Somewhere in the beautiful and not-so-touristy North Aegean Sea, we meet Oinousses; a cluster of nine small Greek islands and islets that dazzle with their virgin beauty. The largest of these islands is actually the only inhabited one and is named Oinoussa.
These beautiful and not-so-famous islands are known for their serene atmosphere, stunning natural landscapes, and rich maritime history. Oinousses is an ideal and perfect destination for travellers whose main goal during their holidays is to find tranquillity along with a touch of Greek tradition.
A Hub of Greek Island Maritime History
Oinousses is not simply an island cluster with a few houses and hotels. It has a fascinating and long-standing connection to the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. This is so true that it is often referred to as the “island of the shipowners.”
This small archipelago has produced some of Greece’s most successful and prominent shipowners and sailors throughout the centuries, showing how connected this land is with the sea. The maritime heritage of Oinoussa is proudly showcased and celebrated at the Oinousses Maritime Museum. There one can see an impressive collection of model ships, nautical instruments as well as paintings, including works by the renowned artist Aristeidis Glykas.
The rich and beautiful cultural landscape of this island is getting even richer by the Monastery of the Annunciation (known as Evangelismos tis Theotokou in Greek). The monastery was built in the 1960s in a classic Byzantine style, adding even more charm to the landscape.
This religious centre for the island is located on a hill with spectacular and breathtaking views of the lower lands of the island and the beautiful Aegean Sea. This makes the monastery a haven of peace and spirituality for those who seek to find some precious moments of religious peace. The monastery is always happy to welcome visitors and it is run by a community of hospitable nuns who welcome everyone with tasteful traditional treats, showing what true Greek hospitality looks like.
Getting to Oinousses
Understandably, reaching Oinousses involves a bit of a journey, but it’s well worth the effort. Taking into account the fact that Oinoussa has only a handful of permanent inhabitants (approximately 1,000) and few people even know of the island’s existence, the transport situation is not ideal. The island however is indeed accessible by ferry from the ports of Piraeus (the port city of metropolitan Athens) as well as the northern Greek port city of Kavala in Eastern Macedonia. With travel times ranging from 9 to 12 hours, one should be prepared to enjoy the endless blue of the Aegean on their way to Oinousses. Alternatively, visitors can take a shorter ferry ride from the nearby island of Chios, which is just 25 minutes away. Chios is accessible both by ferry and aeroplane.
Things to Do in Oinousses
Despite its small size, Oinousses offers a lot to its lucky visitors. With a variety of activities being available, one thing is sure: No one is going to get bored there. The island’s beautiful beaches, such as Zepaga and Bilali, are known among the locals and the lovers of the island for their crystal-clear waters and peaceful surroundings, making them ideal for relaxation and swimming for those who want to enjoy the unspoilt beauty of the Aegean.
For those interested in other, more adventurous activities, such as exploring the island’s natural beauty, hiking is a popular choice amongst many. The rugged terrain of Oinoussa along with its scenic trails offer stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding islets that comprise the small archipelago of Oinousses. Bird watching is another popular and enjoyable pastime, with the diverse birdlife of the northern Aegean providing plenty of opportunities for nature enthusiasts who want to know more about the wildlife of the area.
Accommodation and Dining
As is expected for an island of its size, accommodation options on the island of Oinoussa are limited. However, what the island lacks in sheer numbers, it makes up for in an abundance of charm. With guesthouses and rooms for rent providing a cosy and authentic Greek island experience, a visitor can always find a beautiful and hospitable place to stay. Due to the small size of the main island, it’s advisable to book accommodation well in advance, especially during the peak summer months, despite the fact that the island is not among the most famous options out there – yet.
Dining on Oinousses is a beautiful and delightful experience, with local traditional Greek tavernas offering fresh seafood and other delicious Greek dishes. Popular spots on the island of Oinoussa include To Palio Teleneio and Glaros, both located by the sea and known amongst locals and visitors for their delicious food and welcoming atmosphere.
Practical Tips for Visitors to this Greek Island
When you plan to visit Oinousses for an unforgettable trip, it’s advisable and essential to pack appropriately. Comfortable walking shoes are a must along with a hat as well as plenty of water. This is because the island is best explored on foot. The local currency is the Euro, the same as everywhere else in Greece, and while English is widely spoken by the locals and those who work in the tourism sector, learning a few basic Greek phrases can enhance your experience and help you connect with the friendly locals who would definitely appreciate your effort to learn a few words in their mother tongue.
As we can easily see, Oinousses is a truly hidden gem in the Aegean Sea, which offers a unique mixture of unspoilt natural beauty, rich local maritime history, and an authentically Greek serene atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to relax and detox from the rapid pace of everyday life on pristine beaches, explore historical sites, or simply enjoy the island’s tranquil Greek charm, Oinousses is a destination that will surely become a memorable experience.