South of Naxos, somewhere between Koufonisia and Heraklia lies an insland of exotic beauty, Schinoussa. Like in all the Small Cyclades (Donousa, Iraklia and Koufonisia), Schinousa generously offers the visitor crystal waters, in all shades of blue. Waters that make them stand out and put the Small Cyclades in our heart. This island is an excellent choice for those seeking tranquility, contact with the authentic Cycladic atmosphere, good food and endless hours of relaxation under the trees. An island that easily becomes familiar not only due to its friendly residents but also because you can go everywhere on foot, walking in areas where the ecosystem is protected by Natura 2000. The island got its name either from the ancient Echinousa or the Venetian nobleman Schinoza or shino (the mastic tree), a bush that grows around the island.
Columns, vases and other archaeological finds demonstrate that Schinoussa was inhabited since prehistoric times. There are scattered remnants of the Hellenistic and Roman period, while the Byzantine era had been developed because of the trade. Similar to the history of the rest of Cyclades, Schinoussa was taken over the Venetians leaving behind a Medieval Castle and suffered many pirate raids. For a while belonged to Amorgos' Monastery Hozoviotissa but after the Second World War became an independent community. Today there are 3 small traditional villages on the island that are developing while respecting the beauty of their land.