Friday 13 December 2019

Retreat With Us To…schinousa

Continuing our love affair with our native Greek islands, we present to you our new Schinousa sandals. As our founder Christina took inspiration from her travels, we share with you our top tips for visiting the hidden islands of the Cyclades. Schinousa, with its unspoilt landscapes and incredible local produce, is a veritable private paradise with some of the nation’s best food to be found in its two tiny villages. Boasting a flatter landscape than its neighbouring Donousa, Schinousa is an agricultural haven - expect the freshest figs, the finest fish and meat, all locally grown, taking the phrase “farm to table” to new heights. Let us tempt you to visit the parts of our country off the beaten track, with our guide to all Schinousa has to offer.

WHAT TO EXPECT…

Beaches, beaches and more beaches. Why else would you seek an island paradise? For a tiny place, Schinousa has more secluded beaches than we could ever hope to dream of (18). That’s lucky, for there are only two villages on the whole island. What’s more - the more populous of the two, Chora, is comprised of just one main street. With a vibe that’s so laid back it’s practically horizontal, the markets close between 2 and 6pm daily to allow for siestas.

WHAT TO DO…

Relax! Forget hiking or sightseeing, Schinousa is all about taking time out to experience nature at its finest. Home to its namesake Schinousa schrub, the island boasts endless native plants and birds who flock here seasonally - and who can blame them? The wealth of rare trees that cover the island provide some much needed shade (and wind protection) on almost every beach. Be prepared to take your own supplies though, as seclusion comes with a price - a lack of facilities. The best beach, Psili Amos on the north-east coast, is so remote you won’t find even a single shop. Deserted, secret paradise indeed. If you must seek out some culture, then look no further than the Church of Panagia Akathi. Its traditional blue and white structure is so well revered among the locals, many women on the island have even been named after it.

WHERE TO EAT…

Kira Pothiti’s restaurant is reason alone to visit Schinousa. Making the most of the famed local produce (home-grown cucumbers, melons and tomatoes are especially mind-blowing), it provides a modern twist on authentic Greek cuisine. Locals rave about the goat pasta, the honeyed pork, and its impossible-to-pass-up freshly-caught grilled octopus. The island is very proud of their award-winning fava beans, so make sure to try them here.

If a seaside drink is more appealing after a long day swimming, head to the Tsigouri beach bar. Arrive early to snare one of their coveted hammocks before their signature beach parties begin.

HOW TO GET AROUND…

Walk! Most of the beaches are accessible by foot only. Thankfully, getting to Schinousa is as simple as a ferry. This makes the island ideal for a day trip, especially from neighbouring Naxos or Amorgos.

WHEN TO VISIT…

Summer. With temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees, it’s ideal for swimming and you’ll find welcome relief in the coastal breeze. Alternatively, go early in the season - spring will bring you slightly lower temperatures, the return of the migrating local birds, and the blossoming rare native flowers.