Beautiful
Egnoussa lies on the jagged coasts of the largest island of the Inousses group,
Oinussa (14 sq. km), facing westwards across the waves towards Chios. Its name
seems to come from the existence of vineyards (Oinos, "wine"), although
it also receives two other names: Egnoussa, which comes from agnos
(a plant that grows on the island), and Aegnoussa, given by the shepherds
from Kardamila who came in the XVII century with their goats (aega,
"goat").
During
the Revolution of 1821, the inhabitants fled to different parts of Greece
and didn't come back until 1827. However, the new taxes imposed on the inhabitants
by the Turkish occupants were extremely heavy, so the men had to take to the
sea, creating in this way the base of their future ship-owning peak development
Today, Enoussa's approximately 800 inhabitants are still mostly dedicated
to maritime activities. In fact, some of the major Greek ship owners were
born in this island and later they established their maritime headquarters
in the great shipping centers of London and New York. During the summer, yachts
and boats belonging mainly to those who left the island to live abroad fill
the harbor of Egnoussa as they return for vacations and to visit their relatives
and friends.
The
village is perched on the side of a hill. Beautiful winding streets, paved
with slabs, lead to the Zepaga coastline, the island’s harbor and the center
of local life. It is a nice borough, ornate with high mansions built in the
traditional Aegean island architectural style. Traditional houses with tilde
roofs, the pride and joy of the local population surround the church of Aghios
Nikolaos (Saint Nicholas), which is in the center of this island settlement.
Here are some important numbers for your stay
in Oinoussae
