How To Get From Athens To Schinoussa
There are 3 ways to reach Schinoussa from Athens or abroad.
Blue Star Ferries
From the port of Piraeus directly to Schinoussa (3 ferry connections per week)
Express Skopelitis
From the port of Piraeus to Naxos port and then change to Express Skopelitis ferry for Schinoussa
Airplane
Get a flight from Athens to Naxos or Paros, and then a ferry to Schinoussa (3 daily flights)
Ferries From & To Schinoussa 2025
Last update: April 15th, 2025
(All itinerary information below is valid from June 2nd until September 14th, 2025)
Getting To Schinoussa – Ferry Schedule
DIRECT ROUTE | THROUGH NAXOS | |||
Piraeus > Schinoussa BLUE STAR FERRIES | Naxos > Schinoussa EXPRESS SKOPELITIS | |||
Departs | Arrives | Departs | Arrives | |
Monday | - | - | 14:30 | 16:20 |
Tuesday | 06:45 | 13:30 | 14:30 | 16:20 |
Wednesday | - | - | 14:30 | 16:20 |
Thursday | 06:45 | 13:30 | 14:30 | 16:20 |
Friday | - | - | 14:30 | 16:20 |
Saturday | - | - | 14:30 | 16:20 |
Sunday | 06:45 | 13:30 | - | - |
Getting Back From Schinoussa – Ferry Schedule
DIRECT ROUTE | THROUGH NAXOS | |||
Piraeus > Schinoussa BLUE STAR FERRIES | Naxos > Schinoussa EXPRESS SKOPELITIS | |||
Departs | Arrives | Departs | Arrives | |
Monday | - | 05:00 | 10:20 | 12:05 |
Tuesday | 20:40 | - | 11:20 | 13:05 |
Wednesday | - | 05:00 | 10:20 | 12:05 |
Thursday | 20:40 | - | 11:20 | 13:05 |
Friday | - | 05:00 | 10:20 | 12:05 |
Saturday | - | - | 11:20 | 13:05 |
Sunday | 20:40 | - | - | - |
Travel To Schinoussa
Useful Information
- It takes about 7 hours to get from Piraeus to Schinoussa by ferry. Some off-season itineraries (September-May) can take up to 9 hours.
- If you travel to Schinoussa with a stop-over in Naxos, you must be at Naxos port by 13:30. Note that in July & August, there may be ferry and flight delays. Naxos Airport is about 4km away from the island’s port.
- In the summer, various ferry itineraries depart from Piraeus for Naxos Island (trip duration: 3,5 to 5,5 hours). From there, you can take Express Skopelitis to Schinoussa.
- Students and families traveling to Schinoussa can get discount ferry tickets (make sure you bring the proper documents on board).
- You can change your travel date and ferry tickets at a travel agency in Greece typically up to 12 hours before departure time. If you want to change your ferry e-tickets online, allow about 4 working days before your departure date.
- To get to other islands around Schinoussa, Express Skopelitis has ferry schedules all year round.
Express Skopelitis
The ferry that connects the Small Cyclades
Express Skopelitis Ferry Schedule
Express Skopelitis ferry is the best way to travel to Schinoussa from Iraklia, Donoussa, Koufonissi, or Amorgos.
Route 1: Katapola-Egiali (Amorgos)-Donoussa- Koufonissi-Schinoussa-Iraklia-Naxos | Route 2: | |||
Departs from Katapola (Amorgos) | Departs from Naxos | Departs from Katapola (Amorgos) | Departs from Naxos | |
Monday | - | - | 08:20 | 14:30 |
Tuesday | 07:00 | 14:30 | - | - |
Wednesday | - | - | 08:20 | 14:30 |
Thursday | 07:00 | 14:30 | - | - |
Friday | - | - | 08:20 | 14:30 |
Saturday | 07:00 | 14:30 | - | - |
Sunday | Route 3: Katapola (Amorgos) - Ios - Santorini | |||
The Story Of Express Skopelitis
A small ferry with a long history, Skopelitis is a legendary boat that’s been connecting the islands of the Small Cyclades since 1956.
The boat’s owner and first captain, who was based in Amorgos, was dedicated to running the boat all year round. Thanks to Express Skopelitis, people and supplies could move among metropolitan Naxos, the Small Cyclades, and Amorgos under any weather conditions.
Still today, locals depend on the Skopelitis ferry to reach hospitals, state offices, and various services based in Naxos. But also to get food, medicines, gas, and other essential supplies.
Many say these small islands ‘have survived’ thanks to Express Skopelitis.
The Skopelitis family still lives in Katapola, Amorgos, and runs the boat summer and winter under their company, “Small Cyclades Lines.” They have received various awards, including Lloyd’s Best Shipping Company of the Year award.
Travel To Schinoussa – FAQ
Here are the most frequently asked questions about traveling to the Greek island of Schinoussa.
Depending on the day of the week, you can reach Schinoussa from Naxos either with Blue Star Ferries (1h 20 min trip) or with the Express Skopelitis ferry (1h 50 min trip).
To get to Schinoussa from other countries abroad, you can fly to the International Airport of Athens.
From the main port of Athens at Piraeus, there are 3 ferries to Schinoussa per week. Alternatively, you can get to Naxos Island and then take another ferry to Schinoussa.
Schinoussa is totally worth a visit, especially if you like swimming and enjoy quiet holidays and activities in nature. It is a small island with unique natural beauty. Learn more about the island here.
Things to do in Schinoussa include swimming, hiking, snorkeling, free diving, kayak trips, rock climbing, and sea excursions. The island has more than 18 natural beaches where you can relax by the sea.
From the main port of Athens at Piraeus, there are 3 ferries to Schinoussa per week. Alternatively, you can get to Naxos Island and then take another ferry to Schinoussa.
Contact Us – Hotel Iliovasilema
For more information about your trip to Schinoussa or if you wish to book a room at our hotel in Chora, you are welcome to contact us.
Tips For Your Travel
1. Express Skopelitis is a small ferry.
It only fits 11 cars, so book in advance if you have a vehicle. If the wind is strong, it may also get a bit ‘rocky’ on board.
2. Need a cabin? Book early!
Blue Star Ferry to Schinoussa has 2-berth and 4-berth cabins, but there are not so many. It’s best to book your bed well in advance.
3. Coming in August? Book early!
August is Greece’s peak holiday season, and boats are totally crowded. So, book your ferry tickets quite early, especially for Piraeus-Schinoussa direct ferries.
4. It’s all up to the weather!
In some rare cases, strong summer winds may cause boat delays for a few hours or even for an entire day. So, if you see bad weather coming, check with a local travel agency.
Get Your Tickets – Our Recommendation
Blue Star Ferries
You can buy Blue Star Ferry tickets online via the company website: bluestarferries.com
Travel Agencies – Book Your Tickets
If you wish to travel with Express Skopelitis, you can also book your ferry tickets to Schinoussa over the phone at Zas Travel, a central travel agency in Naxos.
ZAS Travel – Tel: +30 22850 23330
For more information on ferry tickets to/from Schinoussa, contact our local travel agency:
Paralos Travel – Tel. +30 22850 29349 & 71160, Chora, Schinoussa