The village of Oinoussa is a delight to explore with its cobbled streets and imposing captains’ mansions, giving it an aristocratic air. It is also home to an unusual cluster of successful ship-owning families.
This local-loved venue converts its former family home to serve a wide range of traditional share plates like creamy grilled octopus with fava and spicy grilled loukaniko sausage. They grow their own veggies too, which feature prominently in huge salads.
1. Naftosini
Oinousses is a small archipelago east of Chios. It’s a bit of an adventure to get there but it is well worth the journey. The quickest way is to arrive on the main island of Chios by plane or ferry and then take a local ship over to Oinousses at Langada. This boat trip takes just over an hour.
There are a few beaches on the island that are very nice but one of my favorites is Naftosini which is completely deserted. You can walk right up to the water’s edge and there are a few shaded areas as well. It’s a great spot to escape from the sun and take a refreshing swim.
The main town on the island is the village of Oinoussa. It’s a traditional settlement that has several cobbled streets and impressive mansions that date back to the days of Greek ship owners. It is also home to a beautiful church and a mermaid sculpture that welcomes visitors as they enter the port.
This is a place to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and try some of the local food. There is a good variety of restaurants and cafes in the village that are very reasonably priced. You can eat at the popular Veggera for some really great food with an amazing view but I highly recommend the Yperion restaurant as they offer amazing meze style dishes that are a must try.
2. Evangelismos Monastery
The western part of the island is home to a remarkable monastery called Evangelismos or Katingkos patera to the Virgin Mary. The monastery is built with byzantine architecture and boasts impressive wall paintings illustrated by hagiographer Fotis Kontoglou.
Located close to the port, the monastery is easy to reach. It is a perfect place to get away from the noise of the city and relax with a cup of coffee and some traditional fresh yogurt with oregano.
This is a beautiful complex of islands with some of the best beaches in Oinousses. You can rent a yacht and explore the stunning bays, pristine beaches and the picturesque landscape of the area. The monasteries of the complex are also worth a visit.
The most famous one is the Evangelismos Monastery that can be found on top of a hill overlooking a beautiful landscape including trees and the sea. It is a must-see for all tourists who visit Oinousses. The monastery was inaugurated in 1965 and is a true architectural masterpiece. The monastery is dedicated to the Annunciation of Virgin Mary and hosts some amazing icons painted by the most famous icon painter of modern Greece. It is also home to some hospitable nuns. In addition, you can visit the Maritime Museum that is a true treasure of the island. The museum includes ship models, naval instruments, documents, old photographs, books and many other interesting items.
3. Monastery of the Annunciation
The Monastery of the Annunciation (Evagelismos tis Theotokou) is located in the western tip of the island overlooking trees and the sea. It is one of the most beautiful sights in Oinousses and is a place that is highly recommended to all visitors. The monastery is run by 17 hospitable nuns who are all experts in their fields such as cooking, gardening, iconography and embroidery and are eager to share their knowledge with visitors. They also offer all visitors a taste of their hand-made finikia which is a unique version of melomakarona made with the local honey.
The monastery grows their own vegetables and this is reflected in their large choice of delicious salads. They also have a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan wraps and sandwiches. Visitors can also laze in their hammocks, practice yoga and enjoy impromptu music events.
Oinousses is a small complex of islands that are regularly linked with Chios by ferry. It is ideal for people looking for a peaceful and relaxing vacation away from the crowds. There are many deserted beaches and a beautiful rocky coast, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling. Other highlights of the island include the Evangelismos Monastery and a Naval Museum with ship models, naval equipment, documents and old photographs.