Schinoussa is one of the few islands in the central Cyclades that I had not visited yet, but it was always very high on the wish list of islands that I wanted to set foot on. I was told by the visitors of my website that it was still very unspoilt and an absolute must for people that love peace and quiet. And because my website is about the peaceful and quiet places they told me that there was ONE island that I had forgotten: Schinoussa. The island is so beautiful they said that this actually should remain a secret. In 2015 we finally made it to the island.
Upon arrival on the island of Schinoussa by ferry it makes such a desolate and quiet impression that the tourists seem to be scared to get off board. I remember that the ferry made a stop there on the way to Donoussa and Amorgos (and later on the way back), and this is true: the port of Mersini where the ferries come in consists of only a few houses (in 2001 I saw about three houses as far as I remember), and even for me, an experienced island hopper, it was a little intimidating. When we came back on the small Skopelitis ferry in 2015 there were a few houses more and there was some more life in the harbour.
I suggest that perhaps you book a room before you travel to Schinoussa or take a few phone numbers with you so that after you have landed in Greece and you have found a ferry that is going to Schinoussa and one that is going back you can make a reservation by phone, so you will be picked up and brought back to the port of the island. Booking online before arrival is also an option - click here. Especially smart since some of the ferries arrive at Schinoussa at a late time. You can check Blue Star Ferries, Skopelitis and Nel Lines for their schedules. Most handy is to travel from the island of Naxos, which has more regular connections by ferry and also an airport. Naxos is the home base of the Small Cyclades Lines boat Skopelitis. Normally it will make a stop at Schinoussa each day except for Sundays. In this case the trip from Naxos to Schinoussa takes a little less than two hours.
The only settlement of some size on the island is called Chora of Panagia and it is just a bit up the hill from the port (you can not see when you arrive at the port because it is hidden behind the hill). From the Chora itself there are good views of the sea, but it's not visible. This is a remnant of the pirate days when the island was often attacked and people were killed. There is also the small village of Messaria, which consists of a couple of houses, a church and a few decayed windmills. There is also a tavern here that is opened during high season. On the road from Chora to Messaria you will see a petrol station and several other taverns are along the way. From Messaria there is a 400 meter long sandy path leading to the beach of Psili Ammos.
The people who now live on Schinoussa descended from residents of the island of Amorgos, which populated the island again around 1800. Chora consists mainly of one street and it is attractive, even though there are not so many old buildings. In the Chora there are three small mini markets and at least two of them sell fresh bread. These are closed during siesta time, from around two o'clock until six. There is a cute small square where you can have something to eat or drink and there are sufficient other places where you can have something to eat. There are two ferry ticket offices: one in the main street and one just behind it near the crossing to Messaria. In May the one in the main street was only opened between 8 and 10 o'clock in the evening. The opening hours of the other one I don't know. In the main street we also saw an ATM machine and on a side street there is the Folklore Museum. The atmosphere in the Chora and on the whole island is cozy and the inhabitants are super friendly. It feels like going back in time. Everybody knows everybody and also every tourists is greeted with a smile.
From Chora begin the paths to the fifteen beaches of the island (Tsigouri, Livadi, Aligaria, Lioliou, Almiros, Foudana, Psili Amos, Fikio and Gerolimnionas). Most of these beaches are made of gray sand and not the golden sands that you for instance find on the neighbouring islands of Koufonissia and Naxos. This perhaps explains in part why it is a less popular destination. For me, it would be a minor reason: who cares what colour the beaches are? Since the island has not got any very high hills it is easy for walking. Almost all beaches you will find at the end of a dirt track or a path. The beaches that we have been to were all empty. They also had a sign saying "No nuddity", yes, wrong spelling, but since there was nobody there...
The road from the port to the Chora is a good road, as is the road from Chora to Messaria. The rest of the roads on the island are just dirt tracks and paths making Schinoussa ideal for walks. The only other small settlement on the island is called Messaria and is located in the north of the island in the hills. It is home to some 20 people. In Schinoussa there are three springs making Schinoussa the island in the small Cylades with the best water supply.
Compared to other islands and relatively seen in comparisson to the size of the island Schinoussa is blessed with a wide choice in sandy beaches that are scattered all around the island and that are reachable by foot. All together there are some 15 beaches, the best ones being Psili Amos, Tsigouri, Livadi, Aligaria, Lioliou and Almiros. Most of these beaches offer shade in the shape of trees. Some of the other beaches can suffer from seaweeds or it's possible that they are less clean because they are in the wind. Below are a couple of the beaches of Schinoussa.
Tsigouri Beach - The closest beach to Chora is Tsigouri Beach which is a little south of the capital. You have to go to the right where the village begins. The walk is about 10 minutes. It's a nice sandy beach, with a nearby restaurant and some accommodation (Grispos Villas, Archipelagos Boutique Hotel - see below).
