In the center of the Aegean Sea lies a cluster of small islands nestled between Naxos and Amorgos. They are the Small Cyclades.
Crystalline waters, imposing rock formations and wind-battered trees create unique landscapes of unparalleled beauty.
The Small Cyclades include Schinoussa, Donousa, Koufonissi, Heraklia, and 20 uninhabited islets. Among them, the desert island of Keros used to be an influential religious center during the Early Cycladic era (approx. 2,500 BC.)
The history of the Small Cyclades is rooted in antiquity but continues through the Roman era and the medieval pirate attacks and re-ignites a couple of centuries ago.
Today, just a handful of locals live on these islands. They stay here, on their fathers’ land, despite the long distance from the mainland and the lack of infrastructure. They know every rock and every bay and honor their patron saints with music and dance.
So it’s no wonder that until this very day, the Small Cyclades retain their authentic vibe and pure nature. Myriad beaches and hidden coves, alluring sea caves, and wild Mediterranean plants compose a remarkable scenery.
The natural scenery is adorned with white-washed houses, sweet basil fragrances, and the sounds of chatting villagers sitting at the square, telling stories of things gone and things to come.
The Island
Schinoussa could be never anything more nor less than itself.
Tony Brown
Timeless and tiny, Schinoussa is an 8.5km² island with around 230 permanent residents. It has two main settlements: the capital Chora, or Panagia, and Messaria.
The name ‘Schinoussa’ probably derives from the Greek word ‘schinos,’ a wild shrub that thrives on the island.
Schinoussa has a long history, starting more than 4,000 years ago. Fast-forward in time, in the 15th century, pirate raids began in the Aegean Sea. The locals had to flee, and the island was deserted.
Centuries later, in the mid-1800s, some families from Amorgos came to live on Schinoussa and have stayed here ever since.
Today, Schinoussa is still a place with authentic people and unspoiled natural beauty. The island is so small that you can actually go anywhere you want on foot!
But if you prefer driving, a short road network connects the villages with some of the beaches. For sea-lovers, small boats leaving from the port take you wherever you want to go.
Schinoussa is the perfect holiday destination for those who like quietness and relaxation, appreciate simplicity, and value the pure essence of Cycladic living.
Chora
The capital of Schinoussa is Chora, located about 1,2km from the port. The old settlement is unseen from the sea, hidden from pirate boats approaching the shore.
The traditional houses of Chora are small and white, with blue windows and stone-paved yards blooming with flowers.
In the center of the village, the beloved church of Virgin Mary Akathi (Panagia Akathi) overlooks the square. In its honor, many women on Schinoussa are named Akathi.
Being the capital, Chora has restaurants, cafes, a pharmacy, a small grocery store, and an ATM (Piraeus Bank), even though it’ll be more convenient for you to carry enough cash with you.
Everyone passes from Chora. It is the center of the island that connects all the roads and trails of Schinoussa.
Today, Schinoussa is still a place with authentic people and unspoiled natural beauty. The island is so small that you can actually go anywhere you want on foot!
But if you prefer driving, a short road network connects the villages with some of the beaches. For sea-lovers, small boats leaving from the port take you wherever you want to go.
Schinoussa is the perfect holiday destination for those who like quietness and relaxation, appreciate simplicity, and value the pure essence of Cycladic living.
Things to do
The most popular thing to do in Schinoussa is to lay endlessly on the beach. Then comes wandering through the enticing countryside, where every step is a discovery.
At Chora, some coffee shops stay open until late, and sometimes, live music events spark hours of impromptu dancing and feasting.
As the summer ends, the locals and the few remaining visitors gather at the square, letting the time go by while sipping on some sweet raki. Chatting and laughing into the night, they treasure memorable experiences and good-hearted moments.
Traditional Festivals
In Schinoussa, festivals take place throughout the year in honor of patron saints and in honor of… fava peas, the most famous local product.
These traditional festivals are organized by residents and volunteers who cook and offer local delicacies, as violins and lutes sound until the early morning.
– The big Festival of Virgin Mary Akathi takes place on the last Friday of the Salutations to Mary, a few days before Greek Easter.
