Getting from Santorini to Oinousses

Oinousses is a small cluster of islands just off the northeastern coast of Chios, a short crossing from the Turkish coast and one of the most quietly distinguished places in the Aegean. The main island has a permanent population of around 1,000 people and a naval tradition so strong it produced a disproportionate share of Greece's great shipping dynasties. The mansions around the port reflect that history. The Naval Museum is one of the finest of its kind in Greece. The beaches are uncrowded, the pace is slow and the island has almost no tourist infrastructure, which is precisely the point.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Santorini to Oinousses. The island is accessible only via Chios. A local ferry operated by Oinoussai III runs daily from Chios main port to Oinousses, taking around 1 hour. A sea taxi from the village of Lagkada on the northeastern coast of Chios takes around 20 minutes. Getting to Chios from Santorini means going through Athens and taking the ferry from Piraeus, which runs several times a week and takes around 8 to 10 hours, or flying.

What about flying?

Oinousses has no airport. The nearest airport is Chios, which has daily connections to Athens. The journey from Santorini goes Santorini to Athens and then Athens to Chios, followed by the local ferry or sea taxi across to Oinousses. Total travel time is around 5 to 6 hours. It is worth knowing that in Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights. Almost all island to island travel goes through Athens.

Your best option

Fly to Chios via Athens and take the local ferry or sea taxi across to Oinousses. Check the daily ferry schedule from Chios before you book your flights and plan your arrival in Chios around the afternoon departure. Give yourself at least two nights on Oinousses. The island has no pharmacy so bring anything you need.