Donoussa

Donoussa is the ideal choice for peaceful holidays.  A small Cycladic island, not rich in amenities but rich in beauty.  The holidaymaker can enjoy a carefree swimming, walks at clear streets with geraniums and bougainvillea that make Donoussa a genuine Cycladic corner.

Donoussa is located between Naxos and Amorgos.

Mythical Donoussa

The myth of Ariadne and Theseus

Donoussa is involved in the ancient Greek myth of Ariadne, daughter of King Minos of Crete, who helped Theseus, son of King Aegeus of Athens, kill the Minotaur –her father’s man-eating bull.

According to one version of this myth, after the two lovers escaped from Crete, they stopped at Donoussa –then called Donousia- where the god Dionysus saw Ariadne, fell madly in love with her and abducted her.

According to another version, Theseus and Ariadne stopped at Naxos –the ancient Dia- for a rest on their way to Athens. There, a strange impulse led Theseus abandon his lover on the beach while she was asleep. It was there that Dionysus found her and took her with him to Donoussa to protect her from her father’s wrath. He later fell in love with her and married her.

Getting there

By Boat

The island is connected with routes from the port of Piraeus.  Furthermore Donoussa has a ferry connection with the following ports: Amorgos, Astypalaia, Naxos, Paros.

Beaches

The beaches in this small gem of the Cyclades, are majestically beautiful, almost tropical and tranquil.  Their clean waters will attract you from the first moment on the island.

Livadi Beach

Livadi is a large sandy beach with clear turquoise waters and white sand. It is quite near the village of Mersini . This is probably the most popular beach in Donousa but it rarely gets too crowded.

Kalotaritissa Beach

It is a small cove on the northern side of  the island. Without being organized,  bathers can enjoy the pretty virgin nature and the crystal clear water.

Vathi Limenari Beach

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

Stavros Beach

It is a large sandy beach with clear blue shallow waters thus making it ideal for families with young children. It is located close to the port of Donoussa. Shops and taverns are very close to the beach.

Accommodation

Chora, the main village of the islands have at its disposal traditional rooms and apartments.

Sightseeing

*Cave of the wall

An amazing place where you can enjoy the clear blue waters and admire the natural decor composed of stalactites and stalagmites.

*Fokospilia

It is a marvelous cave with clear emerald waters which was used to be a habitat for the seals, therefore its name means “the cave of the seals”.

*Church of Panagia - Ai Giannis

The chapel of Panagia was built at the end of the 19th century while Ai Giannis was added adjacently later.

Its uncommon architecture  combines  two basilicas under a single bell, dominating a hilltop east of the settlement of Stavros.

The church celebrates with a big feast on August 15.

*Water spring and plane tree at Merssini

At Mersini village, located at the north east side of the island, a spring of potable water is  under an age-old plane tree offering its shade to the visitors. Old folk used to believe that the water flowed via a subterranean aquifer from the island of Ikaria, some 25 miles to the northeast.

Local products

When you visit Donoussa, taste a mouth-watering dish with pork meat fried in fat (KAVOURMAS).

Also taste a bar (PASTELI) a traditional honey and sesame seed candy served at weddings and baptisms.