From the very first moment you arrive in Donousa, you are impressed by its beauty and the stunning colour of the water! A lovely, tiny island in the Cyclades island complex that along with Koufonisia, Iraklia, and Schinoussa compose the Small Cyclades.
Access: 06:30-07:30 hrs by ferry from the main port in Athens, Piraeus or 1-2 hrs from islands nearby like Amorgos or Naxos. You can book your tickets here: Ferryscanner.com
Closest airport: in Naxos island.
Ideal season to visit: From June to September.
Duration: You can see the whole island in 3 days but the more you stay, the more you relax.
Let me tell you why you should visit Donousa:
1.An authentic hidden gem in Greece
Donousa has less than 200 permanent residents and not so many options for accommodation. For that reason, it’s never super crowded like other Greek islands, where it’s very difficult to find availability at restaurants even if you call for a reservation days in advance or you cannot easily walk in the streets because they are too busy.
It’s a small paradise, and everything takes place at the island’s capital, port and centre called Stavros.
The 2 other small villages are:
- “Kalotaritissa” on the northeastern part of Donousa which is a small seafront settlement 15 minutes drive from Stavros and
- “Myrsini” which has a beautiful church with endless view, nature and a famous restaurant.
Angel’s tip: I totally recommend to stay in an apartment in Stavros.
2. The incredible beaches
Donousa has a few breathtaking beaches with stunning crystal clear waters that you cannot miss! None of the beaches has sunbeds. Have with you ideally a tent/umbrella and sunscreen!
- Stavros beach: the first beach you meet upon your arrival on the island since it is actually the port! Sandy and shallow with amazing clear waters and usually crowded.
- Kedros beach : A breathtaking, sandy beach which is 20 minutes on foot from the port. You can take a boat as well or the local bus. It is the largest beach on the island, usually protected from strong winds and ranked many times among the best beaches worldwide. Angel’s tip: There is a great beach bar/restaurant here as well that you can have breakfast or lunch.
- Livadi: Another exquisite beach with crystal clear waters that can be reached by boat from the port or on foot after a 25 minutes trail from the main road (5km from the port to reach the trail, so it is a lot of walking involved). There is a bus stop till the beginning of the trail otherwise 10-15 euros by taxi. Please note this is a nudist friendly beach with many free campers. Angel’s tip: In case you do camping in Livadi, you can use the Natural Spring of Mersini to get fresh water.
- Kalotaritissa bay on the north side of the island that is actually composed of 3 smaller beaches : Main one called “Mesa Ammos” , “Trypiti” which is nudism friendly & needs 15 minutes walking after the main one and the smallest called “Sapounochoma” which is actually the first beach you will meet arriving in the village. Angels’s tip: no mobile network access fyi here.
- Vathi, Limenari and Fykio: small coves around the island that the main boat doesn’t go.
- Fokospilia cave(meaning seal cave): at the eastern coast of the island that the boat can take you, famous as a seal habitat where you can admire the astonishing seabed and waters.
3.The island on foot
Island is small with organized bus service that you can easily use, boat taxi and 1 taxi.The longest distance of the island is 15-30 minutes drive either by car or the local bus from one side of the island to the other. There is no gas station and in my opinion, car is not necessary unless you stay in Kalotaritissa village and not at the port where most of the apartments are. Angel’s tip: If you stay in Stavros where the port is, you have many options for food, Stavros and Kedros beach on foot and Livadi with Fokospilia by boat. How much easier?
The famous boat taxi that you can use to visit the famous beaches of the island
The mobile phone of the taxi driver is +306983734249.
4.Relaxed vibes
During my visit in Donoussa, I realized that the island is very relaxing and chill, since apart from swimming and hiking, there are not so many other things to do. The distances are short and the people are more “alternative” than other islands.
For nightlife, the options are limited and I spent all nights in “Skantzochoiros” bar.
Angel’s tip: Visit a panigiri if you are there during August 15th, September 14th or September 17th To be clear for those who don’t know, “Panigiri” is called the local festival in a village (to celebrate usually a saint of the Greek Orthodox church) with live traditional Greek music and local drinks, usually wine or in this case baked raki. It often lasts till early morning hours and you can find local food as well, meat, Greek salad, potatoes etc
5.Great local food
You are lucky to be on an island with delicious food and options for all tastes! The restaurants are concentrated mainly in the villages of Donousa like Stavros, Kedros, Mersini and Kalotaritissa.
Some of my recommendations:
- Iliovasilema restaurant with great view in Stavros. Angel’s tip: Ideal for sunset time.
- Kedros restaurant on Kedros beach
- Avli restaurant in Stavros village with a great view of the port
- Mitsos restaurant in Kalotaritissa with limited menu but worth trying! Angel’s tip: Famous for its beef patties.
- Fragkosyko restaurant in Myrsini with a modern twist. Angel’s tip: You can combine it with Livadi beach.
- Anthlia for souvlaki.
- Yucca for breakfast in Stavros with a view.
6.Perfect for hiking
The island is ideal for hiking as you can see around. There are 5 numbered hiking trails on the island with the shortest to be only 1 km long and the longest around 4,50 km. (less than 2 hrs hike)
*Check my DONOUSA highlight and posts on Instagram for more*
IG: angeliki.a_