Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu just to name a few are the 'usual suspects' when one thinks holidaying in the Greek Isles. But my favourite little rock in the Aegean Sea is a special place that remains undiscovered and definitely holds the accolade of 'little gem' of the Greek islands.
Fassoli Beach….A secluded beach facing out on the Aegean Sea….
Better known as Oinousses, this island boasts some of the purest, cleanest and sacred waters surrounding its hidden coves and picturesque bays.
Located in the northern part of the Aegean Sea Oinuousses is an idyllic little droplet of rocks with her own rhythm and not one to be missed.
Pristine turquoise waters gently massage its sandy beaches, locals basking as the sun rays beam down from above sun kissing their bodies enhancing that radiant glow and each beach and cove has its own name.
Picture perfect! A sailing boat blends beautifully into the bay
A place without the abundance of tourists vying for a spot on one the beaches or huge ferries entering her little harbor to offload the hordes of people wanting to immerse into her highly valued lagoons. One might say a hidden haven in the Nymphs undiscovered water oasis.
The inherently Greek stylized houses painted in hues of blues, pinks and whites speckled over the island nestled between deep green cypress trees is a picture worth waiting for.
The Monastery is the Emblem of the island.....sitting proudly on the highest peak of the mountains acting as the focal point for all religious and non-religious people to visit her place of sanctuary and venture into her hidden secret garden. The nuns will welcome you as if you were part of the islands personal possessions.
The houses welcome visitors by day and guide them by night.
Oinoussian beaches in recent times, however, have become something of a sensation an island hopping 'fad' if you will, as people from the neighbouring island of Chios make the journey by boat to swim in her majestic waters. Often accompanied by bottle nose dolphins gliding in and out of the water acting as sea guards sent by Poseidon as you venture from one rock to the other.
Ferries passing her at night have a view of what would appear to be a fairies playground as the little island shines brightly like a white jewel under the night stars and she can even be spotted from Chios’ main port of Chora.
Once on dry ground the island will take you back to a time warp, a time of authentic Greece and the true essence of Greek island life. With such an array of beautiful beaches to be discovered it’s little wonder the island only has two restaurants and one bar.
Hire a small fishing boat for the day and sail around the tiny islet in search of secret bays and secluded sand spots with little or no interruption….. Organic living at its finest!
Discover her many hidden coves dotted around the island
If feeling adventurous grab your snorkel and dive deep into the crystal blue sea and seek out sea urchins……Lunch is served!
Yet for all her magic and awe inspiring qualities she still remains The Aegean Sea's best kept secret and this is a secret the locals must surely keep close to their hearts but if one listens closely you can still hear the singing Nymphs sweet songs as you pass her intriguing shores.
But shhhhhhh!
The Nymphs are a Greek legend after all….
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