Oinousses Ferries

Unlock your adventure to Greece at the incredible port of Oinousses! It's your essential gateway to the stunning nearby islands. Imagine seamless connections and breath-taking scenic journeys – that's what awaits you.

As a bustling hub for both passengers and freight, Oinousses boasts an impressive 11 ferry routes operated by 1 top-tier ferry companies. Get ready for a convenient sailing experience from Oinousses, with schedules perfectly tailored to the seasons, ensuring you always find your ideal departure, no matter the demand, weather, or tourism buzz. Your unforgettable escape begins here!

Oinousses offers wonderful connections to popular routes like Chios - Oinousses, Piraeus - Oinousses, Mytilene - Oinousses. You can customize your trip by choosing between a swift high-speed ferry to get there in a flash or a classic vessel for a more scenic, relaxing journey. From quick local hops to leisurely overnight voyages, your island adventure starts here.

Getting to your destination is a breeze with several excellent ferry operators departing regularly from Oinousses. You'll find companies like Hellenic Seaways ready to whisk you away.

Each offers a variety of onboard amenities to make your journey pleasant, from comfortable seating and delicious food and drink options to private cabins and even vehicle transport.

With a range of ticket options available depending on the company and vessel, there's something to suit everyone, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a business trip.

Whether you're dreaming of an exhilarating island-hopping escape, making your way back to the comfort of home, or embarking on a brand-new journey, your perfect voyage begins right here with Oinousses.

The primary gateway to Oinousses is via ferry from the neighboring island of Chios, with multiple daily connections taking approximately 30 minutes. To reach Chios, travelers can take ferries from Piraeus (Athens) with journeys lasting 7-9 hours, or from other islands in the Eastern Aegean. If coming from Turkey, ferries operate from Çeşme to Chios, making Oinousses easily accessible from both Greek and Turkish departure points. When arriving at Chios port, the ferry terminal for Oinousses is centrally located with taxis and public buses available from the main town. If driving to Chios, secure long-term parking is available near the port for those planning an extended stay on Oinousses.

Nestled just east of Chios in the sparkling Aegean Sea, Oinousses is a small archipelago with a rich maritime heritage that far exceeds its modest size. The main island and its eight smaller islets offer a tranquil escape from the busier Greek destinations, with authentic villages, pristine beaches, and a proud seafaring tradition. As your ferry approaches the colorful harbor, you'll immediately sense the unique character of this island where shipping magnates and fishermen have shaped a distinctive culture that remains wonderfully unspoiled.

The ideal time to visit Oinousses falls between May and October when warm temperatures and clear skies create perfect conditions for exploring the island and enjoying its beaches. July and August bring the warmest weather and liveliest atmosphere, though this also means more visitors and higher prices. For a more authentic experience with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, consider the shoulder months of June and September when the sea remains warm for swimming. The Miaoulia Festival in late June celebrates the island's naval heritage with boat parades, music, and local celebrations. Ferry services operate year-round but offer more frequent connections during the summer season, with reduced schedules during winter months.

Oinousses serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the diverse islands of the Eastern Aegean. Chios, just a 30-minute ferry ride away, offers medieval villages, mastic groves, and distinctive architecture spanning centuries of history. Adventurous travelers can continue to Lesvos (approximately 3 hours by ferry connection), home to ouzo distilleries, hot springs, and the petrified forest. For those seeking spectacular beaches, Samos can be reached via connecting ferries, offering archaeological sites alongside crystal waters. During summer months, island-hopping opportunities expand with seasonal routes to smaller Aegean gems like Psara and Agios Efstratios, each with their own unique character and considerably fewer tourists than more famous Greek destinations.

The Naval Maritime Museum stands as Oinousses' cultural centerpiece, housing an impressive collection of ship models, nautical instruments, and paintings that tell the story of the island's outsized influence on Greek shipping. Swimming enthusiasts will find joy in the secluded beaches of Bilali and Apiganos, where crystal waters meet smooth pebbles in peaceful coves. The central square of the main village comes alive in evenings, with tavernas serving fresh seafood specialties like kakaviá (fish soup) and grilled octopus caught by local fishermen that morning. For active visitors, walking paths crisscross the island, leading to panoramic viewpoints, abandoned lighthouses, and the Monastery of Evangelismos with its remarkable collection of religious artifacts and breathtaking views across the archipelago.

Despite having fewer than 1,000 permanent residents, Oinousses has produced an astonishing number of Greece's most successful shipping magnates, with local families controlling fleets worth billions. The island's name derives from the ancient Greek word for wine (oinos), suggesting a once-thriving viticulture tradition that has largely given way to seafaring pursuits. During World War II, Oinousses served as a crucial escape route for resistance fighters and Allied soldiers making their way to Turkey, with local fishing boats smuggling hundreds to safety under cover of darkness. The island maintains a tradition where many houses display miniature fully-rigged sailing ships in their windows – not merely as decoration but as symbols of the safe return of seafaring family members.