InoussesNorth Aegean Islands · Greece

All About Inousses

Inousses, or Oinousses, is a collection of nine small islands only 2km away from Chios and about 8 km from the coastline of Turkey. The tiny islets are namely Inoussa (the largest), Panagia, Vatos, Gaidouronissi, Pontikonisso, Archontonisso, Pontikoudiko, Laimoudiko and Prassonisia. Taking a ferry to Inousses is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

Their abundance of sheltered coves makes them a favorite haunt for sailing yachts looking for a scenic place to drop anchor. Despite its size, the island has a lot to offer the visitor who seeks untouched landscapes and a laid-back way of life. In fact, Inousses has a rich maritime heritage and is the birthplace of some of the most well-known Greek ship owners, many of whom continue to support the island through donations and other financial assistance.

Part of the North Aegean islands, there are less than 1000 inhabitants on Inousses, and the majority of them live in the main port town. They are mostly still engaged in the traditional way of life, such as goat herding, fishing, and seafaring. When you arrive on Inousses, you will notice the red-tiled rooftops of the aristocratic captain’s mansions and be welcomed by an eye-catching bronze mermaid statue at the harbor.

The town itself is very low-key, with only a few places of interest such as the Naval Museum and the Monastery of Evangelisomos of the Virgin Mary. The island holds a special aura that is created by deserted islets, rolling hills, and pristine beaches, making it an idyllic summertime escape for all.
 

Routes and Ferries to Inousses

You can depart from the port of Piraeus with Blue Star Ferries when you book your ferry tickets to Inousses and arrive there in 8 hours and 45 minutes. There are two crossings per week so be sure to book your ferry tickets with Ferryscanner in advance to avoid disappointment. There are also daily ferries to Inousses from the island of Chios, which is only one hour away, and you can sail from Lesvos (Mytilini), with a 2 hour and 35 minutes trip.

If you wish to book ferry tickets to Inousses from Limnos, the travel time is 9 hours and 55 minutes, while ferries also sail from the town of Kavala in northern Mainland Greece once a week and take 13 hours and 10 minutes, approximately.

If you are flying to Athens International airport with the intention of sailing to Inousses from the port of Piraeus, you can catch the X96 bus that leaves regularly from the airport for the port. As Inousses has no airport, you can take a domestic flight to Chios National Airport and catch the ferry from there if you prefer to fly. You will find flights available all year round from Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as from the islands of Limnos, Lesvos, Rhodes, and Samos.
 

Port of Inousses

Egnoussa is the island’s capital and only port, where you will arrive via ferry tickets for Inoussa. It is typical of many of the islands in the region, with small, two-story stone houses topped off by tiled roofs.

As you walk around, you will find many plaques adorning public buildings that commemorate donations by benefactors to the island. The harbor is in a beautiful setting and a bronze statue named ‘Mother of Inousses’ sits at the entrance to welcome visitors.
 

Best Beaches

 The beaches of Inoussa are intimate and unique, where you can relax and sunbathe under the warm summer sun. Swim in the small coves made up of both pebbled and sandy beaches, all formed by the waves and the passage of time.

Many of the beaches are suitable for children and are popular with water sports enthusiasts, as well as those who enjoy spearfishing. The beaches to the north are more isolated while those to the south of the island offer a varied landscape. The one thing that all have in common is turquoise waters and a sense of total relaxation.

Agios Giannis Beach

This is a beach made up of sand and pebbles to the southwest of the island. Its beauty lies in its size, being etched into a small scenic cove that offers a tranquil spot to enjoy both sea and sun.

Apiganos Beach

A long sandy beach on the northwest of the island, Apiganos is said to be one of the island’s most beautiful and even has a small marina for yachts. If you are seeking solitude and serenity, this is definitely a great beach to visit.

Bilali Beach

Bilali beach can also be found on the northwest side of the island and is a sandy stretch set amongst fig trees and vineyards. The beach is perfect for bathers wanting to find peace and quiet in a scenic spot.

Chochlakas and Katsika Beaches

These two beaches are bays that sit next to each other at the north end of the island and are great for water sports fans due to the Meltemi winds that arrive there in August. You can also visit them to enjoy the show as kitesurfers take to the waves.

Zepagas Beach

This is a popular beach due to its proximity to the main town and yet it remains completely unspoiled. The water is crystal clear and a refreshing swim will certainly stir up your appetite and lead you to one of the few taverns in the harbor serving freshly caught octopus and ouzo!
 

Things to Do

 Try the Local Wine

Inoussa has been famous since antiquity for its excellent wine and you should definitely try it while you are there. The name of the island itself is linked to its unique wine-making history and comes from the ancient Greek word ‘Oinos’, which means wine. Enjoy it in the few local taverns with a platter of freshly caught seafood delicacies to bring out its full flavor.

Visit the Maritime Museum

The island’s maritime tradition is well preserved in the Maritime Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of miniature ships, unique works of art, rare lithographies, books, and examples of local costume.

You will get a real sense of how influential seafaring has been to the islanders in the past, and gain an insight into its connection with some of the great shipping families of the present.

Admire the Church of Agios Nikolaos

As you reach the center of the town, you will find the lovely church of Agios Nikolaos, the patron saint of the island. The church is elaborately decorated with intricate icons and is the center of the festivities that take place every 15 August, when the local women act out the religious ritual of the burial of the Virgin Mary.

Walk to the Monastery

Within ten minutes of walking from the village, you will come across the Monastery of Evangelismos (Annunciation). Founded in 1965, the monastery was built in the Byzantine style and contains many exquisite frescoes by famous hagiographers. It continues to be a place of great spiritual refuge for those seeking solace and inner peace.
 

Transportation Around Inousses

Inousses is so small that transport isn’t necessary and not really feasible anyway. There is a small road network that runs around the island but most of the beaches are easily accessible by foot or with a local boat that does the daily runs.

You can take a car or motorbike but this quiet destination can easily do without either. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Inousses.