Schinoussa Greece - A Quiet Greek Island Getaway

Schinoussa could be the quiet Greek island getaway you've been looking for. Incredible food, amazing beaches and peace and quiet. Sounds good?

You've probably never heard of Schinoussa

In a way, it's hardly surprising. With some people wanting to see the ancient sites of Greece, and others concentrating on the world-famous destinations of Santorini, Mykonos and Athens, a lot of the Greek islands get overlooked.

Schinoussa is one of those islands.

In a way, I think this is a good thing. It means that Schinoussa has retained its authenticity, and all those things that make a ‘secret' Greek island great – amazing food, cool beaches, clear blue waters, and peace and quiet.

In a way, I think it's a shame. There's people returning to Greece for the third, fourth or fifth time on vacation that haven't heard of it, but I'm sure would love it.

I know I did when I visited Schinoussa in the summer a couple of years ago!

Who is Schinoussa for?

Like Iraklia Island, Schinoussa Island belongs to the “Small Cyclades” group of islands. Other islands in this small group are Ano Koufonissi, Kato Koufonissi, Donoussa and Keros, which is uninhabited.

So, if your ideal Greek island is heavy on the party scene, stick to Mykonos, because you won't like Schinoussa. However, if your perfect vacation is one where you go to the beach, have delicious food and just relax then you certainly will.

You'll also need to be the sort of person that puts the effort in to get to Schinoussa in terms of booking your own transport and accommodation.

This Schinoussa Greece travel guide shows you how to book ferries (Ferryhopper is easy!), and suggests accommodation. But will you do it? Maybe I'll see you there next year?!

Schinoussa travel guide – Information about Schinoussa

Schinoussa Island is one of the smallest islands in Greece, with just over 200 residents. Its natural port, Mersini, is one of the best shelters for small yachts all around the Aegean.

Schinoussa has two main settlements, Chora and Messaria. Chora, otherwise known as Panagia, is located about a kilometer from the port, and was built up on a hill since the times that pirate ships roamed the Aegean. Messaria is about 3 kms away from Chora.

There are enough Schinoussa hotels and restaurants to accommodate plenty of overnight visitors. There are also people who arrive on their sailing boats or yachts and spend a few days around the island.

Getting around Schinoussa, Greece

Most roads on Schinoussa are unpaved and there are only a few cars. As the island is small, it's perfectly possible to walk everywhere.

Schinoussa’s highest peak is at just 133 metres, and the whole island is fairly flat. You can also rent a bicycle or a car during your stay if you prefer.

Beaches in Schinoussa Island

For an island of its size, Schinoussa has way more than its fair share of beaches, most of which are accessible by road but not necessarily by car.

The majority of the beaches are shallow, and therefore suitable for children. With so many beaches all around the island, you will always be able to find one that is protected by the strong summer winds.

Some of the best beaches on the island with natural shade include the following:

Piso Ammos, the beach opposite the port, a tiny beach with lots of shade
Tsigouri, a short walk from the Chora, accessible through stairs
Livadi, good for families with small children
Almyros, one of the shallowest and most protected beaches in Schinoussa, a little further out from the Chora
Psili Ammos, an easily accessible sandy beach to the north-east of the island. Not the best choice when the winds come from the north
Fikio, to the north-east of the island. Access is through a trail, but be prepared to climb a couple of walls and go through some gates.

Schinoussa Beaches Without Shade

Other beaches in Schinoussa don’t have much shade, so you should bring an umbrella, or go late in the evening

Aligaria, Kambos and Gagavi beaches, at the southernmost bay of the island, they are about 2 kms from the Chora, and you will need to follow a narrow path to reach them
Lioliou and Vazeou, the beaches furthest away from the Chora
Gerolimnionas, where you can get through a trail, ideal for snorkelling and diving, and one of the most protected beaches on Schinoussa

Hidden beaches in Schinoussa

There are also smaller beaches around the island. If you want, you can take a day trip around Schinoussa on the Aeolia boat, or visit the nearby islands.

Related: Best Greek Islands For Beaches

Walking around Schinoussa Greece

Schinoussa is an ideal destination for anyone who likes walking. Most roads are either dirt roads, smaller paths, or covered with cobbled stone.

On your way, you will see several windmills, aligned in two straight lines that form a 90 degree angle. Strange!

Walking around the whole island shouldn’t take you more than a couple of hours. There are six distinctive trails you can follow:

Chora – Vardies – Gerolimnionas. This hike of 3.5 kms passes by the highest point of the island and leads to the small picturesque beach of Gerolimnionas, offering great views on the way.
Chora – Messaria port – Kambos – Psili Ammos. This 2.7 km long trail passes by Messaria village, with the old church and some deserted stone houses. The trail reaches the sandy beach of Psili Ammos.
Chora – Stavros – Profitis Ilias – Almyros. This short trail of 1.5 kms passes by the hill of Profitis Ilias and leads to the lovely, secluded beach of Almyros.
Chora – Port. If you take this path, ask the locals to direct you to the Pirate’s cave, close to the coast.
Chora – Tsigouri. This short walk leads to the cosmopolitan beach of Tsigouri, where an Hellenistic-Roman settlement and an early Christian basilica were found.
Chora – Livadi – Agios Vassilios. This trail of about 1 km leads to the lovely beach of Livadi and the small peninsula of Agios Vassilios.

There are also smaller trails you can follow, such as the ones to the north (Fikio beach) and south (Aligaria, Lioliou beaches) of the island.

As Schinoussa is a part of the Natura 2000 network, you will see plenty of different plants and trees, as well as the occasional donkey. You can decide which is the donkey in this photo!

Where to eat in Schinoussa Island

Schinoussa is tiny, but it has some of the best food we’ve had in Greece. Quite honestly, all the tavernas and restaurants that we tried in the Chora were fantastic.

Many of them had extensive menus of traditional Greek dishes, while there were also a few modern restaurants that we absolutely loved. Don’t leave without trying the Schinoussa fava beans, the local cheeses and fresh fish and seafood.

Festivals in Schinoussa

There are a few special occasions on the island, the famous “panigiria” (similar to fiestas in other countries), where you can taste local food.

These include the fava fiesta in the beginning of July, the dance festival on 12-14 August and the Dormition of the Virgin on the 15th August.

Schinoussa Accommodation

There are quite a few choices for accommodation if you want to spend a few days in Schinoussa. Peak season is mid to late July and August, so you should definitely book ahead.

The majority of the hotels in Schinoussa don't appear on Booking. Fortunately, ‘ve got a full guide here one – where to stay in Schinoussa.

Here's the best that Booking have to offer in terms of Schinoussa hotel choices.