Ferry from Aegiali (Amorgos) to Schinoussa

The ferry from Aegiali on Amorgos to Schinoussa is a classic Small Cyclades route that links two quiet and unspoilt islands on a single, scenic journey. This line is operated by Small Cyclades Lines using the Express Skopelitis, with Blue Star Ferries serving the wider Amorgos–Schinoussa network mainly via Katapola. The direct Aegiali to Schinoussa crossing usually takes around 3 hours 10 minutes, with timetables giving 3 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes as the normal sailing time. Ferries normally depart from Aegiali at around 08:00 in the morning and arrive in Schinoussa late morning or around midday. In the high season from June to September there are typically about 3 weekly Aegiali–Schinoussa sailings, while in the quieter months from October to May this can drop to around 1 weekly departure. Ticket prices for foot passengers are very budget friendly, starting from about €8.00 and rarely exceeding that on this particular route. This ferry is ideal if you want to combine the peaceful bay of Aegiali with the tiny, low key island of Schinoussa without having to route through bigger hubs like Naxos or Paros.

Key information for the Aegiali (Amorgos) to Schinoussa ferry

1. Ferry duration

The Aegiali to Schinoussa ferry normally takes about 3 hours 10 minutes. Direct Ferries lists the Schinoussa–Aegiali leg at around 3 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes, and Ferryscanner confirms that the fastest Aegiali–Schinoussa crossing on Express Skopelitis is 3 hours 10 minutes. You should therefore plan for roughly 3 hours 10 minutes at sea on this route, plus a little extra time for boarding and disembarking.

2. Ferry companies

The direct Aegiali (Amorgos) to Schinoussa route is operated by Small Cyclades Lines, using the Express Skopelitis. Ferries Greece and Ferryscanner both confirm that Small Cyclades Lines runs this line, with about 3 weekly departures from Aegiali in the main season. Blue Star Ferries also connects Amorgos and Schinoussa, but mainly on the Katapola–Schinoussa segment as part of longer Piraeus–Small Cyclades routes, rather than from Aegiali itself.

3. Fast vs slow ferry

On this specific Aegiali–Schinoussa route there is effectively one “speed”, as all direct crossings are on the conventional Express Skopelitis. The journey time is consistently around 3 hours 10 minutes, with no faster high speed alternative operating from Aegiali. Faster times that you see for Amorgos–Schinoussa, such as 1 hour 25 minutes, apply to Blue Star Ferries from Katapola rather than to this Aegiali departure.

4. Best time to travel

The Aegiali to Schinoussa ferry runs all year, but the best time to travel is between June and September when there are more weekly crossings and more stable weather. Ferryscanner notes that from June to September there are usually about 3 weekly Aegiali–Schinoussa sailings, while from October to May this drops to around 1 weekly connection. Because this is a small local route, schedules can change between seasons, so it is important to check live timetables if you are travelling in spring or autumn.

5. Sea conditions and wind

This route crosses the Small Cyclades between Amorgos and Schinoussa, an area that can be affected by the Meltemi wind in July and August. Express Skopelitis is a small ferry, so you will feel movement more than on a large Blue Star ship, especially on windier days. It is wise to keep an eye on the forecast, carry seasickness tablets if you are prone to motion sickness and secure your belongings in a dry bag, but for many travellers the open deck and classic island boat feel are part of the charm.

6. Port guide

Aegiali port is a compact seaside village on Amorgos with a sandy beach, tavernas, cafés and mini markets along the waterfront, and most accommodation within easy walking distance of the pier. Schinoussa’s main port, Mersini, is a tiny harbour with a small beach, a cluster of tavernas and rooms to let, and a short uphill road to the main village (Chora), where you will find more places to stay and eat. Because both ports are small and straightforward, boarding and disembarking are simple even if you are carrying luggage.

7. Car rental advice

Information for this route focuses mainly on foot passenger tickets and notes starting prices from about €8.00, with no clear emphasis on vehicle transport, which suggests that car space is very limited or not available on all sailings. Given that both Amorgos and Schinoussa are small islands, many travellers choose to travel between them as foot passengers and then rent scooters or small cars locally if needed. If you do want to bring a vehicle, you should check the booking engine carefully for your date to see whether cars are allowed on that specific Express Skopelitis sailing, and be prepared to book early in peak season.

8. Foot passenger tips

As a foot passenger you should arrive at Aegiali port about 30 to 45 minutes before the scheduled departure, which is usually around 08:00. The trip to Schinoussa takes around 3 hours 10 minutes, so bringing water, snacks and a light jacket for the open deck is a good idea, especially if there is wind. Once in Schinoussa, your accommodation may offer a port transfer, but even if not, the walk up towards the main village is short and taxis are occasionally available near the harbour in high season.

9. Is this route worth it?

The Aegiali to Schinoussa ferry is very much worth it if you want to experience more of the Small Cyclades without long travel days or complex connections. In just over 3 hours you can move from the wider bay and hiking trails of Aegiali to one of the quietest islands in the group, with beautiful beaches and a very relaxed atmosphere. With low ticket prices and regular summer crossings, it is an easy way to turn an Amorgos trip into a multi island holiday that still feels slow and authentic.

10. Alternative route if cancelled

If your Aegiali–Schinoussa ferry is cancelled, the usual alternatives involve travelling on a different day or routing via another island such as Naxos or Koufonissi. Express Skopelitis connects Aegiali with other Small Cyclades ports like Koufonissi, Iraklia and Naxos, which in turn have additional ferries to Schinoussa, so you could use a combination like Aegiali–Naxos–Schinoussa. Blue Star Ferries also runs faster routes from Katapola to Schinoussa, so if you can reach Katapola by bus or taxi, you may be able to use a Katapola–Schinoussa sailing instead.

11. Reverse route internal links

There is also a reverse Schinoussa to Aegiali ferry route, again operated by Small Cyclades Lines and sometimes by Blue Star Ferries as part of the wider Amorgos–Schinoussa network. Ferryscanner notes that Schinoussa–Amorgos (all ports) sailings run about 3 times per week from June to September, with an average duration of about 1 hour 25 minutes to 2 hours 58 minutes depending on whether you arrive at Katapola or Aegiali. When planning your island hopping itinerary, it is useful to look at both Aegiali–Schinoussa and Schinoussa–Aegiali timetables so you can decide whether to visit Schinoussa on the way to or from Amorgos.