Donousa

1. Welcome to Donousa island

Donousa is a small, beautiful island that has exploited with tourists in the recent years and is getting more and more new fans each year. When on holiday in Donousa you can enjoy a carefree swimming at pristine beaches and crystal clear waters and walks through the narrow streets of the village or hike along the traditional paths since the island has very few cars to bother you.

Donousa is 14 miles from the port of Amorgos. The houses are built on two hills, having among them a magnificent beach. The taverns on the beach and the very tidy, clear streets with geraniums and bougainvillea that make Donousa a genuine Cycladic corner.

The small island of Donoussa is considered located between Naxos and Amorgos, the island has an area of 13 square kilometers and a population of 110 permanent residents. A mountainous island with its tallest mountain called the Pope.

The Coasts, particularly in the south, form small bays with sand while on the north there are two large bays and in the northwest, there is a remarkable cave wall. The island retains its name from the ancient times. It seems that it was first inhabited the prehistoric era, as demonstrated by the findings of excavations. In addition to the main village Stavros in Donousa (the cross) there are three other villages on Donousa.

By exploring the following pages you can find all useful information about the history of Donousa, sightseeing on Donousa, services on Donousa, accommodation on Donousa . . .

as well as information about the nightlife, real estate on Donousa, travel agencies, etc.

There are no car rental agencies on Donousa.

Information on Donousa – travel agency: +30 2285051570

2. Activities on Donousa

Donousa may offer the visitor a lot of thrills, other than the sun, the sea and its beaches. If you enjoy hiking, there are two traditional paths signposted.

The route 1, Stavros-Kalotaritissa 1h 30min duration and route 3, Mersini-Livadi lasting 10min. Apart from these, there are other paths leading from Stavros to the other villages, but also to even more isolated beaches. While hiking on Donousa island, you may come across populations of wild goats, partridges, thrushes, kitrinopoula, woodcock, etc.

Fishing: The west coast and the Kalotaritissa bay are ideal for snorkelling.

Jogging, cycling: The regional paved road 13 km length of the island starting from Stavros and ends in Kalotaritissa used by fans of these sports since it offers a path through constant changes of scenery and with varying degrees of difficulty.

One-day trips
You can make day trips to the surrounding islands of the Small Cyclades, such as Koufonisi, Schinoussa, and Iraklia.

Festivals
On August 15th the feast of the Virgin Mary is held, on September 13th the feast of the Cross and on September 17th there is the feast of Saint Sofia in Mersini.

3. Best beaches on Donousa

The beaches on the small island of Donousa offer a uniquely peaceful, relaxing beauty. Their deep blue, clean waters will attract you from the first moment on the island. Their golden thin sand and large strange shaped rocks will create an unforgettable memory for most of the island’s guests.

Stavros beach on Donousa: Stavros beach is located close to the port of Donousa, golden sand and turquoise waters welcome you to deep into the blue. Shops and taverns are very close to the beach as well as a couple of accommodation options. (See accommodation on Donousa).

Kedros beach on Donousa: Kedros beach is a 25-minute walk away from Stavros Beach on Donousa. A bay with deep blue water and golden sand. At the bottom of the sea, there is the wreck of an old German ship that came from World War II. Many campers prefer this area of the island.

Livadi beach on Donousa:  Many campers like to camp on Livadi beach on Donousa. Livadi beach is a long beach with very fine golden sand and clear blue waters. Livadi beach is located about 15 minutes away from the village of Mersini on Donousa.

Vathy Limenari beach on Donousa: In order to reach the beach of Vathy Limenari on Donousa, you must travel by sea. The waters are a light blue colour and the beach has many pebbles.

Fikio beach on Donousa: A small sandy beach, with crystal clear waters that is surrounded by rocks that form caves and different shapes. The local boat docks on these rocks when it arrives at Fikio beach on Donousa.

Mesa ammos beach on Donousa (and Spaounokroma beach on Donousa): Mesa Amos beach on Donousa is located on the north side of the island but protected from the north winds by the little island Skoulonisi.

Tripiti beach on Donousa: Tripiti beach on Donousa is a nudist beach that is loved by free campers. Offering golden sand and turquoise waters, it is considered to be the best beach in Kalotaritissa.

Xilovatis beach on Donousa: Xilovatis Beach is another beautiful beach on Donousa but as it faces the north wind, it is not always a good idea. Ask the locals for their advice on the weather before visiting this beach.

Tip: Best months to visit Donousa:

May, June, September, and October.

4. Sightseeing on Donousa

Upper and Lower Windmills: Pano Mylos and Kato mylos are located in the small, beautiful settlement of Messaria on Donousa Island. The two windmills are not in operation, however, they offer a pleasant and interesting site!

