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Donousa, Greece: Beaches & Things to Do 2026

Plan your trip to Donousa, Greece: Kedros beach, Livadi bay, Mersini cove and the quiet northern Small Cyclades escape, plus how to get there by ferry.

Donousa, Cyclades: The Easternmost Secret

8 chapters · 5 beaches

Donousa.

The Easternmost Secret

The most remote of the Small Cyclades. Pristine beaches, zero pretension, and an authenticity money cannot buy

From Piraeus
8h
Best months
June · September
Ferries from
Naxos · Piraeus · Amorgos
Ferry fares
€12-20
Cyclades Travel Expert
Updated
Fastest ferry from Athens
6 h 45 min · PiraeusSource
Airport
None, ferry only
Beaches in this guide
5
Villages in this guide
3
Best months
June · September

Ferry time: fastest sailing in a one-day Ferryhopper timetable sample (Aug 12, 2026). Not live; check times when you book.

Island explorer

Donousa in 8 chapters.

The villages and beaches that shape the island. Tap a chapter to fly there, then plan it into your trip.

Village · Stavros

Chapters01 / 08

Chapter 01

Village

Stavros, Donousa

The Heart of the Island.

This is the island's main village and port. It's a warm cluster of whitewashed houses, family tavernas, and quiet rooms sitting around a sheltered harbor. There's a sandy beach right next to the port. In summer, the village square comes alive in the evening with children playing and travelers sharing stories.

  • Sandy beach right at the port
  • Waterfront tavernas with fresh seafood
  • Village plateia with evening atmosphere
  • Starting point for all island trails

Touristas AI checks ferries, stays and timing for your dates.

Stay here

How to plan Donousa

  1. 01

    Pick your chapters

    The villages and beaches that fit your pace.

    See the chapters
  2. 02

    Book the ferry

    Live times and fares to Donousa.

    Ferry tickets
  3. 03

    Stay & get around

    Hotels by area, cars at the port.

    HotelsBus timetable

01 · The island

Discover Donousa.

Donousa is one of the Small Cyclades, a remote and quiet island famous for its sandy beach at Kedros. It's about a 2.5 to 4-hour ferry ride from Naxos. The island attracts hikers, swimmers, and travelers seeking peace far from busy tourist areas.

Donousa is the easternmost and most isolated of the Small Cyclades. It's a tiny island of 13.5 square kilometers floating in the deep blue between Naxos and Amorgos. There are about 160 year-round residents. With no ATM, no nightlife, and ferries that require planning, reaching Donousa is an adventure. Staying here feels like a real privilege.

The main village of Stavros wraps around a sheltered harbor with a sandy beach right next to the port. Three other tiny hamlets, Mersini, Kalotaritissa, and Charavgi, sit in the hills, connected by old footpaths fragrant with wild thyme and sage. The island's best beach is Kedros, a wide crescent of golden sand with incredibly clear water.

Donousa is the kind of place Greece lovers dream about but rarely find. It's a spot where the taverna owner knows your name by your second visit, and the evening's main event is watching fishing boats return to port. At night, the sky is so dark the stars cast actual shadows on the ground. The island asks for nothing but patience, and it gives back memories you'll keep forever.

“Donousa is the final dot at the end of the sentence. After this, there's only sea.”

Local fisherman
  • Total Escape
  • Pristine Beaches
  • Genuine Solitude
  • Wild Nature
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02On the map

Where is Donousa?

Coordinates
37.1100° N 25.8200° E
Region
Cyclades, Aegean Sea, Greece
Main ferry port
Donousa
Fastest ferry from Athens
6 h 45 min · Piraeus
Donousa
Map of Donousa with its main port and villages. Coastline © OpenStreetMap contributors

03 · Where to stay

Where to stay in Donousa.

Donousa offers distinct neighbourhoods for every trip style. Compare areas and rates for your dates on our Donousa hotels page or the detailed where to stay in Donousa guide.

Stavros, Donousa: The Heart of the Island
Area 01

Stavros

The Heart of the Island

Photo: Giovcri, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

This is the island's main village and port. It's a warm cluster of whitewashed houses, family tavernas, and quiet rooms sitting around a sheltered harbor. There's a sandy beach right next to the port. In summer, the village square comes alive in the evening with children playing and travelers sharing stories.