Livadi Beach - Further to the south there is a beach called Livadi. You can reach this beach after a 15 minutes walk. It's a sandy beach with capes on both sides to protect it. You can find some shadow underneath the trees.
Aligaria Beach - Next beach to the south is Aligaria, which actually consists of three small coves with sand. You have to walk about 30 minutes to reach the beaches of Aligaria.
Lioliou and Bazeou Beach - To the south-east in a small bay you find Lioliou beach and some hundred metres to the north Bazeou beach. It consists of two small coves mostly with sand and with rocks between. Of season these beaches are very quiet. On main-season there may be more visitors to the beaches thanks to a nearby tavern that is opened then.
Almiros and Foudana Beach - Almiros beach to the east is a sandy beach with tamarisk that provides with some shadow. There is a settlement nearby. A thirty minutes walk from Chora. A little north of Almiros you can find Foudana Beach.
Psili Amos and Fikio Beach - Maybe the most beautiful beach is Psili Ammos north-east of Chora. The beach has nice sand and is well protected since it's situated in a small bay. Psili Amos beach is surrounded by natural sand dunes. You can't find much shadow on this beach, but some tamarisks have been planted. To reach the beach you are heading north to the little village Messari�. There you find a signpost to the east. The last 400 meters to Psili Amos beach is via a sandy path that is not really suitable for any car. It is a 30 to 45 minutes walk from Chora (I believe 2,6 kilometers). On your way you will pass a couple of taverns. In Messaria itself there is also a tavern, but this one was still closed when we were there half May. On the beach of Psili Amos itself there are no amenities, so you must bring your own water supply, and don't forget your sunblock. There is also a small beach called Fikio north of the village of Messaria. You can't find any shadow on this beach and unfortunately the beach usually has a lot of seaweed on it.
Gerolimnionas Beach - In the north-west there is a beach called Gerolimionas, at least the bay has that name. The beach is nicely situated in the bay which is rather deep. But there can be some rubble on this beach and it is not always clean, because it is often in the wind. I don't think this beach is much visited, so it's no problem to be naked if you like. I believe this is the only beach where naturism is allowed, but when we were in Schinoussa in May we found beaches such as Liolou beach and Psili Amos empty and so we just ignored the signs that said "No nuddity".
For the people that want to visit the island of Schinoussa and would like to reserve a room ahead. There is not much accommodation on the island and especially in the high season it is better to be safe. It's not like there is a bunch of hotel owners waiting at the harbour when a ferry sails in, because there is not that much tourism on the island of Schinoussa. If you are on the Blue Star ferry from Piraeus: the boat sails in after midnight (2014).
For all hotels, apartments, studios and villas on the island of Schinoussa - click here.
This is where we stayed during our 4 day visit to the island of Schinoussa. Archipelagos Boutique Hotel is located on the south side of Schinoussa in front of the most popular beach of the island (Tsigouri) and just 700 meter from the village. From the accommodation there is a path leading to the beach. It is an ideal place for your accommodation in Schinoussa! It is a family owned hotel that consists of 5 stone built Bungalows with swimming pool, very large surrounding area and spectacular sea view. It is built in the most beautiful location of the island in an area that starts from the Town Village and ends in Tsigouri beach. It is a very quiet place with no passing traffic. The walk to the Chora takes about 5 to 10 minutes and you can reach the beach in about 5 minutes.
Archipelagos is built according to the Cycladic architecture and is surrounded by traditional elements. Within the complex you can see a traditional windmill, a traditional Cycladic Church and a traditional dovecot. You can also walk around the complex in a completely unspoilt environment and admire the Cycladic architecture and nature in all its glory. The view from the rooms is unique, since wherever you stand you can enjoy the deep blue, the beautiful sunset and the islands of Irakleia, Ios and Santorini outlined on the horizon.
Our aim is to offer a more friendly and customer caring accommodation. Get away from the stress and hectic pace of city life and enjoy days of relaxation in a quiet island with crystal clear waters, traditional cuisine and Cycladic feasts!
Ameneties: Breakfast Swimming Pool with Sunbeds Canoe (no charge), common area with 42inch HD satellite TV, transportation to and from the port (no charge), free WIFI-internet in all areas
Room Facilities: comfortable and spacious rooms Air Conditioning Balcony with sea view Fridge Private wc/shower Coffee machine Electric hob Kitchenette and utensils in some rooms 24 Hours hot water Toiletries Safe Hairdryer Daily cleaning
Tel.: (+30) 6980982990 - Send an e-mail to the Archipelagos Boutique Hotel on Schinoussa island.
Archipelagos on Tripadvisor - Archipelagos on booking.com - Archipelagos website - Online booking system
For the movies I made of the Archipelagos hotel and Tsigouri beach - click here.
