Schinoussa is a small island of the Cyclades, with an area of 9.5 km2. Part of the Eastern Cyclades and lies to the South of Naxos and northeast of Irakleia. The population of the island is 206 residents (in winter).
The island maintains its Cycladic culture. The houses of Chora, one of the biggest settlements of the island, are built on a slight elevation. Messaria, is the second big settlement of the island and abstains 3 km from Chora. The island’s harbour is Mersini, and abstains 1,2 km from Chora.
The two villages of Messaria and Mersini are very pretty and are well worth visiting, where you can enjoy a walk around the streets and enjoy the peaceful and relaxing scenery and views.
The lanscape of Schinoussa is very beautiful and from the various hills on the island, you can enjoy the panoramic views stretching out over the blue waters of the Aegean.
Schinoussas History
Many people say that Sxoinoussa owes her name to the plant junipers (in Greek, schoinos) shrubs covering the island. A second version says that the island took his name from the Venetian noble Schinoza.
Discoveries on the island testify that the island has been inhabited since antiquity with a big involvement in the creation of the First-Cycladic civilization that developed around neighbouring Keros.
Ruins are still visible on the island from destroyed temples and a lot of ceramic discoveries, elements that show that during the Byzantine years the island flourished commercial.
Schinoussa accepted raids from pirates, as most of Cyclades, fact which forced a lot of residents of the island to abandon their homes. The island has been continuously inhabited since the mid-19th century when it was settled by families from Amorgos.
Schinoussa is an ideal destination for relaxation. The visitors of the island can enjoy the calmness of the landscapes that spurts through the light blue beaches of the island. The hospitality of residents gives warmth to visitors, who enjoy the natural beauties of the island. In the past few years the island shows an increase in tourism and is able to satisfy its visitors.
You can travel from Piraeus port to Mersini with 7-9 hours travel time. The island is connected coastal with Naxos with daily itineraries and the inner Cycladic line connects Syros with Schinoussa with travel duration of 9 hours.
Beaches and walks on Schinoussa island
The main village is Panagia island or "Chora", charming village houses decorated with white bougainvillea. There is almost traffic, few people and quiet life are the main features of this relatively Green Island.
The beaches are all within walking distance, the important thing is to start early to avoid the hottest hours of the day. The most famous is Psilì Ammos a sandy beach, approximately 60 m long, turquoise sea and a few trees. It is approximately 2.8 km from Chora (about 30-35 minutes of walk) and 450 m from Mersini (the port of the island). On the beach there are bars or other services for every need we must therefore return to Mersini.
The Tsigouri Beach is the closest to the city, is a beautiful long beach (350 m) partially equipped with deckchairs and sunshades, a few bars and a shop.
The Livadi Beach (250 m long) is a fine sandy beach and is situated about 850 metres from Chora. Also here are a couple of bars and some shops.
Aligaria is approximately 1700 m from Chora, here the sea is really charming, but the way to get there is quite difficult. Also the lack of trees (and shadow) makes this uncomfortable beach.
Piso Ammos (or Mersini) is 60 m long and lies behind the port therefore is quite popular. The proximity to the port makes this the best beach to enjoy the last dip in the sea of Schinoussa waiting for the ferry. Also nearby are various bars and souvenir shops.
The other beaches are Gagavi (or 2 Aligaria), Kambos (or 3 Aligaria), Lioliou, Bazaiou, Foudana, Fikio, Almyros, Avlaki tou papa, Gerolimnionas, Sifneiko and Fidou (frequented by nudists).
In Schinoussa there is plenty to do, if you don't spend whole days in complete relaxation and absolute peace … a little paradise, for a holiday far away from the usual tourist.
SCHINOUSA SIGHTSEEING
You can make a tour to the island and visit one of the main sights of the island, the church of Eisodia Theotokou in the area of Chora. Inside the temple you can see the icon of Panagia Akathis, which is believed to have miraculous powers.
The church of Eyaggelismos is located in the traditional settlement of Messaria.
Weather on Schinoussa is the typical weather of all Cyclades islands. The best time to visit is certainly summer, when the
One of most important sights of the island is the Pirate’s Cave located at the road leading to the port.
sun is shining for 15 hours a day. Temperatures can be very hot in summer reaching even 40 degrees, but a soft breeze blows in the afternoon and makes the amosphere more comfortable.
In autumn, temperatures are lower and some light showers fall. In winter, the wind blows very strong but it rarely snows. In spring, the nature blossoms again and temperature varies
For more information about Schinoussa please visit our website http://www.ajbholidays.co.uk/Islands/Schinoussa/indes.shtml
2 comments:
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