If you fancy a quiet getaway in the Cyclades, then Schinoussa could well be the destination of your dreams. The beaches are beautiful, the island is quiet and the food is good. Doesn’t that make you want to?
Schinoussa, where is that?
Never heard of this island? Rest assured, it’s perfectly normal. Schinoussa is part of the Lesser Cyclades (along with Koufounissi, Iraklia and Donoussa). It lies between Iraklia and Koufounissia.
It has preserved its authenticity and remains relatively quiet, even in high summer… even if more and more yachts come to dock here in July and August. The island’s port, Mersini, is particularly quiet and sheltered.
Schinoussa is very small. It is only 9km² in size and has a year-round population of less than 300. Most people with homes on the island go there only in summer, and live in Athens for the rest of the year.
The villages of Schinoussa
Apart from the port of Mersini, Schinoussa has two main villages:
- Chora, sometimes called Panagia, is just one kilometer from Mersini. The village, sparkling white, is built on a hill.
- and Messaria, about 3 kilometers from Chora.
The beaches of Schinoussa
Even though Schinoussa is a very small island, it’s full of beautiful beaches. The advantage is that the beaches are all around the island, so you can always be sheltered from the wind, even when it’s blowing hard in the height of summer.
Here are just a few of Schinoussa’s pleasant beaches, though there are many more that you’re bound to find as you wander around the island:
- Tsigari: a beach accessible on foot from Chora (beware, it’s a bit steep on the way back when you have to climb the stairs). Fine sand, crystal-clear water, beach bar and overhanging taverna.
- Livadi : a shady beach that’s lovely at sunset. With a tavern on the other side of the road.
- Psili Ammos: a very pretty, unspoilt bay bordered by incredibly clear water… but it’s best to arrive early in summer as it can get very crowded very quickly.
- Lioliou Beach: a pleasant, family-friendly beach. Good tavern set back from the beach.
- Piso Ammos, a shaded micro-beach opposite the port
- Almyros, a convenient beach for toddlers as the sea slopes gently down.
- Gerolimnionas, accessible via a small path. She’s lovely. Recommended beach for snorkeling enthusiasts. Well sheltered on windy days. Pleasant in the evening as it faces due west.
Schinoussa walking trails
Schinoussa is an ideal destination for walkers. There are several trails through pretty arid landscapes, dotted with windmills. You’re sure to come across a few donkeys along the way.
It takes around two hours to walk from one end of the island to the other. Little or no change in altitude.
Here are the six main hiking trails:
- Chora – Vardies – Gerolimnionas: this 3.5 km hike takes in the island’s highest point and leads to the picturesque little beach of Gerolimnionas, offering superb panoramic views along the way.
- Chora – Port of Messaria – Kambos – Psili Ammos. This 2.7 km-long trail passes through the village of Messaria, with its old church and a few abandoned stone houses. The trail reaches the pretty sandy beach of Psili Ammos.
- Chora – Stavros – Profitis Ilias – Almyros. This short 1.5 km trail leads over the Profitis Ilias hill to the beautiful, secluded beach of Almyros.
- Chora – Porto
- Chora-Tsigouri. This short walk leads to Tsigouri beach.
- Chora – Livadi – Agios Vassilios. This 1 km path leads to the pretty beach of Livadi and the small peninsula of Agios Vassilios.
Practical information: how to get to Schinoussa? where to sleep? should you rent a car?
We tell you all about it in our article “Practical information for a vacation in Schinoussa, Greece“.
2024 Laure M.
