Ferry Route
Duration
15m
From
€4.00
Frequency
3-5 times per week
0h
Fastest crossing
0x
Daily departures
0+
Ferry operators
The Iraklia to Schinoussa ferry is one of the Cyclades' most popular connections, operating 3-5 times per week with journey times from 15m to 45m and tickets from €4.00. The route is served by Small Cyclades Lines, Blue Star Ferries, with vehicle transport available on conventional ferries. Service runs year-round.
Schinoussa is celebrated for its tiny hidden beaches, excellent traditional tavernas, peaceful island life, and genuine warm hospitality. Whether you're drawn by the beaches, the local cuisine, or the authentic Cycladic atmosphere, Schinoussa rewards visitors who make the crossing.
Insider Tip: The Iraklia to Schinoussa crossing is one of the Aegean's most scenic routes. Grab a seat on the outdoor deck for unbeatable sea views. Traveling mid-week usually means emptier ferries and a more relaxed arrival. In peak season, book at least 2–3 weeks in advance to secure your preferred departure time.
Ferry Companies
Conventional ferry
From
€4.00
Duration
15m
Conventional ferry
From
€4.00
Duration
15m
Schedule
Availability
| Month | Frequency | Duration | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3 days per week | 45m | €4 |
| February | 3 days per week | 45m | €4 |
| March | 3 days per week | 45m | €4 |
| April | 4 days per week | 15m | €5 |
| May | 4 days per week | 15m | €5 |
| June | 5 days per week | 15m | €5 |
| July | 5 days per week | 15m | €5 |
| August | 5 days per week | 15m | €5 |
| September | 5 days per week | 15m | €5 |
| October | 4 days per week | 15m | €5 |
| November | 3 days per week | 45m | €4 |
| December | 3 days per week | 45m | €4 |
Pricing
| Passengers | Iraklia → Schinoussa | Schinoussa → Iraklia |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Adult | €4.00 | €4.00 |
| 2 Adults | €8 | €8 |
| 2 Adults + Car | €20 | €20 |
| Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) | €12 | €12 |
Operators
The Iraklia to Schinoussa route is served by Small Cyclades Lines, Blue Star Ferries. Here's a detailed breakdown of each operator's offering:
Small Cyclades Lines is the lifeline ferry service for the Small Cyclades islands of Naxos, Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonisia, and Donousa. Without this operator, the Small Cyclades would be practically inaccessible to most visitors.
Fleet: Small conventional ferries (Express Skopelitis) — perfectly sized for the intimate Small Cyclades harbours
Blue Star Ferries is Greece's largest and most established conventional ferry operator, part of the Attica Group. With a modern fleet of large conventional vessels, Blue Star serves the most demanding Cyclades routes year-round, offering a complete onboard experience comparable to a short cruise.
Fleet: Large conventional ferries (Blue Star Delos, Blue Star Paros, Blue Star Naxos, Diagoras) — carrying up to 2,400 passengers and 600 vehicles
| Operator | Ferry Type | Duration | Price From | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Cyclades Lines | Conventional | 15m – 45m | €4.00 | ✅ Yes |
| Blue Star Ferries | Conventional | 15m – 45m | €4.00 | ✅ Yes |
Our recommendation: For the fastest crossing, choose a high-speed service. For more comfort, space, and the option to take your vehicle, go conventional. Both options are reliable — the right choice depends on your priorities.
More routes
On Board
Ferries on the Iraklia to Schinoussa route offer comfortable travel with a full range of onboard amenities. Here's what to expect from each operator:
Small Cyclades Lines is the lifeline ferry service for the Small Cyclades islands of Naxos, Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonisia, and Donousa. Without this operator, the Small Cyclades would be practically inaccessible to most visitors.
Fleet on this route: Small conventional ferries (Express Skopelitis) — perfectly sized for the intimate Small Cyclades harbours
Seat & Cabin Classes: Deck/Open Seating: The Express Skopelitis is a small boat with open deck seating — bring a jacket for the sea breeze! Basic indoor seating also available.
Luggage Policy: Limited luggage space on the small vessels — bring a compact bag rather than a large suitcase. Backpackers are the typical clientele.
Pets: Pets generally accepted with documentation. The small vessel size means pets travel in more intimate proximity to other passengers — check with the operator.
Vehicles: Very limited vehicle capacity (a few motorcycles maximum) — the Small Cyclades are best explored on foot or by rental scooter.
Blue Star Ferries is Greece's largest and most established conventional ferry operator, part of the Attica Group. With a modern fleet of large conventional vessels, Blue Star serves the most demanding Cyclades routes year-round, offering a complete onboard experience comparable to a short cruise.
Fleet on this route: Large conventional ferries (Blue Star Delos, Blue Star Paros, Blue Star Naxos, Diagoras) — carrying up to 2,400 passengers and 600 vehicles
Seat & Cabin Classes: Deck Class: Open-air deck seating (cheapest). Economy Seats: Numbered airplane-style seats indoors. Business Class Seats: Premium reclining seats in quieter lounge. 4-Bed Cabin: Shared inside cabin. 2-Bed Cabin: Semi-private inside cabin. Exterior Cabin: Cabin with porthole window. Deluxe Cabin: Premium cabin with exterior window and en-suite bathroom.
Luggage Policy: Up to 50 kg of luggage per passenger, free of charge. No formal check-in required — store bags in designated luggage racks near your cabin or seat. Bicycles accepted for an additional fee (€5–8).
Pets: Pets accepted free when included in booking. Animals under 10 kg may stay with their owner in a carrier in designated pet-friendly areas. Larger pets are accommodated in kennels on the open deck or in dedicated pet cabins. Pets must wear a leash and muzzle on open decks. Valid health certificate and EU pet passport required.
