Passengers traveling with the ferry to Donoussa, arrive in a Small Cyclades Island, one of the tiniest Greek Islands with a magnificent natural landscape!
Donoussa island is a small island between Naxos and Amorgos. It is a tiny island with only 130 inhabitants and three villages, Stavros or Donoussa, Kalotaritissa, and Mersini. This island is the ideal destination for those who love nature and relaxing beaches. Indeed, the long, sandy and quiet beaches are the characteristics of Donoussa. The most famous beaches include Livadi, Vathi Limenari, Stavros and Kendros.
According to the myth, it was on Donoussa that god Dionysus took Ariadne when Theseus abandoned her on Naxos. In ancient times, Donoussa was a place of exile for the Romans. In the Medieval times, its remote caves constituted a safe haven for the pirates. Then, the island was inhabited by people of Amorgos, who were occupied with agriculture and fishing.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the island had about 3000 inhabitants, most of whom worked in the marble mines. Donoussa experienced a shortage of farm workers in the 1960s due to extreme poverty and emigration. As a result, the land was abandoned.
The first tourists arrived on the island in the 1980s and since then the island flourished. A port was built for the convenience of the people and life started moving again on the island. Currently, Donoussa possesses a number of tourist facilities, including coffee shops, taverns, hotels, and rooms to rent. There are also a few sights to see, such as Christian churches, archaeological sites, and two caves.
Donoussa might be little but do not let that confuse you, since it is getting more popular over the years. For that reason, it would be wise if you planned your vacation and booked your ferry tickets in advance in order to secure them!
Getting to Donoussa by ferry
Donoussa is connected by ferry to the port of Piraeus, the main port of Athens, 3 times a week.
This ferry also connects Donoussa with other islands of the Cyclades, such as Paros, Naxos, Amorgos and others.
In summer, there are also daily services from Naxos and Amorgos to Donoussa and the other islands of the Small Cyclades with the local ferry Express Skopelitis. The journey from Naxos to Donoussa takes approximately 2 hours.
Port of Donoussa
Stavros, the port of Donoussa, is the most crowded place to visit. You can capture the best sunset on the island there. Donoussa has also got extraordinary geographical features. It is mainly a mountainous island but some verdant parts are also found. In general, you should not expect extreme nightlife or popular locations there, just calm and relaxing holidays with the beauty of nature around you and gorgeous beaches to swim.
Transportation in Donoussa
On a small island like Donoussa, there is no need for a wide network of public transport. Also, keep in mind that you will not find car rentals here. In fact, you will rarely spot people using vehicles in Donoussa. However, there are some options to get around this beautiful island!
There are several available options for you to move around.
Public buses
Despite the limited need to use any means of transport in Donoussa, there is a bus that runs from Chora to Kalotaritissa.
Taxis
As the distances are short overall, you may find it quite easy to get around on foot. However, if this is not the case, there are a few taxis available. If you wish to book one, you can call +30 697 1774 696.
Sea buses
As an alternative, you can join a wonderful tour on a small, local boat, which takes you to nearby beaches.
Holidays in Donoussa
Donoussa is a Cycladic gem in the heart of the Aegean! It belongs to the Small Cyclades island group alongside Koufonisia, Irakia, and Schinoussa. It may be one of the tiniest Greek islands, but it boasts a magnificent natural landscape!
Still untouched by mass tourism, Donoussa Greece has managed to stay off the radar. In Donoussa you won’t find organized and crowded beaches, but unspoiled paradise beaches with crystal clear water, where you’ll enjoy swimming all day long! Accessible by foot, Donoussa beaches are the ultimate spots to relax and unwind, away from the hustle and the bustle!
Donoussa's ideal location between Naxos and Amorgos makes it a wonderful base for island hopping between the Cyclades islands. Therefore, it’s an ideal destination both for day trips from the nearby islands and for long holidays.
Beaches in Donoussa
Donoussa beaches are known for their tranquil surroundings, spectacular views, and stunning landscape.
As this is an unspoiled island with traditional character, most beaches in Donoussa Greece are unorganized and ideal for total relaxation.Donoussa beaches can be reached on foot, by bus or small boat.
You will find below a list of the best beaches on Donoussa island:
- Meltemi
- Livadi
- Kedros
- Trypiti
- Ammoudi
- Fykio
Accommodation in Donoussa
For accommodation, there are no large hotels in Donoussa, but there are some family hotels and rooms to let.
You will find below our selection with the best hotels on Donoussa:
- Iliovasilema Studios
- Prassinos Studios
- Markouli Studios
- Firoa Studios
- Voulas Rooms
- Akrogiali Studios
- Argalios Guesthouse
- Makares Apartments
- Pothiti Studios
- Asterias House
- Althea
- Makares