the other hand, you prefer water activities, in this small island, you will have the opportunity to indulge in various water sports such as diving and surfing.
The tranquility of the island is pleasantly interrupted by the famous festivals organized throughout the year. It is worth attending the renowned Fava Festival in July, as well as the feast of Panagià Akathí in mid-August.
Finally, if you love calmness then the unadulterated charm of this miniature sunny island which used to be a pirates’ den, is what you looking for!
One of the key advantages of this island is its numerous beaches; mainly sandy or pebbly, isolated or more cosmopolitan, the beaches of Schinoussa island promise to satisfy all tastes! You can go to most of these, following accessible dirt roads.
In eastern Schinoussa, you will find one of the nicest beaches on the island, Psili Ammos, with great, fine sand and tamarisk trees providing natural shade. If you prefer solitary dives it is worth visiting Fountana beach. This beach, however, is not suitable for days with winds.
On the southeast coast of Schinoussa, you will find the sandy beach of Almyros, exposed to winds as well as Liolios beach, which is embraced by rocks. It is also worth visiting the tiny beach of Bazeos with a natural cave and deep waters.
On the southwest coast of Schinoussa, you will find the three sandy bays of Aligaria.
In the western part of the island, you will come across a beautiful sandy beach with massive trees; Livadi beach. If you prefer more popular and organized beaches it is worth visiting the golden sandy beach of Tsigouri. If you love exploring, look for the path to the tiny, idyllic beach of Gerolimnionas. Alternatively, you can visit by boat the islands of Ofidousa, Agrilos and Aspronísi.
Visiting
- The three mills
- The port of Mersini
- Donousa island
- Iraklia island
- Keros island
- Koufonisia islands
Tasting
- Fava (split peas)
- Katsouni
- Xinomyzithra Cheese
- Ladotyri Cheese
- Kefalotyri Cheese
- Meletinia
- Beans
- Local Meat
- Pasta with Lobster
- Xerotigana
- Pasteli (Nougat) in lemon leaves
- Rakomelo
How to get there
Travelling by boat
Schinousa can be reached by boat from the ports of Piraeus and Rafina with the ships of Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways and NEL Lines.
For more information on the ferry routes to Schinousa visit the web sites of the companies:
http://www.bluestarferries.gr/
http://www.hellenicseaways.gr/
Travelling by plane and boat
Schinousa can also be reached by plane from Athens International Airport - Eleftherios Venizelos to Naxos and then by taking the boat.
Connection with other islands
Schinousa is connected byboat to other islands like Syros, Paros, Naxos, Tinos, Santorini, Amorgos, Folegandros, Koufonissia, Donoussa, Astypalea.
Medical Care
During your stay in Schoinousa you can be served for health issues:
Clinic of Schoinousa, Tel: (+30) 22850 71385
Useful phone numbers
Schoinousa Port Authority: (+30) 22850 55395
Naxos Port Authority: (+30) 22850 22300
Police Station of Schoinousa:(+30) 22850 71170
Clinic of Schoinousa: (+30) 22850 71385
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