Vehicles: All Blue Star vessels have vehicle garages accepting cars, motorcycles, campervans, and buses. Cars from €75–130 depending on route and season. Motorbikes from €20–35. Arrive at the port 60–90 minutes before departure for vehicle boarding — vehicle lanes are in a separate area from passenger embarkation.
All ferries on this route have clean restrooms, luggage storage areas, and food and beverage service. In peak season (July–August), we recommend reserving a specific seat or cabin class rather than traveling on an open deck ticket.
Travel Tips
Port of Iraklia (Agios Georgios) is the island's harbour and main village in one, on the west coast. The smallest of the Small Cyclades by area, Iraklia is served by ferries from Naxos (40 min) and Piraeus (9 hours overnight). Arrive 30 minutes before departure. The famous Cave of Saint John — an ancient cave with stalactites — is a 45-minute hike from the port. With fewer than 200 year-round residents, Iraklia offers complete tranquility.
Arriving in Schinoussa, the island's intimate scale is immediately charming. Chora village, perched above the port, has a handful of cafés and tavernas with sweeping sea views. The island's 18 beaches — all reachable on foot within 30 minutes from Chora — include Tsigouri (fine sand, calm water) and Lioliou (more remote, best for snorkelling). The evening meal ritual in Chora's main square, with sunsets over the Small Cyclades horizon, is one of Greece's most peaceful experiences.
Small Cyclades Lines runs twice daily from Naxos in summer. The morning departure (connecting to all Small Cyclades) is the key service. Book early as the boats are small and fill quickly. The Express Skopelitis is iconic — a genuine Greek island ferry experience.
Schinoussa is celebrated for its tiny hidden beaches, excellent traditional tavernas, peaceful island life, and genuine warm hospitality. Don't miss exploring the main town (Chora), the local beaches, and the traditional tavernas. For a full guide to Schinoussa's top attractions, restaurants, and hidden gems, visit our Schinoussa island guide.
Island Hopping
After arriving in Schinoussa, extend your Cycladic adventure with these popular onward ferry connections:
3-Island Express (4–5 days): Spend 1–2 days in Schinoussa, then ferry to Iraklia for 1 day, and continue to Koufonisia for 1–2 days before returning to Athens. Total: a perfect Cyclades sampler that packs in three distinct island personalities.
Use our ferry search engine to find the best schedules and prices for your multi-island itinerary, or browse our island hopping guides for curated route inspiration.
Things to Do
Discover the top tours, excursions, and experiences waiting for you in Schinoussa.
Explore Schinoussa's most beautiful coastlines by boat or guided tour.
Discover the history, architecture, and local traditions of Schinoussa.
Taste the authentic flavours of Schinoussa with local food and wine experiences.
Where to Stay
From boutique hotels to traditional villas — find the perfect accommodation for your Schinoussa stay.
Island Guides
Discover the best beaches, hotels, restaurants, and activities on the islands of this route.
Beaches, hotels, restaurants & things to do
Beaches, hotels, restaurants & things to do
💡 Pro tip: Read our Schinoussa guide before your trip to discover hidden gems. Don't forget to organize your stay early by checking our curated Hotels in Schinoussa and securing your mobility through Schinoussa Car Rentals directly at the port or airport fees-free.
Route Map
FAQ
The ferry from Iraklia to Schinoussa takes between 15m and 45m, depending on the vessel type and operator. High-speed catamarans offer the fastest crossing at approximately 15m, while conventional ferries take up to 45m but offer more spacious travel with outdoor decks, cafeterias, and cabin options. Journey times may be slightly longer in winter due to sea conditions.
Ferry tickets from Iraklia to Schinoussa start from €4.00 for a standard economy seat in low season. Prices vary by operator, seat class, and time of year — peak season (July–August) fares are typically 25–35% higher. Business class seats and private cabins cost more. Families can save by booking a 4-berth cabin. Use Ferryhopper to compare all available fares in real time.
Ferries operate 3-5 times per week during the main season (Jan - Dec). In peak summer (July–August), there may be multiple daily sailings. Service can be reduced or suspended during winter months on some routes. The route is served by Small Cyclades Lines, Blue Star Ferries. Check the latest schedules on Ferryhopper for exact departure times.
Yes — conventional ferries on this route have vehicle garages and can carry cars, motorcycles, campervans, and even buses. Vehicle spaces are limited and sell out fast in summer, so book at least 4–6 weeks ahead if you're traveling July–August. High-speed catamarans on this route generally do not carry vehicles. Arrive at the port at least 60–90 minutes before departure when traveling with a vehicle.
The best time to visit Schinoussa is late May through early October. June and September offer the ideal balance: warm swimming weather, lower prices than peak season, fewer crowds, and the best ferry connections. July–August is peak season — the most lively but also the most crowded and expensive. May is an excellent shoulder month with pleasant weather and very few tourists. Schinoussa is known for its tiny hidden beaches, excellent traditional tavernas, peaceful island life, and genuine warm hospitality.
The route is served by Small Cyclades Lines, Blue Star Ferries. For the fastest crossing, choose a high-speed service (typically Seajets or Golden Star). For most comfort or if you're traveling with a vehicle, choose a conventional ferry (Blue Star Ferries or similar). For the best price, compare all options on Ferryhopper — prices can vary significantly by departure time and booking lead time.
The easiest way to book is through Ferryhopper — the leading Greek ferry booking platform. Simply enter your departure port, destination, and travel date to see all available sailings, compare prices across operators, and book securely online. Tickets are delivered by email and can be used on your phone. You can also book directly on each operator's website, but Ferryhopper shows all options in one place for easy comparison.
