Best Beaches in Schoinoussa: 10 Beaches & Quiet Coves

Schoinoussa is only a small island, but its indented coastline contains a remarkable number of beaches and sheltered coves. Unlike the major Cycladic islands, the attraction here isn’t organised beach clubs or rows of sunbeds. It is the ability to walk from Chora and find clear water, sand, tamarisk shade and relatively uncrowded swimming spots.

Most of the island’s beaches are within a few kilometres of Chora, making Schoinoussa particularly good for exploring on foot. Some beaches have a taverna or café nearby, while others are much more secluded.

Wind direction matters. When the Meltemi is blowing strongly from the north, beaches on the southern side of Schoinoussa can provide more comfortable swimming conditions.

1. Tsigouri Beach

Tsigouri is probably the best all-round beach on Schoinoussa and one of the easiest to reach from Chora.

The broad sandy bay has clear water and tamarisk trees providing natural shade. Its position south of Chora also gives it some protection from northerly winds.

Tsigouri is popular with families and visitors who don’t want to travel far for a swim. There is food and drink available nearby, making it easy to spend much of the day here.

Despite being one of Schoinoussa’s most popular beaches, the atmosphere remains considerably more relaxed than at the famous beaches of the larger Cycladic islands.

2. Psili Ammos Beach

Psili Ammos is one of the island’s most beautiful beaches.

Its name means “fine sand”, which accurately describes its defining feature. Pale sand extends beyond the shoreline and up the surrounding slopes, creating an unusually attractive landscape.

The beach lies near Messaria on the northeastern side of Schoinoussa and has wonderfully clear water.

The main consideration is wind. Psili Ammos is exposed to northerly winds, so it is at its best on calmer days.

3. Livadi Beach

Livadi is another excellent choice within easy walking distance of Chora.

The long sandy beach has clear blue water and mature tamarisk trees that provide valuable natural shade during summer.

Its southern location also makes Livadi useful when northerly winds are affecting beaches elsewhere on the island.

With food available nearby and accommodation in the surrounding area, Livadi is one of the easiest Schoinoussa beaches for spending an entire day beside the sea.

4. Lioliou Beach

Lioliou is a small sandy beach on the eastern side of Schoinoussa.

The water is generally shallow close to shore, making it particularly appealing to families with younger children. Tamarisk trees provide some natural shade around the beach.

There is also food nearby, so Lioliou combines the quieter atmosphere of the eastern coastline with enough facilities to make a longer visit comfortable.

5. Almyros Beach

Almyros is another attractive sandy beach on the eastern side of the island.

The bay is divided into sections by rocky outcrops and has shallow water, making it another good choice for families.

Its exposure means conditions can differ considerably according to the wind. On a calm day, however, the combination of sand, clear shallow water and natural shade makes Almyros one of the most appealing places to swim on Schoinoussa.

6. Gerolimnionas Beach

Gerolimnionas is for travellers looking for somewhere quieter.

Located on the northwestern side of Schoinoussa, the small beach sits inside a secluded bay and requires more effort to reach than Tsigouri or Livadi.

That relative isolation is precisely the attraction.

The clear water and interesting seabed also make Gerolimnionas a good place to bring a mask and snorkel.

If you are staying several days on Schoinoussa and enjoy walking, this is one of the beaches worth seeking out.

7. Aligaria Beach

Aligaria offers another quieter alternative away from the island’s most popular beaches.

The area consists of small coves with exceptionally clear water and an attractive seabed.

Access involves a dirt road or walking, which helps keep the atmosphere relatively peaceful.

Aligaria is particularly appealing if you enjoy snorkelling or simply want to find a less obvious swimming spot during your exploration of the island.

8. Mersini Beach – Piso Ammos

You don’t have to travel far after arriving on Schoinoussa to find somewhere to swim.

Piso Ammos is a small sandy beach beside Mersini harbour. The bay is naturally sheltered, with clear turquoise water and some shade from tamarisk trees.

Being beside the island’s port means it doesn’t provide the isolation of Gerolimnionas or some of the smaller coves, but its convenience is difficult to beat.

It can be particularly useful for a final swim before leaving Schoinoussa or as part of a leisurely visit to Mersini for lunch.

9. Fikio Beach

Fikio is a small, more secluded beach on the northern side of Schoinoussa.

Its turquoise water and relative isolation make it worth considering if you’ve already visited the island’s main beaches and want to explore further.

Access is less straightforward than at Tsigouri or Livadi, so come prepared for a walk and take what you need with you.

The clear water and rocky surroundings also make this another good place for snorkelling.

10. Tholari and the Smaller Coves

One of the pleasures of Schoinoussa is discovering beaches that barely register as destinations in their own right.

Tholari is a small sandy beach close to Livadi, while other tiny beaches and coves are scattered around the coastline.

Rather than trying to visit every named beach, allow some time simply to explore. Schoinoussa is compact enough that a walk intended for one beach can easily turn into a day of discovering several different swimming spots.

That freedom is one of the island’s greatest attractions.

Which Is the Best Beach in Schoinoussa?

If you only visit one, Tsigouri is probably the best all-round choice because it combines sand, clear water, natural shade, proximity to Chora and nearby food.

For scenery, Psili Ammos is difficult to beat.

For families, consider Tsigouri, Livadi, Lioliou or Almyros.

For a quieter experience, try Gerolimnionas, Aligaria or Fikio.

And when the northerly Meltemi is strong, look towards more sheltered southern beaches such as Tsigouri and Livadi.

Do You Need a Car to Visit the Beaches?

Not necessarily.

One of the advantages of Schoinoussa is that its small size makes beach-hopping on foot realistic. Many beaches are within roughly three kilometres of Chora, and walking between villages, beaches and coves is part of the experience.

The bigger issue in July and August is the heat rather than the distance.

Take water, wear sun protection and consider doing longer walks in the morning or later afternoon rather than during the hottest part of the day.

Are the Beaches in Schoinoussa Organised?

Schoinoussa is not an island to choose for elaborate organised beaches.

Some of the more accessible beaches have food or drink nearby and natural shade, but many swimming spots remain simple and relatively undeveloped.

For the quieter beaches, assume you may need to bring your own water, food and sun protection.

That lack of development is also precisely why many people choose Schoinoussa.

Beach-Hopping in Schoinoussa

Rather than choosing a single favourite beach for your entire stay, Schoinoussa is ideal for visiting a different one each day.

Start with Tsigouri and Livadi because they’re easy to reach. Save Psili Ammos for a calm day, then explore Lioliou and Almyros before seeking out smaller coves such as Gerolimnionas or Fikio.

On such a compact island, the journey between beaches becomes part of the holiday.

More About Schoinoussa

Continue planning your trip with our guides to:

Things to Do in Schoinoussa

Best Places to Eat in Schoinoussa

Best Places to Stay in Schoinoussa