  • Sandy beach right at the port
  • Waterfront tavernas with fresh seafood
  • Village plateia with evening atmosphere
Stays in Stavros
Area 02

Mersini

The Quiet Cove

This tiny hamlet on the south coast has a handful of houses, a seasonal taverna, and a quiet swimming bay. It's a pleasant 40-minute walk from Stavros along a hillside path. The place feels completely untouched by time.

  • Sheltered swimming cove
  • Seasonal seaside taverna
  • Scenic walking trail from Stavros
Stays in Mersini
Area 03

Kalotaritissa

The Remote South

Sitting at the southeastern tip of the island, this is the most remote hamlet. Only a few families live here year-round, tending their gardens and goats. The landscape is wild and windswept, giving you a true end-of-the-world feeling.

  • Stunning namesake beach below the hamlet
  • Dramatic windswept landscape
  • Goat farming traditions still alive
Stays in Kalotaritissa

04 · Story

At the Edge of the Known World.

  1. 01

    Ancient Donousa

    According to Greek mythology, Dionysus hid Ariadne on Donousa after rescuing her from Naxos. The island's ancient name probably comes from this myth. Ancient graves near Stavros confirm people have lived here since the Early Cycladic era.

  2. 02

    Pirate Centuries

    Because of its remote location, Donousa was a favorite target and hideout for pirates in the Aegean. The island was repeatedly abandoned. Residents built the hilltop hamlets out of sight from the sea, and those old settlements still feel hidden today.

  3. 03

    The Isolated Community

    Through the 19th and early 20th centuries, Donousa was one of the most isolated spots in Greece. Islanders lived on goat herding, fishing, and simple farming. caïque boats brought occasional mail and supplies, but many locals eventually left for Athens.

  4. 04

    Gentle Awakening

    Regular ferries didn't reach the island until the 1980s when the Express Skopelitis boat started running. Tourism arrived slowly through backpackers who stumbled onto Kedros beach and spread the word. Today, the island remains peacefully undeveloped.

History of Donousa, Greece
Donousa, Greece: landscape and geology
Dionysus hid Ariadne here
Myth
Year-round residents
~160
Island area
13.5 km²
First regular ferry service
1980s

05 · Beaches

Beaches worth the trip.

The best shores of Donousa

Kedros beach, Donousa: The Island JewelThe Island Jewel01

Kedros

Photo: Giovcri, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Donousa's famous beach is a wide crescent of fine golden sand. The water is incredibly clear, making it one of the finest uncommercialized beaches in Greece.

Water
Crystal-clear turquoise, sandy bottom, shallow near shore deepening gently
Access
20 min walk from Stavros on a marked path
Best for
Swimming, beach days, photography, the quintessential Greek beach experience
Sheltered & Sandy02

Livadi

A sheltered sandy beach near Stavros with natural shade from tamarisk trees. It's the island's best shelter when the summer meltemi winds blow.

Water
Calm, clear, sandy bottom, sheltered from meltemi
Access
15 min walk from Stavros
Best for
Windy day swimming, families, relaxed afternoons
Wild & Secluded03

Fikio

A remote, rocky cove on the north coast. It's rarely visited, offering a true castaway feel if you're looking for absolute solitude.

Water
Deep blue, crystal clear, can be choppy with north winds
Access
45 min hike from Stavros on a footpath
Best for
Solitude, adventurous swimmers, snorkeling
Remote Paradise04

Kalotaritissa

A quiet sandy cove sitting below the namesake hamlet. It's pristine, wild, and almost always empty.

Water
Pristine, turquoise, moderate depth, sandy with some rocks
Access
1-hour walk from Stavros or by private boat
Best for
Total seclusion, wild swimming, a sense of discovery
Easy & Social05

Stavros Beach

The sandy beach right at the main village. With calm water and tavernas steps away, it's the island's most convenient swimming spot.

Water
Calm, shallow, sandy, perfect for children
Access
Steps from the port and village
Best for
Families, convenience, morning and evening swims

Car & ATV hire

Reach every beach on Donousa

Compare local agencies with port and hotel delivery.

Compare rentals

06 · At the table

What to Eat on Donousa.

Simple, honest island cooking: fresh fish and whatever the garden offers that day.

  1. 01

    Fresh Grilled Fish

    Caught that morning by local fishermen and grilled over charcoal, served with lemon and olive oil.