– Saint Nicholas Festival is on December 6th.
– The Festival for the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary takes place on March 25th at Messaria and at the church of the Annunciation of the village.
– On the last Saturday of June, there’s the Fava Festival: a two-day celebration devoted to the beloved local pea. It includes food tasting, folk events, and endless island music and dancing.
Food
There are more than 15 restaurants in Schinoussa, most located in Chora. They mainly serve fresh fish, seafood, Greek and local dishes.
If you wish to dine by the sea, try the beachside restaurants at Livadi and Lioliou. At Messaria, you can find some fine restaurants with tasty, island-style food.
At the wind-protected port, seaside cafés and restaurants offer lunch and dinner with a view of the sea.
Local Products
The island’s most famous product is fava, with its distinct, sweet, and fine taste. The secret lies in the seed.
In Schinoussa, fava comes from a special variety of yellow split peas (pisum sativum) that’s been selectively bred through the ages on 4 neighboring islands of the area.
Historically, these fava seeds came here with people from Amorgos in the mid-19th century. Thankfully, the island’s climate and soil favored the plant’s farming.
The rocky land of Schinoussa is hard to cultivate, so fava became the ‘bread and butter’ of the Schinoussians, who stored and cooked it all year round.
As for dairies, there are 3 types of special local cheese that you can taste on the island. If you are in Messaria, you should also try delicious prickly pear juice straight from the wild cactuses that grow all around.
Local dishes include octopus giouvetsi, patatato (goat meat cooked with potatoes), local cheese pies, and snails with tomato and garlic.
In Schinoussa, the Easter lamb is stuffed with rice and herbs, and it’s cooked in a wood oven. At weddings, families offer their guests pasteli (sesame and honey bars), kserotygana, and psimeni raki (sweet raki liqueur).
Sightseeing
The most important landmark of the island is the Church of Virgin Mary Akathi at Chora.
Other small, picturesque churches are scattered throughout the shores and slopes of Schinoussa. From the church of Agios Nikolaos at Mersini, you can admire incredible views over the Aegean Sea.
At Profitis Elias, excavations have revealed parts of an ancient protective wall. Other archaeological findings at Tsigouri Beach include a large Hellenistic and Roman settlement and an Early Christian basilica.
At Fountana, a small Venetian Castle stands alone, gazing over the sea, while in other parts of the island, old windmills create a pure Cycladic scenery.
Natural landmarks include Charakas Gorge and the Cave of Maniatis, which, according to legend, was a refuge for pirates.
Activities
The island of Schinoussa is part of the Natura 2000 network and it’s offered for outdoor activities.
Hiking
There are six popular walking trails in Schinoussa, taking you from Chora to some beautiful beaches. All the routes are easy and short, ranging from 400m to 2,5km.
If you’d like to spend one full day walking, try doing the round of the island. You’ll witness incredible views of the sea and neighboring isles and immerse in the magic of Cycladic nature.
Rock Climbing
Charakas Gorge is a well-known rock climbing field in Schinoussa. It starts at Chora and ends at the sea between Mersini and Tsigouri. The area offers 40 climbing routes of various difficulty levels, reaching up to 7c.
Freediving
Schinoussa has a beautiful underwater environment worth exploring. Freediving lessons and excursions offer you the chance to witness unique underwater sites.
Sea Excursions
Small boats leaving from the port make the round of Schinoussa. They also organize sea excursions to neighboring islands – an opportunity to dive into the deep blue waters of Keros and Kato Koufonissi, two desert islands untouched by modern civilization.
Beaches
Schinoussa has 18 charming beaches and many secret little coves. Each one has its own unique beauty. So, why not explore them all? Discover the beaches of Schinoussa.
Useful Numbers
Community Office: | +30 22850 74250 |
Health Clinic of Schinoussa: | +30 22850 71385 |
Travel Agency Parallos: | +30 22850 71160 & 22850 29349 |
Aeolia Sea Excursions: | +30 6984 203723 |
Climbing, Sea Kayaking – Way Out Adventures: | +30 6979 618233 |