Cyclades
Schinoussa
The Small Cyclades island with the best sunsets and the least fuss.
Getting around
Walkable
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Quiet
Best months
Jun – Sep
From Athens
9h ferry
In pictures
Schinoussa
Schinoussa occupies a gentle middle ground in the Small Cyclades — not as remote as Donousa, not as busy as Koufonisia, with an atmosphere calibrated to doing nothing in a beautiful place. The hilltop Chora has panoramic views over the Aegean in every direction, and the sunsets from here — visible over both eastern and western water depending on where you position yourself — are exceptional. Several beaches are within easy walking distance of the main village: Tsigouri is the closest and most popular; Almyros is quieter; Psili Ammos is the best reward for the walk. The handful of good tavernas fill each evening with a crowd of Greeks and Athenians who have been returning for years, which gives the island a relaxed, sociable atmosphere without any sense of performance. A solid three-day stop, best as part of a Small Cyclades island sequence.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Very small — limited accommodation and dining. Best combined with other Small Cyclades islands.
Where it sits
Cyclades, Greece
Schinoussa — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Schinoussa? +
- The best months to visit Schinoussa are June to September. It's calm and uncrowded most of the year, so even peak season is workable.
- How do you get to Schinoussa from Athens? +
- Schinoussa has no airport — you'll need to take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina, which takes about 9 hours. Some travellers fly to a nearby island and ferry across.
- Is Schinoussa good for couples? +
- Schinoussa is a charming pick for couples, especially shoulder season.
- Is Schinoussa good for families with kids? +
- Schinoussa is a solid family option, though you'll want a car for the best beaches.
- Is Schinoussa expensive? +
- Schinoussa is affordable by Greek-island standards.
- Do you need a car on Schinoussa? +
- Schinoussa is small and walkable — you don't need a car or scooter for most stays.
- What's the catch with Schinoussa? +
- Very small — limited accommodation and dining. Best combined with other Small Cyclades islands.