Just 100 metres from Vazeo Beach in Schinousa, Anatoli Studios features a pool surrounded by a sea-view sun terrace, a poolside bar and a restaurant. It has a garden with a children's playground. Opening to a patio, all air-conditioned studios of Anatoli enjoy views over the Aegean Sea or the garden. Each features a kitchenette with fridge and cooking hobs, and a private bathroom with shower and hairdryer. A TV, a safe and a fan are also available.
Guests can relax by the pool and enjoy a refreshing drink or a cold coffee from the poolside bar. Traditional flavours prepared with fresh ingredients can also be enjoyed at the on-site restaurant for lunch or dinner. Free transfer from and to the port can be arranged on request and motorbike rental services can be provided. A room for yoga is also available on site. Schinousa Town is located 1.5 km from the property and Schinousa Port is 2.5 km away. Liolios Beach is at a distance of 400 metres, while Almyros Beach is 250 metres away. Free on-site parking is possible on site.
Check availabilities & prices and book Anatoli Studios on Schinoussa - click here.
Grispos Villas, complex lays on a land property of 1.2 hectares along the coastline of the southern Schinoussa offers magnificent amphitheatrical view. It is located at 2.2km from Mersini, the port of Schinoussa and approximately 450m from the island's capital Panagia. The complex consists of 2 buildings, Grispos Villas I and Grispos Villas II at a walking distance of 80m from each other. Within just a few metres from the sandy beach of Tsigouri, it offers unobstructed panoramic view of the entire Tsigouri bay. The long, sandy beach of Tsigouri is an ideal area to swim especially for families with young children as there is no road passing by the beach and it is, therefore, very safe for the children. The beach is located within just 450 metres from the island's capital (going south). Access to it can be made on foot. Various seashore trees are scattered along the sandy beach forming a abundant shade that protects those lying below from the sun rays allowing them to tan with safety.
Grispos Villas I is built within a few steps from the waterfront. It consists of 7 double rooms and 1 quadruple room, all equipped with a/c, satellite TV, direct dial telephone and mini-fridge. Five rooms have sea view, two have side sea view and one room has garden view. All rooms have balcony or veranda. Six rooms have private balcony or veranda while the other 2 share the same large balcony.
Grispos Villas II has been built at a distance of 40m from Grispos Villas I (walking distance of approximately 80m). It consists of 4 rooms, 5 studios, 1 two-room apartment and 1 suite. All 4 rooms are equipped with wc/shower, a/c, satellite LCD TV, direct dial telephone, emergency signaling button in the bathroom, fire alarm, mini-fridge, bathrobes and slippers. All 5 studios are equipped with kitchenette, wc/shower, a/c, satellite LCD TV, direct dial telephone, emergency signaling button in the bathroom, fire alarm, bathrobes and slippers. The apartment consists of 1 room and 1 studio (interconnected) each having its own wc/shower, a/c, satellite LCD TV, direct dial telephone, emergency signaling button in the bathroom, fire alarm, mini-fridge, bathrobes and slippers. The suite consists of 1 bedroom & a living room. It is equipped with a/c, satellite LCD TV, direct dial telephone, emergency signaling button in the bathroom, fire alarm, mini-fridge, bathrobes and slippers. All units have private balcony or veranda with an impressive view of the sea, the neighboring islands and islets and the endless blue of the Aegean.
Check availabilty & prices and book Grispos Villas on Schinoussa island - click here.
Within a few metres from the sandy beach of Tsigouri, Armonia by Grispos Villas features a sea-view restaurant and snack bar. It offers air-conditioned accommodation with free Wi-Fi and balcony overlooking the Aegean Sea. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels is included in all accommodation types at the Armonia. Each has a fridge and hairdryer. Some units feature a kitchenette with cooking facilities.
Fresh seafood, vegetable dishes and pies are served at the traditional, Greek restaurant of Grispos. Drinks and coffee are provided at the snack bar. Younger guests can enjoy the children's playground. A souvenir shop that stocks local honey and spirits is available on site. Panagia, the capital of Schinousa is 450 metres away. Staff offer free, 2-way transfer from port of Mersini, 2 km away. Free private parking is provided on site.
Check availabilities & prices and book Armonia by Grispos Villas on Schinoussa - click here.
Just a 7-minute walk from the beaches of Livadi and Tsigouri in Schinoussa, the Cycladic-style Meltemi is surrounded by lush greenery and features a traditional restaurant. It offers air-conditioned accommodation with free Wi-Fi and a balcony overlooking the Aegean Sea and the garden. A flat-screen TV and fridge is included in all accommodation types at the Meltemi. Some units have a kitchenette with light cooking facilities. Breakfast, traditional recipes, fresh fish and local wine are served at the restaurant. Room service is also possible. Schinoussa Port is 1 km away and free 2-way transfer is provided. Staff at the 24-hour front desk can offer information on diving activities in the area.
Check availabilities & prices and book Pension Meltemi on Schinoussa - click here.