Things to Do in Schoinoussa: 12 Best Things to See & Do

Schoinoussa is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Cyclades, but that is a large part of its appeal. Part of the Small Cyclades between Naxos and Amorgos, it is an island of quiet beaches, walking paths, whitewashed villages and long, relaxed meals rather than major attractions.

The island is small enough that walking can be part of almost every day. Chora is the main village, Mersini is the port, and the tiny settlement of Messaria lies further north. From these settlements, paths and roads lead towards beaches scattered around Schoinoussa’s deeply indented coastline.

If you are looking for nightlife, organised attractions and busy beach clubs, Schoinoussa probably isn’t the right Greek island. If you want somewhere where swimming, walking and eating well are the main events of the day, it is an excellent choice.

1. Explore Chora

Chora, also known as Panagia, is the heart of Schoinoussa.

Built inland on a low hill, the village has the familiar Cycladic combination of whitewashed houses, narrow lanes and blue details, but on a much smaller scale than the famous towns of Santorini or Mykonos.

There isn’t a long checklist of sights to work through. The pleasure is simply wandering around, stopping for coffee or food and returning in the evening when the village becomes the social centre of the island.

2. Visit the Church of Panagia Akathi

One of the landmarks of Chora is the Church of Panagia Akathi, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Its blue dome rises above the village and makes the church one of the most recognisable buildings on Schoinoussa.

Even if you aren’t particularly interested in churches, it is worth including while exploring Chora and the surrounding lanes.

3. Walk to Tsigouri Beach

Tsigouri is one of the easiest beaches to reach from Chora and one of the best places to start exploring the coastline.

The sandy bay is roughly a short walk from the village and is generally protected from the strong northerly winds that can affect the Cyclades.

Its combination of accessibility, sand and clear water makes Tsigouri a good choice when you don’t want to spend much of the day getting to the beach.

4. Spend the Day at Psili Ammos

Psili Ammos is one of Schoinoussa’s best-known beaches.

Located on the northeastern side of the island, it has pale sand and shallow, clear water. It feels more isolated than beaches close to Chora and is particularly attractive when conditions on this side of the island are calm.

Like many places on Schoinoussa, getting there is part of the experience. Bring water and sun protection rather than assuming you will find extensive facilities when you arrive.

5. Swim at Livadi Beach

Livadi is another of the island’s easiest beaches for a relaxed day by the sea.

The broad sandy bay lies south of Chora and is particularly convenient if you want somewhere that combines swimming with nearby food.

It is also a good beach for families because of its relatively easy access and generally relaxed atmosphere.

6. Discover the Smaller Beaches and Coves

One of the pleasures of Schoinoussa is having far more beaches than you might expect from such a small island.

Beyond Tsigouri, Livadi and Psili Ammos, swimming spots include Lioliou, Almyros, Aligaria, Ai Vasilis, Mersini and the more secluded Gerolimnionas.

You don’t necessarily need to decide which is the “best”. Wind direction can make one side of a small Cycladic island considerably more pleasant than another, so choosing your beach according to the conditions is often a better strategy.

7. Walk Around the Island

Schoinoussa is particularly well suited to travellers who enjoy exploring on foot.

The island is only a few kilometres from end to end, and walking connects Chora with Messaria, the port and many of the beaches.

The landscape is relatively gentle by Cycladic standards, with low hills, farmland, dry-stone walls and wide views towards neighbouring islands.

Avoid planning your longest walks for the hottest part of a summer afternoon. Early morning and late afternoon are much more comfortable.

8. Visit Messaria

Messaria is Schoinoussa’s second inland settlement and is much smaller and quieter than Chora.

The village provides a glimpse of the island away from its summer waterfront activity. Traditional houses, churches, old windmills and the surrounding agricultural landscape make it worth including on a walk through the northern part of Schoinoussa.

The Church of Evangelistria is one of the small village’s notable landmarks.

9. Explore Mersini Harbour

Your first sight of Schoinoussa will probably be Mersini, the island’s sheltered port.

Rather than immediately treating it simply as somewhere to leave after the ferry arrives, return later and explore at a slower pace.

There is a small beach beside the harbour, while waterfront restaurants make Mersini a good place for lunch or dinner. The naturally protected bay also attracts yachts during summer.

10. Take a Boat Trip Around Schoinoussa

Seeing Schoinoussa from the water reveals another side of the island.

Local boat excursions can explore sections of coastline that are harder to reach on foot, stopping at isolated swimming spots and coves along the way.

Longer excursions may also visit other islands of the Small Cyclades, such as Iraklia and Koufonisia, depending on the trip and conditions.

If you are staying several days, a boat trip is an excellent way to break up days spent exploring the island on foot.

11. Try Schoinoussa Fava

Food is an unusually important part of the Schoinoussa experience for such a tiny island.

The island is particularly known for its locally grown fava, the yellow split pea used to make one of the Cyclades’ classic dishes.

Look for it in local tavernas along with seafood, locally grown vegetables and other traditional dishes.

Schoinoussa also celebrates its agricultural tradition with a Fava Festival, usually held during the summer.

12. Enjoy a Slow Evening in Chora

There is no need to create an elaborate evening itinerary on Schoinoussa.

Return to Chora after the heat of the day, walk through the village, have dinner and stay for a drink or dessert.

Summer evenings can be surprisingly lively for such a small island, but the atmosphere remains very different from the nightlife centres of the Cyclades.

That relaxed rhythm is ultimately one of the best reasons to visit Schoinoussa.

Is Schoinoussa Worth Visiting?

Schoinoussa is worth visiting if you prefer small, quiet Greek islands where the landscape and daily routine are more important than sightseeing attractions.

It is particularly suited to travellers who enjoy beaches, walking, traditional food and staying somewhere that can be explored without constantly relying on a car.

A couple of days will give you a taste of the island, but staying longer allows you to settle into its slower rhythm and visit different beaches according to the weather.

For travellers exploring the Small Cyclades, Schoinoussa also works naturally alongside islands such as Iraklia, Koufonisia and Donousa.

More About Schoinoussa

Planning a trip to Schoinoussa? Continue with our guides to:

Best Places to Eat in Schoinoussa

Best Places to Stay in Schoinoussa

Best Beaches in Schoinoussa