Schinoussa to Koufonisia Ferry · Schedules, Tickets & Tips 2026
Travel by ferry from Schinoussa to Koufonisia. Compare schedules, prices from €5.00, duration 15m. Book tickets + island tips for 2026.
Travel by ferry from Schinoussa to Koufonisia. Compare schedules, prices from €5.00, duration 15m. Book tickets + island tips for 2026.
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15m
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€5.00
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3-5 times per week
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The ferry from Schinoussa to Koufonisia takes about 15m and fares start from €5.00. There are up to 3-5 times per week crossings a day in high season, run by Small Cyclades Lines, Blue Star Ferries. Book online to compare departure times and secure the lowest fare.
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The Schinoussa to Koufonisia 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 €5.00. The route is served by Small Cyclades Lines, Blue Star Ferries, with vehicle transport available on conventional ferries. Service runs year-round.
Koufonisia is celebrated for its impossibly turquoise waters, exotic sandy beaches with natural rock pools, laid-back vibe, and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean. Whether you're drawn by the beaches, the local cuisine, or the authentic Cycladic atmosphere, Koufonisia rewards visitors who make the crossing.
Insider Tip: The Schinoussa to Koufonisia 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.
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€5.00
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15m
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€5.00
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15m
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| availability.table.month | availability.table.frequency | availability.table.duration | availability.table.from |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3 days per week | 45m | €5 |
| February | 3 days per week | 45m | €5 |
| March | 3 days per week | 45m | €5 |
| April | 4 days per week | 15m | €6 |
| May | 4 days per week | 15m | €6 |
| June | 5 days per week | 15m | €7 |
| July | 5 days per week | 15m | €7 |
| August | 5 days per week | 15m | €7 |
| September | 5 days per week | 15m | €7 |
| October | 4 days per week | 15m | €6 |
| November | 3 days per week | 45m | €5 |
| December | 3 days per week | 45m | €5 |
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| pricing.table.passengers | Schinoussa → Koufonisia | Koufonisia → Schinoussa |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Adult | €5.00 | €5.00 |
| 2 Adults | €10 | €10 |
| 2 Adults + Car | €25 | €25 |
| Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) | €15 | €15 |
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The Schinoussa to Koufonisia 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 | €5.00 | ✅ Yes |
| Blue Star Ferries | Conventional | 15m – 45m | €5.00 | ✅ 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.
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Ferries on the Schinoussa to Koufonisia 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'd recommend reserving a specific seat or cabin class rather than traveling on an open deck ticket.
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Port of Schinoussa (Mersini) is the island's harbour, on the south coast of this tiny Small Cyclades gem. Ferries from Naxos, Koufonisia, and Athens call regularly. From Mersini, Chora village is 1 km uphill (walking or taxi). The port has a café and a few rooms. Arrive 30 minutes before departure. Schinoussa (population ~200) has 18 small beaches accessible by foot, it's one of the best island-hopping stopovers in the Small Cyclades cluster.
Arriving in Koufonisia is like entering a Greek island dream: turquoise water so clear it looks fake, sand bars connecting tiny islets, and a laid-back vibe where the biggest decision is which beach to lie on. Italaki, Pori, and Finikas beaches are 20–30 minutes on foot from the port. The famous natural rock pools at Pori beach are unmissable. Book tavernas for dinner, the island's restaurants fill up fast and the lobster spaghetti at Lefteris is legendary.
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.
Koufonisia is celebrated for its impossibly turquoise waters, exotic sandy beaches with natural rock pools, laid-back vibe, and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean. Don't miss exploring the main town (Chora), the local beaches, and the traditional tavernas. For a full guide to Koufonisia's top attractions, restaurants, and hidden gems, visit our Koufonisia island guide.
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After arriving in Koufonisia, extend your Cycladic adventure with these popular onward ferry connections:
3-Island Express (4–5 days): Spend 1–2 days in Koufonisia, then ferry to Naxos for 1 day, and continue to Amorgos 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.
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Add a rental car in Koufonisia
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The ferry from Schinoussa to Koufonisia 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 Schinoussa to Koufonisia start from €5.00 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 don't carry vehicles. Arrive at the port at least 60–90 minutes before departure when traveling with a vehicle.
The best time to visit Koufonisia 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. Koufonisia is known for its impossibly turquoise waters, exotic sandy beaches with natural rock pools, laid-back vibe, and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean.
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.