Donoussa, one of the most tranquil and untouched islands of the Cyclades in Greece:
Location: Easternmost island of the Small Cyclades, near Naxos and Amorgos
Best time to visit: Late May to early October
Ideal for: Nature lovers, solitude seekers, hikers, beachgoers, and those escaping mass tourism
🧭 Getting There
- By ferry:
- From Athens (Piraeus port) – ~7-8 hours (direct ferry, limited schedule)
- From Naxos or Amorgos – ~1-2 hours (more frequent connections)
- Small boats from nearby islands in the Small Cyclades (Schinoussa, Iraklia, Koufonisia)
🏘️ Main Villages
- Stavros (or Chora)
- The main port and only real village
- Tavernas, bakeries, mini-markets, a few rooms to let
- White-washed houses and traditional Cycladic charm
- Mersini
- A tiny village with panoramic views
- Access point for Livadi beach
- Home to Tzi Tzi taverna, famous for its food and sunset views
- Kalotaritissa
- Very quiet hamlet on the north side
- Great for a peaceful walk or a rustic stay
🏖️ Best Beaches
- Kedros Beach
- 20 min walk from Stavros
- Crystal-clear waters, free camping vibe, and a small beach bar
- Wreck of a WWII German ship visible underwater
- Livadi Beach
- Reachable via hiking trail (~40 min from Mersini) or by boat
- Pristine, remote, and serene
- Fikio
- Very secluded, ideal for naturists
- Requires hiking
- Vathi Limenari
- Hidden cove; best accessed by boat
- Unspoiled and peaceful
🥾 Hiking Trails
Donoussa is a hiker’s paradise with marked trails:
- Stavros ➝ Kedros ➝ Livadi ➝ Kalotaritissa
- A scenic long hike, roughly 3–4 hours in total
- Incredible views and access to remote beaches
- Stavros ➝ Mersini ➝ Livadi
- Moderate difficulty
- Perfect for nature and photography lovers
🍽️ Where to Eat
- Tzi Tzi in Mersini – traditional Greek food, great sunset view
- I Kafene – in Stavros, cozy and traditional
- Captain George – local seafood and Greek staples
- Apospero – elevated cuisine with a great ambiance
🛏️ Where to Stay
- Guesthouses in Stavros – simple rooms with sea views
- Eco-camping at Kedros – informal, with a bohemian atmosphere
- Studios in Kalotaritissa or Mersini – for a truly quiet retreat
🎉 Local Life & Events
- Panigiri of Timios Stavros (Sept 14) – traditional music, food, and dancing in Stavros
- Donoussa remains peaceful even in summer – few organized events but plenty of stargazing and relaxation
📝 Travel Tips
- Bring cash – few ATMs and cards not accepted everywhere
- Pack light – walking is the main mode of transport
- Respect nature – Donoussa prides itself on being clean and wild
- Mobile signal is limited in some areas