2 young people walking on a path with low vegetation. In the distance is the sea, a few white houses and a small island.

Donousa

NOW 14 °C

Next 5 days

SUN 12 °C
MON 13 °C
TUES 12 °C
WED 11 °C
THURS 10 °C

Source: National Observatory of Athens /meteo.gr

The northernmost island of the Small Eastern Cyclades is located east of the island of Naxos and north of Amorgos. Donousa was named after Dionysus, the ancient Greek God of wine who offered Ariadne a hiding place on the island from Theseus.

The island’s capital, port and centre of attention is Stavros but make sure to visit the picturesque villages of Mersini, Haravgi and Kalotaritissa. The 13.65 sq. km island is great for hiking among the thick scent of wild Greek herbs which fill the air. Donousa’s land has plenty of coves where you can relax on some magnificent sandy beaches. If you want to get away from it all and enjoy peaceful holidays, Donoussa is the ideal choice for you!

Small port with small boats. In the background a few houses and a beach.

If you want to get away from it all and enjoy peaceful holidays, Donoussa is the ideal choice for you!

Tour the Island

Explore by boat magnificent caves like “Spilia Tichou” (Cave of the Wall) with its beautiful stalactite formations, located northwest, and “Fokospilia” (meaning seal cave), at the eastern coast of the island, a seal habitat where you can also admire the astonishing tinted blue deep waters.

On a hill in Vathi Limenari Bay you can visit the ruins of a settlement and a cemetery dating back to the Geometric period. House remains from the Bronze Age have also been found here.

Enjoy the sunset from the church of Timios Stavros - patron saint of the island - as well as from Panagia and Agios Ioannis churches.

The trail network that runs throughout the island’s landscape, such as Mount Papas ( 383 m. alt.) allows you to explore almost all the beaches on foot and take amazing bird’s eye view snapshots!

Your beach journey can begin from the island’s port where blonde sandy beaches await you. More charming sandy beaches can be found in the south such as Kedros - where a German ship wreck is found on the sea-bottom - Vathi Limenari, Livadi and Fykio with their dainty seabeds. In the northern part of Donousa don’t miss the three pebble-stone beaches of Kalotaritissa with turquoise waters.

Get acquainted with the locals and have fun at the festivals of Panagia celebrated on the 15th of August (aka Dekapentavgoustos); of Stavros on the 14th of September; and of Agia Sophia on the 17th of September. These festivals give the chance to all to celebrate and dance throughout the night. Local festivals are the best way to savour local flavours so don’t miss out on trying the famous "potato" (goat in the pot with potatoes, cooked with tomatoes and herbs). Have a great holiday!