Welcome to Schinousa
Located south of Naxos, Schinoussa Greece belongs to the Small Cyclades island group. Schinoussa is a tiny remote island located south of Naxos, in the heart of the Aegean Sea. Its ideal location makes it a perfect base for island hopping to the nearby islands of Koufonisia, Donoussa, Iraklia, and Naxos. Just like the rest of the Small Cyclades islands, Schinoussa is a remote paradise, ideal for those who want to relax away from the hustle and the bustle.
Chora (or Panagia), the main village and capital of the island, is where the most facilities, taverns, shops, and Schinoussa hotels are located. Around Chora, some little villages have managed to keep their traditional character throughout the years. Whitewashed houses, blue-domed chapels, and narrow alleys, combined with the extraordinary natural setting create a lively, yet relaxing atmosphere!
Boasting an unspoiled natural setting, Schinoussa Greece has emerged as an alternative destination for relaxing holidays, away from the bright lights. Secluded beaches, wild landscapes, and little traditional settlements create a distressing atmosphere that never fails to captivate visitors.
Even though Schinoussa hotels aren’t many and facilities are rather limited, Schinoussa Greece manages to attract travelers who seek a laid-back destination to relax and unwind. As for Schinoussa beaches, they are unspoiled, backed by raw natural landscapes and are easily accessible by foot.
History
Schinoussa is an island present from ancient times, as confirmed by archaeologic findings in the countryside of the island. These findings include small statues, pottery and a variety of tools that indicate activity during the 10th century BC. Byzantine times were a period of great trade as evidence by the multitude of Byzantine churches that were built. These churches are evident as ruins that still exist on the island to date.
The peak period in the history of this island was during the Venetian rule from the 13th to 16th century. This is not unique to Schinoussa itself but extends to all the cycladic islands. The first mention of Schinoussa is in ancient documents discovered in the Monastery of Hozoviotissa on the island of Amorgos. Schinoussa owes its name to a Venetian administrator of the time.
Pirates used Schinoussa as a shelter during the Turkish occupation of the 16th-19th century. The Greek navy sought to eliminate piracy at the end of the 19th Century and at this stage, residents of Amorgos island settled in Schinoussa. Trade, fishing and agriculture led to a period of economic stability but this steadily declines and in the 1950s, inhabitants moved to Athens and abroad. Today, Schinoussa has approximately 200 inhabitants, and there main involvement is agriculture and fishing.
Beaches
Schinoussa beaches have nothing in common with their overcrowded Cycladic counterparts. They are secluded and unspoiled, boasting a raw natural landscape and enticing cobalt waters. Most of the beaches in Schinoussa are easily accessible by foot from Chora, while others are hard to reach. Nevertheless, there’s luscious swimming to be done on all Schinoussa beaches!
Tsingouri – The closest beach to the main village (Chora). Due to its proximity to the main village and the fact that its one of the most beautiful beaches the island has to offer, this beach is the most popular beach on the island. It offers a beach bar/tavern and a beautiful sandy shore. Within swimming distance from the shore there is a small Islet beachgoers can explore and sunbathe on. This beach offers natural shade as there are many trees along the beach travelers can sit under.
Livadi – Located 1km away from the Chora, this beach can be reached by car and foot. This beach offers a restaurant some shade under its trees and an ideal setting for families.
Almyros – Although a little further than the first two beaches mentioned at 2.3km away from the Chora this beach on a day that’s not windy is ideal for children due to its shallow waters. On windy days this is ideal for a bit of a surf. A beach bar is available nearby.
Mersini – located right behind the port of Schinousa. Offers a sandy beach and trees for shade, close proximity to restaurants at the port.
Alygaria – Consists of three small coves with sand. It has no tree-shade and the access is rather difficult via a dirt track road. Ideal for nature lovers and couples.
Psili Ammos – Located 450m from Mesaria and 2.8km from the Chora its a relatively small beach however its turquoise waters, white san and sand dune make it one of the beautiful spots on the island. The village of Messaria offers 2 taverns.
Vazeou
Gerolimionas
And many more…
