Getting from Athens to Schinoussa

If you are heading to Schinoussa from Athens you are going to one of the most quietly beautiful of the Small Cyclades. Schinoussa sits between Naxos and Amorgos, a small island of low hills, olive trees and more than 18 beaches scattered around a coastline that you can walk across in an afternoon. The main village of Chora is tiny and whitewashed and the pace of life is exactly what you come to the Small Cyclades to find. The ferry connections keep it just accessible enough without overwhelming it, which is the balance that makes these islands work.

Take the ferry

The Piraeus to Schinoussa ferry runs a few times a week year-round, taking around 6 to 8 hours depending on the vessel and the stops. The connection via Naxos is more practical for most travellers, with the ferry from Naxos to Schinoussa taking around 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes and running several times a week in summer. The Express Skopelitis, the small legendary ferry that threads through the Small Cyclades, serves Schinoussa on its regular route and is one of the more enjoyable ways to arrive.

Getting there by air

Schinoussa has no airport. The nearest airport is Naxos, which has daily connections from Athens taking around 45 minutes. From Naxos the ferry to Schinoussa takes around 1 hour 20 minutes. Total travel time via Naxos is around 3 to 4 hours and is the fastest overall approach.

Your best option

Fly to Naxos and take the ferry across to Schinoussa. It is the fastest approach by a significant margin. Give yourself at least two nights on Schinoussa and come with everything you need. The island is small, the facilities are limited and the quieter it gets in the afternoon the better it becomes.