Schinoussa
A few words about Schinoussa
Schinoussa is a Cycladic island in the Aegean Sea. The island has been inhabited since ancient times. According to tradition, the name derives from the local bush ‘’ Σχινος ( Schinos)’’ which grows on the island. However, there is another theory according to which the island took its name from a Venetian lord called ‘’Schinosa’’.
Schinoussa has two villages, Chora and Messaria. Chora is built on the hill in the middle of the island and it is 1.2 km from the port. In the past, the island had suffered from pirate invasions. That was the reason why the residents built their village on the hill so as to have a clear view to the sea. Chora is also called Panayia (Mother of God) by the locals which is the name of the local church (Panayia Akathi) . The houses are built with the traditional architecture of the Cycladic style.
In the second village, Messaria, there is another church called Evangelistria and it is located 3 Km from Chora. The locals are farmers, stockbreeders, fishermen and tourist business owners.
What you can find in Schinoussa
Schinoussa is an island which visitors can enjoy in every way. They can enjoy the wonderful sea and swim in all kinds of weather in any of the 18 beautiful beaches of the island. People can explore the natural beauty through walking or hikingand experience unforgettable nights in our cultural events, like the big traditional fiesta on the 15th of August (Panigyri Panayias Akathis). Guests can also try amazing local dishes, fresh fish and have fun during the local festivals held on the island.
The island is known for ts award winning Fava (split pea) as well as its excellent faming products (beef, pork, lamb, beans and a variety of local cheese) which can all be accessible in the local shops and from the producers themselves. A big festival about Fava take place at the end of June every year. There is also a wide range of fruit and vegetables like green beans, cucumbers, melons, cherry tomatoes, figs, prickly pears, wheat, barley and grapes.
In Schinoussa visitors can go hiking, climbing, cycling, free diving and do canoeing kayaking.
Our little visitors can enjoy the ideal playground which is located next to our building. They can walk freely around the village, without any danger because the street is paved and there are no cars from 20:00 to 07:00.
In Schinoussa you will enjoy great meals wherever you go. All the restaurants and taverns offer quality food and most of them use local products from local farmers.
In the evening you can take a stroll around Chora or enjoy a Rakomelo in Hara and if you are lucky, you may become part of a traditional party in the Kafenio and end up dancing until dawn.