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How do I get to Oinoússes?

Fly to Chios Island (JKH) from Athens, then take a ferry from Chios town to Oinoússes (30-45 min, multiple daily).

Is English widely spoken?

Yes, especially in tourism-related businesses. Older locals may speak limited English but are friendly.

What currency is used?

Euro (€). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for small shops and tavernas.

Are there ATMs on the island?

Yes, there is at least one ATM in the main village. It's wise to carry cash as backup.

Can I drink tap water?

Tap water is safe but may taste chlorinated. Bottled water is widely available and recommended.

What is the dress code for beaches?

Regular swimwear is fine. Nudity is not common on public beaches. Cover up when leaving the beach.

Is the island suitable for families?

Yes, it's family-friendly with calm beaches, safe streets, and a relaxed atmosphere. Some beaches have shallow waters.

Oinoússes

CityNorth Aegean, Greece

Oinoússes is a CITY in North Aegean, Greece.

Oinoússes is a hidden gem in the North Aegean, a cluster of small islands off the coast of Chios. Known for its rich maritime history, the main village boasts neoclassical mansions built by ship-owning families, narrow cobblestone streets, and a tranquil harbor dotted with traditional tavernas. The surrounding beaches, like Kato Fanari and Vroulidia, offer crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The island's unspoiled nature invites hiking through olive groves and pine forests, with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. Visitors can explore the Naval Museum, which showcases the island's seafaring legacy, or simply relax in the laid-back atmosphere. Oinoússes is ideal for travelers seeking authentic Greek island life away from mass tourism, with a strong sense of community and timeless charm.

Best time to visit Oinoússes

The best time to visit is from May to October. May-June and September-October offer pleasant weather (22-28°C), fewer crowds, and lower prices. July-August is peak season with hot temperatures (30-35°C) and lively atmosphere but higher costs. Spring (April) and autumn (November) are quieter but some facilities may close.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Mild 16-22°C, sunny

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Low

Pleasant for sightseeing; some closures.

Know before you go

Getting there

JKH

Chios Island National Airport

Domestic/International

15 km away

SMI

Samos International Airport

International

80 km away

LRS

Leros Municipal Airport

Domestic

100 km away

Getting around

"The island is small and walkable, especially the main village. Renting a scooter, ATV, or small car is popular for exploring beaches and remote areas. Bicycles are also available. Taxis are limited but can be arranged. Ferries connect Oinoússes to Chios town multiple times daily (journey 30-45 minutes). There is no public bus system."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

20 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in hotels, cafes, and main village

Local SIM

Local SIM available at Chios airport or town from $5

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Very safe island; petty crime is rare. Scam risk low but beware of overpriced taxis.

Night safety

8/10

Very safe island; petty crime is rare. Scam risk low but beware of overpriced taxis.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

7/10

"Oinoússes is very safe with low crime rates. Petty theft is rare but keep valuables secure. The main risks are natural: sun exposure, dehydration, and uneven terrain on hiking trails. Roads are narrow and winding; drive cautiously. Ferry schedules can be disrupted by weather, so plan accordingly. Emergency services are reliable but response times may be longer due to island location."

Police

100

Ambulance

166

Fire

199

European Emergency

112

Entry and health

Health information

"Medical facilities on Oinoússes are limited to a small health center for basic care. For serious issues, you may need to travel to Chios town (about 30 minutes by ferry). Travelers should have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation. Pharmacies are available for minor ailments. Tap water is generally safe but bottled water is recommended for sensitive stomachs. Sun protection and insect repellent are advised, especially in summer."

Culture

Local customs

"Greek hospitality is warm; greet with 'Yassas' (hello) and 'Efharisto' (thank you). Dress modestly when visiting churches (cover shoulders and knees). Tipping 5-10% in restaurants is appreciated but not mandatory. Avoid loud behavior in residential areas. Respect siesta time (2-5 PM) when many shops close. Smoking is common but banned indoors."

Greek (official)EnglishFrenchGermanItalianGreek

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$12 | a cheap local meal costs ~$12

Hotels

$50-100 | budget hotels range $50-100/night

Local transport

$1.5 | local bus ride ~$1.5 (ferry to Chios ~$5)

Cost notes

Prices are moderate; peak season (July-Aug) is higher.

Timezone

Europe/Athens
Local time 20:00

More facts

Population

792

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Chorio Oinoussai, Chorió Oinoússai, Egnousa, Eγνούσα, Inousses, Inoússes, Inuses, Inusses, Mandraki, Mandráki, Oinousa, Oinousai, Oinoussai, Oinousses, Oinoúsai, Oinoússai, Oinoússes, Οινούσσαι, Οινούσσες, Инусес, Инуссес, Koyun Adası

Major HubBeachHistoricFamily-FriendlyHikingIslandMaritime