  2. 02

    Goat Stew (Katsikaki)

    Local free-range goat slow-cooked with fresh tomatoes, potatoes, and wild oregano.

  3. 03

    Kalogeros

    Eggplant baked with tomatoes, onions, and local cheese, a traditional Cycladic vegetarian favorite.

  4. 04

    Kopanisti Cheese

    A sharp, spicy soft cheese aged in clay pots. It's excellent spread on fresh bread with ripe tomatoes.

  5. 05

    Horta & Capers

    Wild greens gathered from the hillsides, boiled and dressed with olive oil and local salted capers.

  6. 06

    Homemade Raki

    A strong, clear grape spirit distilled on the island, offered at the end of meals.

Book a food experience
Donousa, Greece

07 · A day on the island

Your perfect day.

From sunrise to sunset in Donousa

  1. 07:30

    Morning Swim at Stavros Beach

    Take a morning dip in the calm harbor. The water is exceptionally clear, and you'll share the bay with just the fishing boats.

    45 min
  2. 09:00

    Hike to Kedros Beach

    Follow the trail from Stavros to Kedros. Spend the morning swimming in turquoise water and lounging on golden sand.

    3-4 hours
  3. 09:30

    Walk to Mersini & Kalotaritissa

    Walk the old footpath to Mersini and Kalotaritissa. The path winds through aromatic thyme with sweeping views of the open sea.

    4-5 hours
  4. 10:00

    Snorkeling at Livadi

    Walk to the sheltered beach of Livadi. Its calm, protected waters are perfect for exploring underwater rocks and spotting octopus.

    2 hours
  5. 11:00

    Visit the Church of Stavros

    Visit the whitewashed church in the center of the port. Its quiet courtyard offers a cool, peaceful escape from the midday sun.

    30 min
  6. 13:00

    Lunch at a Port Taverna

    Grab a waterfront table in Stavros. Order the daily catch, a fresh salad with local cheese, and enjoy the slow pace.

    2 hours
  7. 16:00

    Explore Fikio Beach

    Hike north to the remote beach of Fikio. The rugged path offers panoramic views, and you'll likely have the wild beach to yourself.

    3 hours
  8. 19:00

    Sunset on the Harbor

    Watch the sun set behind the hills from the harbor. The sea turns gold, and the village begins to glow as the stars come out.

    1 hour
  9. 20:30

    Dinner & Stargazing

    Dine under the stars at a local taverna. Afterward, walk to the edge of the village for some of the best stargazing in Greece.

    2-3 hours
  10. 17:00

    Birdwatching & Nature Walk

    Walk the headlands with binoculars. Donousa's quiet landscapes are home to Eleonora's falcons and other migratory birds.

    1.5 hours

Tours & activities

Book the best of Donousa

Sailing trips, sunset cruises, diving and cooking classes.

See activities

08 · When to go

When to visit Donousa.

Find the perfect time for your Donousa trip

Jan: Quiet
Feb: Quiet
Mar: Quiet
Apr: Quiet
May: Good
Jun: Best
Jul: Good
Aug: Good
Sep: Best
Oct: Shoulder
Nov: Quiet
Dec: Quiet
BestGoodShoulderQuiet

May

19-24°C

Very Low Crowds

Wildflowers covering the hillsides, mild hiking weather, sea warming up

Best time

June

23-28°C

Low Crowds

Perfect conditions, warm, calm, long days, very few visitors

July

26-31°C

Low-Medium Crowds

Summer heat arrives, meltemi winds, more visitors but still uncrowded

August

27-32°C

Medium Crowds

Busiest month, Assumption panigiri (Aug 15), Dionysia festival, lively evenings

Best time

September

24-28°C

Low Crowds

Warm seas, harvest season, spectacular light, deeply peaceful

October

19-23°C

Very Low Crowds

Autumn calm, sea still warm, reduced ferry service begins

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09 · Getting there

Getting to Donousa.

Ferry routes and travel connections

10 · Island hopping

Next stops from Donousa.

Donousa connects to 4 nearby islands by ferry. These are the live island-hopping routes, drawn from our full Cyclades ferry catalogue.

  1. 011h 20m

    Amorgos.

    Hozoviotissa monastery and Big Blue waters, a dramatic neighbor.

    from €5.00

  2. 021h 5m

    Naxos.

