A tiny island of sandy coves in the Small Cyclades
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Schinoussa is one of the Small Cyclades, between Naxos and Amorgos: a gentle, low island with a single village, the Chora, and more than a dozen sandy coves such as Tsigouri, Livadi and Almyros, all within walking distance.
Blue Star sails from Piraeus overnight in about 7 h 40 m, from €43. The local ferry of Small Cyclades Lines links Schinoussa with Naxos (1 h 45 m, €7), Iraklia (10 minutes) and Koufonisia (35 minutes) almost every day.
The only village, on the hill above the port, with rooms, tavernas and a few shops.
Paths and a small road lead to all the beaches in 10–40 minutes.
Blue Star calls at Schinoussa on its overnight line from Piraeus to Naxos, the Small Cyclades and Amorgos. The local ferry of Small Cyclades Lines is the lifeline of the islands and the cheapest way to hop between them.
| From | Companies | Fastest | Fares from | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piraeus | Blue Star Ferries | 7 h 40 m | €43 | Most days |
| Naxos | Small Cyclades Lines | 1 h 45 m | €7 | Almost daily |
| Iraklia | Small Cyclades Lines | 10 min | €4.50 | Almost daily |
| Koufonisia | Small Cyclades Lines | 35 min | €4.50 | Almost daily |
Children travel at reduced fares. Other discounts, such as for students, large families or people with disabilities, apply only to Greek citizens. For a group booking, ask us for a quote.
Related guides: Cyclades islandsIsland hoppingAll destinations
Local ferry fares, October 2026; in summer Seajets also calls at the Small Cyclades.
Ferries arrive at Mersini, a tiny harbour below the Chora. The village is about 1 km uphill; many rooms meet guests at the port.
Blue Star shows your gate when you check in (online or at the port). Seajets usually leaves from gate E9 or E7 and sends you an SMS with the gate. Some sailings use E1 or E2, at the other end of the port, so always check and allow extra time.
At least an hour before departure with a vehicle, and 30–45 minutes on foot. The metro and the suburban train stop right by the Cyclades gates.
Leave at least 4 hours between your flight’s landing and the ferry’s departure. Choosing an Athens port.
Walk up to the Chora in about 15 minutes, or ask your host for a lift.
Most visitors walk; a few cars and scooters can be rented in summer.
There are only a few small shops: bring some cash.
No airport. Fly to Naxos and take the local ferry.
Taking a camper, motorhome, van or your boat on a trailer to Schinoussa? Big vehicles need a little more planning on Greek ferries. Here is what to know, for holidays and for business.
Give the exact length and height of your camper, van or car with caravan, including bike racks, roof boxes and tow bars. The ferry fare and deck space depend on them, and a vehicle bigger than booked may be refused or charged extra at the port.
Vehicles running on LPG or other gas, and hybrid or electric vehicles, must be declared when you book. Gas tanks may be filled to no more than 50% and EV batteries charged to no more than 40%. Make sure gas bottles are turned off before boarding.
Be at the port at least 1 hour before departure. Large vehicles are loaded in the order set by the port authority, so arriving early helps. Book well ahead in July and August: garage space for big vehicles runs out first.
Only the driver stays with the vehicle to drive it on and off; everyone else boards on foot. Nobody may stay in the vehicle during the crossing, so take what you need for the trip with you.
Taking your own boat? We also book ferry tickets for a car towing a boat trailer. Give the total length of car, trailer and boat together, and the height of the boat on the trailer, including any mast, frame or outboard engine.
Vans carrying goods, tools or equipment for work may be booked as commercial vehicles, with a different fare and different paperwork from a private car. Tell us what the vehicle carries and its weight.
Several vehicles and drivers on the same sailing, or regular crossings for a project? We book them together so your team travels on the same ship.
Length, height and weight decide the category. Include racks, ladders and trailers, and tell us if anything is loaded on the roof.
Commercial vehicles may need to be at the port earlier than cars. We confirm the exact check-in time and gate for your sailing.
Travelling for work? We issue an invoice in your company’s name. Send us the company name, address and VAT number with your quote request.
The closest sandy beach to the port, with a taverna.
A long sandy bay with shallow water.
Fine sand and clear water, a short walk from the Chora.
A quiet beach in the north.
Whitewashed houses, a windmill and sunset views.
Schinoussa is very quiet: a few tavernas and a bar or two in the Chora. Come for walks, swimming and early nights.
Blue Star from Piraeus (about 7 h 40 m, from €43), or fly or sail to Naxos and take the local ferry (1 h 45 m, €7).
From €43 from Piraeus and €7 from Naxos, one way for 1 adult (October 2026).
The local ferry takes about 35 minutes, from €4.50.
No. The island is small and every beach can be reached on foot.
