Ferry from Naxos (Chora) to Schinoussa

Schinoussa is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Cyclades, and this short hop from Naxos is how most visitors reach it. There is no airport and no direct link from Piraeus worth the detour, so Naxos, with its own frequent connections to Athens, is the natural gateway. The crossing itself is unfussy: a run south through the Small Cyclades, sheltered for most of its length by the islands themselves rather than exposed to open sea, so it rarely feels rough even when the meltemi is up elsewhere.

Naxos Town's ferry port sits right at the edge of the old quarter, a short walk from the Kastro and the seafront promenade, so there is no need to arrange transport before boarding. Schinoussa's harbour, Mersini, is little more than a jetty and a handful of buildings; from there it is a walk or a short taxi ride up to Chora, the island's only real village. Service holds at roughly a sailing a day right through the season, which suits the island's character – Schinoussa was never built for high footfall, and the modest ferry frequency keeps it that way. Check the schedule box above for the latest confirmed dates and departure times before you travel, since operators file each stretch of the season in stages rather than publishing the whole year at once.

Naxos to Schinoussa Ferry Fares

Weekly Naxos to Schinoussa Ferry Schedule

The repeating pattern behind the dated timetable, without dates. Each row is one scheduled departure and the days it runs.

Hiring a car

Is it worth hiring a car on Naxos?

Yes, it is worth it. Naxos is the largest Cycladic island, and its best beaches and mountain villages, Apollonas, Halki, the Tragaea, are 30 to 45 minutes' drive from Naxos Town. Rental desks sit right at the ferry quay, a one-minute walk from the bus terminal. Buses cover the main coast road, but a car gets you into the interior. Compare local suppliers at Discover Cars.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Naxos to Schinoussa between 5 September 2026 and 18 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Naxos to Schinoussa ferry

• Expect a short walk into town – Naxos port sits right at the edge of Chora, with shops, cafés and the Portara landmark only a few minutes away, so you will not need a taxi if your accommodation is central.
• Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure and confirm your departure gate on the day, since Naxos is one of the busiest Cycladic ports, with several operators and vessels often docked at once.
• If you are catching the Express Skopelitis local ferry to the Small Cyclades, it usually berths away from the main quay used by Blue Star and the high-speed ferries, so check where it is tied up when you arrive.
• Sunscreen is mandatory on the exposed deck of a ferry in summer; even a two-hour crossing can result in sunburn if you stand in direct sun.
• Once you arrive in Schinoussa, one of the Small Cyclades, you'll find secluded beaches, charming villages, and an authentically unhurried pace of life well removed from the tourist trail. The island is a fine base for swimming in crystal-clear waters and exploring the local landscape on foot.

Plan a journey

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