Ruins of a Geometric Settlement: Below the lower windmill, at Vathi Limenari you can saunter around the ruins of a Geometric Settlement.

Fokospilia Cave (Cave of the Seal): Access to the Fokospilia Cave is only by sea. It’s worthwhile organizing a visit there not only because it is one of the last refuge sites for seals but also because the natural beauty of the cave will leave you astounded. Take a ball along with you just in case!  It is found at the Moschonas Cape on the east coast of the island.

Vintage Mining: These mines were operational until 1938.  They are found on the foothill of Mount Papas, the island’s highest mountain.

Tihos Cave: Nestled on the northwest part of the island, at the Bay of Ksilobati. This cave can be entered by boat and one shouldn’t miss it because of the extraordinary stalactites hanging inside.

Mersini Spring: Pigi Mersini:  A Cycladic island with a plane tree and a spring gushing with potable water?  Yet, it is true!  It is found at Mersini along the footpath leading to Livadi Beach.

Donousa is under the jurisdiction of the Holy Metropolis of Thera,  Amorgos and the Islands and more specifically the Archdiocese of Amorgos.

Church of Stavros (Holy Cross):  The Church of Stavros named for the resurrection of the Holy Cross, was constructed at the end of 1800 and gave its name to the village. That first church fell to ruins with the passage of time and it was rebuilt in 1902 where it currently stands. Try to be there for September 14th and experience the great festival held for the island’s patron saint.

Church of Panagia (Virgin Mary):  This small church is located on the top of a hill in the village of Stavros.  It’s worthwhile visiting it because the view from its high point satisfies even the most demanding traveller. Select afternoon visits to include the sunset. Naturally, on August 15th a large celebration takes place with locals and tourists mingling as one.

Church of Ayios Georgios (St. George): It is found on the northernmost coast of the island, in the hamlet of Kalotaritissa.

Church of Ayia Sophia (St. Sophia): It is found in Mersini. You can go and sit down under the spring water’s plane tree. On September 17th your presence is compulsory to celebrate the church’s name day.

5. Villages and settlements on Donousa

Stavros: This village is named after the local church Ayios Stavros (Holy Cross).  Here you will find most of the island’s shops, accommodations, tavernas, the doctor’s office and the town hall. In Stavros, visitors can enjoy a combination of activities:  explore the village’s narrow streets, bathe in the remarkable sea and consume food and beverages at the traditional taverns and cafes. Don’t underestimate any possibilities at the village bar.  It’s likely that it will keep you entertained until morning given the right circumstances.

Kalotaritissa:  Kalotaritissa is a quaint hamlet close to the church of Ayios Yiorgios (Saint George) located at the northern end of the island.  You can arrive there in the morning and visit its trilogy of beaches (Sapounochoma, Mesa Ammos, and Trypiti).  When your hunger pangs start ringing you can satisfy them at the small tavern where local specialities are served.

Mersini: Pigi Mersini: Here you will find the Mersini spring of potable water that flows from the mountain.  Livadi Beach is located below the village.  After your swim, you could visit one of two tavernas in the village that will astound you with their enormous servings and delectable dishes.

Mesaria (Haravgi): Mesaria is a small hamlet situated just before Mersini.  There are only a few permanent residents but during the summer, it livens up with trekkers who follow the island’s footpaths.

6. The history and mythology of Donousa

In Greek mythology when Theseus slaughtered the Minotaur he had taken Ariadne with him and headed towards Athens.  Sailing by Donousa, it is said that Theseus couldn’t resist temptation and he and Ariadne disembarked.  That’s when the amorous Dionysios appeared.  He fell madly in love with Ariadne and the ill-fated Theseus, unable to sever God’s desire, abandoned her on the island.

According to historians, it is said that our island was first inhabited in the 3rd century B.C., during the Early Cycladic Period.   We have no reason to doubt these findings as the ancient settlements unearthed here have confirmed the speculations.
Donousa flourished during the Geometric Period.

Inhabitants at Vathi Limenari specifically, had enjoyed the splendour of this island from the 10th century B.C.  This is where a Geometric Settlement and Cemetery were discovered.

From that time on, signs of island civilization are unclear.  According to some, it was a place for exiles during the 2nd century B.C. when Romans occupied the Cyclades as well as being a hideaway for pirates.