    The gateway hub with endless beaches, the Portara, and mountain gastronomy.

    from €6.50

  3. 031h 5m

    Koufonisia.

    from €6.99

  4. 042h 20m

    Paros.

    from €10.00

12 · Essentials

Before you go.

Insider tips for your Donousa trip

Donousa · 2026 updates

  • 🆕EU Entry/Exit System (EES) launched April 2026. Non-EU travelers need biometric registration at first Schengen entry. Allow extra time at Athens Airport.
  • 💰Climate Crisis Resilience Fee: €2–€15/night depending on accommodation star rating, charged at the property.
01

Transport

5
  • The Express Skopelitis ferry connects Donousa to Naxos and Amorgos several times a week. Always check the timetables.
  • Blue Star Ferries stop here a few times a week on their route from Piraeus.
  • There's no public transport on the island. You'll explore entirely on foot along old paths.
  • There are almost no cars and no rental car or scooter agencies here. Bring good walking shoes.
  • Ferry schedules can change due to summer winds, so keep your travel plans flexible.
02

Money & Booking

4
  • There's no ATM on Donousa. Make sure to bring all the cash you need from Naxos or Athens.
  • Most tavernas and rooms accept cash only. Don't rely on credit cards.
  • Donousa is very affordable. Meals and simple rooms won't cost much compared to larger islands.
  • Rooms and guesthouses are limited. Book well in advance for July and August.
03

Health & Safety

5
  • A small medical station with a visiting doctor provides basic healthcare.
  • The nearest hospital is on Naxos. Emergencies require coastguard or helicopter transport.
  • Bring all personal medicines, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a basic first-aid kit.
  • Fresh water is scarce. Use bottled water for drinking and conserve tap water.
  • Hillside trails can be rough. Tell your hosts where you're hiking each day.
04

Culture & Etiquette

5
  • The local community is very welcoming. Learning a few Greek words goes a long way.
  • The Dionysia festival in August celebrates the island's mythological roots, and everyone is invited.
  • If a local offers you coffee or raki, accepting warmly is a key part of local hospitality.
  • Help protect the fragile island environment by carrying your rubbish back to the village.
  • The island's quiet atmosphere is its charm. Keep noise levels low, especially late at night.
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FAQ

Donousa questions.

Everything you need to know about Donousa

  • Donousa is the northernmost of the Small Cyclades, in the Aegean Sea east of Naxos. It is reached by ferry via Naxos or on the Small Cyclades line from Piraeus, which takes several hours.
  • Top experiences include swimming at Kedros and Livadi beaches, walking to the sheltered Mersini cove, hiking the coastal path to the cave of Tichos, and enjoying slow, crowd-free evenings in the tiny harbour village of Stavros.
  • Late May to June and September to early October are the best times to visit Donousa: warm seas, open tavernas and thin crowds. July and August are the hottest and busiest months (and windy when the meltemi blows), while winter is very quiet with many places closed.
  • Kedros and Livadi face south and are highly sheltered from summer north winds. Kalotaritissa is northeast-facing but partly protected by cliffs. Stavros sits in a west/southwest harbor and stays calm. Full beach comparison on our Donousa island page and Donousa travel guide.
  • Donousa is reached by ferry from Naxos (2.5 to 4 hours) or Amorgos (1 to 1.5 hours). The Express Skopelitis and Blue Star Ferries serve the island several times a week. There is no airport, so you'll need to fly into Athens or Santorini first and connect.
  • Two to three days is the perfect amount of time. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy Kedros beach, hike to Mersini, explore Stavros village, and ease into the island's quiet rhythm.
  • Yes. Kedros is a wide crescent of golden sand with water so clear it looks transparent. With no development or sunbeds, it's one of the last truly natural beach escapes in the Cyclades.
  • Yes. The Express Skopelitis ferry connects Donousa with Koufonisia, Schinoussa, Iraklia, Naxos, and Amorgos. However, because Donousa is the most remote, boat connections are less frequent. Timetable planning is essential.
  • You'll find mobile signal in Stavros (Cosmote is best), but it's weak or nonexistent in the rest of the island. Some guesthouses have basic Wi-Fi, but speeds are slow. We suggest embracing the chance to disconnect.

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Plan it

Plan Your Donousa Trip.

Escape to the easternmost edge of the Cyclades. Pristine beaches, warm-hearted locals, and a sky full of stars await those ready to venture off the beaten path.

Ask Touristas AI