Seeking Wanderland

Schoinousa is one of the most beautiful tiny islands in the Cyclades. It is part of the Small Cyclades complex and it is near Naxos, Irakleia, Koufonisia, and Donoussa. The island has been inhabited from the beginning of time, evidently there are archaeological monuments on the island, including ancient Greek and Roman ruins, remnants of a Byzantine church, and a tiny medieval fortress, that prove the past settlements in the island. The entire island is part of the Natura 2000 since it hosts a massive amount of rare flora and serves as an important migratory stop for a lot of bird species. Nowadays the island is a popular gathering place for ship owners, giant yachts and private helicopters as well as, a secluded sanctuary, like the rest of the Small Cyclades islands, excellent for individuals who wish to unwind away from their busy routine.

Lovely sunset views, sheltered coves, picture-perfect hamlets, golden-colored sand, turquoise waters, carefree laid back lifestyle, boisterous feasts and festivals, are ready to be discovered in this picturesque destination in the middle of the Aegean sea. The island can be explored as a whole by walking around it, in approximately an hour and a half, since its size is about 8.5 sq. km, and there are three settlements in the island, Chora, Messaria and the port of Mersini. The gorgeous scenery features low green hills with little valleys between them, as well as various spectacular beaches with golden sand. The beaches on the island are remote and untouched, with pristine natural scenery and tempting azure seas.

The island has managed to keep its original identity over the years and its architecture is purely Cycladic with whitewashed cottages, blue-domed churches, and tiny paths, a suitable mix with the magnificent natural surroundings. Chora provides breathtaking views of the sea and the island, its streets are adorned with charming Cycladic buildings blanketed with bougainvillaea and basil pots. Mersini was formerly a pirate fortress; it now serves as the primary harbor welcoming ferries from the mainland and other islands, as well as the location for small fishing boats and visiting yachts to dock. The third settlement of the island, Messaria village is surrounded by vegetable fields and small vineyards, owns some lovely windmills, a graceful church and features the beaches of Psili Ammos and Fykio beach.