Donoussa island
in Cyclades

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, Charavgi 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!

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 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, allows you to explore almost all the beaches on foot. Climb at the Mount Papas (383m.alt.) and take amazing photos from above! And if you are a mountain running enthusiast, take part in Donoussa Trail Running, which is an annual mountain running event that takes place every October with the aim of highlighting the trails and natural beauty of the island.

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 wonderful  seadepths. In the northern part of Donousa in Kalotaritissa don’t miss the three pebble-stone beaches 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 “potatato” (goat in the pot with potatoes, cooked with tomatoes and herbs). Have a great holiday!

Beaches in Donoussa

Most beaches in Donoussa are unorganized and remote.Αpart from the beach near the port (main village) all the other Donoussa beaches are remote and therefore ideal to enjoy some privacy. They can be reached on foot, by bus or by the small wooden boat “Donoussa Magissa”.

Kedros beach

3 km east of port

It is a sandy coast very popular amongst nudists. It can be reached on foot or by bus from the port.

  • Sandy
  • Secluded
  • Non-Organized
  • Nudism-Friendly
Livadi beach

5 km east of port

Livadi is a nice beach with crystal waters, surrounded by huge rocks. It can be reached on foot or by boat from the port.

  • Sandy
  • Secluded
  • Non-Organized
  • Nudism-Friendly
Port beach

500 meters from the main village

The beach right at the port of Donoussa gets pretty crowded as this is where most tourist amenities are found. It has crystal water and a long, sandy coast.

  • Sandy
  • Partly-Organized
Kalotaritissa beach

10 km north of port

This is a small cove with crystal water and narrow coast. It is surrounded by rocky landscape and it is an ideal environment for total privacy.

  • Pebbled
  • Non-Organized
Trypiti beach

200 meters east of Kalotaritissa

The small sandy bay of Trypiti is situated on the northeastern side of Donoussa, around 200 meters away from Kalotaritissa village.

  • Sandy
  • Non-Organized
  • Nudism-Friendly
Fikio beach

6 km east of port

Fikio is a small natural cove with clean water surrounded by a rocky landscape. It can be reached by tour boat from port.

  • Pebbled
  • Secluded
  • Non-Organized
  • Nudism-Friendly
Kedros beach

3 km east of port

It is a sandy coast very popular amongst nudists. It can be reached on foot or by bus from the port.

  • Sandy
  • Secluded
  • Non-Organized
  • Nudism-Friendly
Livadi beach

5 km east of port

Livadi is a nice beach with crystal waters, surrounded by huge rocks. It can be reached on foot or by boat from the port.

  • Sandy
  • Secluded
  • Non-Organized
  • Nudism-Friendly
Port beach

500 meters from the main village

The beach right at the port of Donoussa gets pretty crowded as this is where most tourist amenities are found. It has crystal water and a long, sandy coast.

  • Sandy
  • Partly-Organized
Kalotaritissa beach

10 km north of port

This is a small cove with crystal water and narrow coast. It is surrounded by rocky landscape and it is an ideal environment for total privacy.

  • Pebbled
  • Non-Organized
Trypiti beach

200 m.east of Kalotaritissa

The small sandy bay of Trypiti is situated on the northeastern side of Donoussa, around 200 meters away from Kalotaritissa village.

  • Sandy
  • Non-Organized
  • Nudism-Friendly
Fikio beach

6 km east of port

Fikio is a small natural cove with clean water surrounded by a rocky landscape. It can be reached by tour boat from port.

  • Pebbled
  • Secluded
  • Non-Organized
  • Nudism-Friendly