Description of the attraction
Scheinusa is a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea (Lesser Cyclades). It is located about 6 km south of Naxos between the islands of Koufonisia and Irakleia. The area of the island is only 8, 51 sq. Km. Like the other islands of the Lesser Cyclades group, Scheinusa has been inhabited since prehistoric times.
The island of Scheinus with its picturesque hills and valleys, rugged coastline with many cozy bays and magnificent beaches is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful among the Lesser Aegean islands. Despite the fact that in recent years the tourism industry has been actively developing here, the island has managed to retain its special flavor and can still offer its guests an unusually relaxing atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of crowds that are so typical for most modern resorts.
There are only two settlements on the island - the administrative center of the island of Chora (Panagia) and the village of Messaria. These are small traditional settlements with typical architecture of the Cycladic archipelago. The main port of the island of Mersin is located about 1.2 km from Chora and is considered one of the best harbors in the Aegean for small ships.
Among the sights of the island, it is worth noting the Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, the Church of Panagia Akatis, windmills and a small but very interesting Ethnographic Museum, where you can see traditional costumes for these places, various tools and old household utensils. But among the natural beauties of the island, the most interesting are the Maniatis Cave and the Rybakov Cave, located not far from the harbor. However, the sights of the island include the excellent beaches of Skhoinusa - Ttsiguri, Livadia, Psili Ammos, Lioliu, Fikio, Almiros and others.
The island is home to many species of endemic plants, and this is one of the reasons why Scheinusa is included in the European Natura 2000 program. The island is also an important stopover during seasonal migration for many birds and will undoubtedly be of interest to bird watchers.