Donousa was under the jurisdiction of the Venetian Duke from the 13th to 16th centuries A.D. until its seizure from the Ottomans.
During the Ottoman Empire, once a year, a Turkish ship would moor in order to collect taxes.
Other reports accuse Donousians of knowing about the deposition of King Otto 14 years before the fact when King George I of Greece had visited our island.
At the turn of the 19th century our island became a summer grazing ground for many shepherds from Aigiali, Amorgos, and eventually, by about 1830, these shepherds remained permanently and began cultivating the land.
During WWI the German cruise ship “Gaiben” found refuge behind the White Cape and escaped British and French warships.
At the beginning of the 20th century, there were 3,000 inhabitants most of whom were working in the mines that were operational up until 1938.
Today there are few inhabitants yet they are the epitome of less is more.
Despite the small population, our island has an elementary school, a junior high school, and senior high school.
The principal occupations are animal husbandry, fishing, and tourism.

7. Rent a car on Donousa

There are no car rental agencies on Donousa.

8. Useful information about Donousa island

Donousa is an island that has exploited with tourists in the recent years and is getting more and more new fans each year. When on holiday in Donousa you can enjoy a carefree swimming at pristine beaches and crystal clear waters and walks through the narrow streets of the village or hike along the traditional paths since the island has very few cars to bother you.

Donousa is 14 miles from the port of Amorgos. The houses are built on two hills, having among them a magnificent beach. The taverns on the beach and the very tidy, clear streets with geraniums and bougainvillea that make Donousa a genuine Cycladic corner. Donoussa is located between Naxos and Amorgos, the island has an area of 13 square kilometers and a population of 110 permanent residents. A mountainous island with its tallest mountain called the Pope. The Coasts, particularly in the south, form small bays with sand while in the north there are two large bays and in the northwest, there is a remarkable cave wall. The island retains its name from the ancient times. It seems that it was first inhabited the prehistoric era, as demonstrated by the findings of excavations. In addition to the main village Stavros in Donousa (the cross) there are three other villages on Donousa.

By exploring the following pages you can find all useful information about the history of Donousa, sightseeing on Donousa, services on Donousa, accommodation on Donousa, as well as information about the nightlife, real estate on Donousa, travel agencies, etc.

There are no car rental agencies on Donousa.

Information on Donousa – travel agency: +30 2285051570

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS ON DONOUSA

Municipality of Donousa	+30 22850  51600
Citizens help and information office	+30 22850 29107
Doctor’s office on Donousa	+30 22850  51506
Port police of Naxos and Donousa	+30 22850 22300
Amorgos port authorities	+30 22850 71259
Travel agency on Donousa	+30 22850 51570
Souvenir shop on Donousa	+30 22850 51555

ACTIVITIES ON DONOUSA

Donousa may offer the visitor a lot of thrills, other than the sun, the sea and its beaches. If you enjoy hiking, there are two traditional paths signposted. The route 1, Stavros-Kalotaritissa 1h 30min duration and route 3, Mersini-Livadi lasting 10min. Apart from these, there are other paths leading from Stavros to the other villages, but also to even more isolated beaches. While hiking on Donousa island, you may come across populations of wild goats, partridges, thrushes, kitrinopoula, woodcock, etc.

Fishing: The west coast and the Kalotaritissa bay are ideal for snorkeling.

Jogging, cycling: The regional paved road 13 km length of the island starting from Stavros and ends in Kalotaritissa used by fans of these sports since it offers a path through constant changes of scenery and with varying degrees of difficulty.

One-day trips
You can make day trips to the surrounding islands of the Small Cyclades, such as Koufonisi, Schinoussa, and Iraklia.

Festivals
On August 15th the feast of the Virgin Mary is held, on September 13th the feast of the Cross and on September 17th there is the feast of Saint Sofia in Mersini.

HOW TO GET TO DONOUSA

Donousa is connected all the time with direct routes from Piraeus and every day with Naxos, Amorgos and the other islands of Small Cyclades (Iraklia, Koufonisi and Schinousa) with the small boat “Express Scopelitis.”

From Piraeus to Schinoussa and to return, there are journeys three times a week with the ships “Blue Star Ferries”. Every Monday there is the “Aqua Jewel” via Syros. Every Friday and Sunday the ship Artemis departs from Syros to Paros, Naxos, Folegandros, Schinousa Koufonissi, Amorgos (Katapola), Amorgos (Aigiali), Donousa and returns to Naxos, Paros, and Syros, where is the ship’s final destination.

The summer ferry schedules become more and connect Naxos island to the small Cyclades and from these islands to Piraeus, with other shipping companies which announced their programs usually after June 10.

Schedules for Skopelitis: +30 22850 24330

If you would like to visit the beautiful island of Donousa, you may book your accommodation on our site and get a special discount. If you have fallen in love with Donousa and you wish to stay, then perhaps you should look at real estate on Donousa. If you need any extra information, then please contact us here [email protected] or +30 69 34 620 501 or viber: +30 6909463436

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