White houses built with the typical Cycladic architecture, unspoiled natural landscape, unique beaches with blue waters, mild summer climate and relaxing atmosphere compose the inimitable picture of the island and create the perfect place for those dreaming of a unique escape away from the modern way of life.
The main settlement, Chora, is located on the top of the island overlooking the sea and the surrounding nature, whereas the port Mersini is one of the best shelters of small ships in the Aegean Sea. Rounded hills and short distances are Schinoussa’s great advantage, letting visitors hike around the island and reach all the beaches.
Other strong aspects of the island are the local cuisine and the contact with the open-hearted and hospitable islanders. The restaurants offer delicious, homemade dishes prepared with local products, since agriculture and live stock breeding are developed on the island. Attending local festivals and joining locals’ spontaneous feasts let visitors of Schinoussa live an unforgettable experience and discover the simple pleasures of life.
You can take the ferryboat Blue Star from Piraeus directly to Schinoussa (three times a week) or arrive in Naxos and then take the local boat, Express Skopelitis, from Naxos to Schinoussa (every day except Sunday).
You can book your tickets at the local travel agency ‘Paralos’ (Tel: +302285071160, e-mail: sparalos@otenet.gr)
If you enjoy hiking, Schinoussa is the best choice.
The distances are so short that you can go everywhere on foot enjoying the beautiful views and the peace of nature surrounded by the blue Aegean Sea.
If not, you can use your own means of transport, rent a scooter or a quad (Faros bikes,tel:+30697736685, email:faros.bikes@gmail.com) or call for a taxi (tel: +30 6973215518).
There is a gas station in the settlement of Messaria (tel:+302285071971, +306975860235).
You can also get around by the cruise boat Aeolia which performs daily cruises to nearby islands and around Schinoussa (http://www.aeolia.gr)
Schinoussa has many beaches easily accessible.
The nearest beaches to the settlement of Chora are Livadi and Tsigouri. Further on are the beaches of Mersini – Pisso Ammos, Almyros, Fountana, Lioliou, Bazaiou, Aligaria, Tholari, Psili Ammos, Gerolimnionas, Fikio, Avlakitou papa, Sifneiko.
Each one has its own beauty.
Most of the restaurants are located in Chora but you can also find some in the settlement of Messaria or near the sea at Livadi, Tsigouri, Lioliou, Mersini, Almyros.
Don’t miss the chance to taste local products such as fava, ladotiri, xinomizithra, rakomelo. In Chora you can also find traditional cafés, a bakery and two mini markets.
In small distance from Chora you can find ‘Vrachos bar’ where you can dance until early in the morning.
During summer there are some arranged celebrations you can join like the fava festival, the feast of the Assumption of Virgin Mary as well as spontaneous feasts with traditional live music where you can sing and dance with locals.
This experience is sure to be unforgettable!
