Donoussa

The little emerald of the Cyclades, Donoussa stands arrogant and wonderful to welcome every traveler in her arms and to offer him generously her simple beauties.

Welcome to DONOUSSA, DENOUSSA, STENOSA, SPINOSA

These are the various names of the island over the centuries. This is a traditional Cycladic island with scattered settlements. It is the northernmost island of the small Cyclades. It is 11.5 miles from Amorgos and 9 from Naxos. It occupies an area of 13.48 square kilometers. The main occupation of the inhabitants is fishing, animal husbandry and in recent years tourism.

An island full of history. Virgil calls it "Viriden" because of its vegetation and green marble. In the 19th century foreign sailors called it "Stenosa" or "Spinosa". The island has been inhabited since the Geometric era, as evidenced by findings in Vathi Limenari. Ancient finds of the island are housed in the archaeological museum of Naxos. You will hear the locals talking about the pirates who hid inside it during the medieval years. The legend also says that Dionysus, when he saw Ariadne in Naxos fell in love with her, stole her and brought her to Donoussa

Settlements

Stavros or else Cambos : This is the largest settlement where the main port of the island is situated. Wander around the picturesque alleys of the settlement and walk along the coastal road which connects the port to the settlement. The church of Stavros in the centre of the village is of excellent aesthetic value as is the Makaron yard, which is marble coated. The main beach of the village is considered one of the most beautiful in the Cyclades. Climbing to visit the church of Virgin Mary and Agios Ioannis is a must. From there you can enjoy an impressive view of the Aegean.

At Stavros, there are restaurants where you can taste traditional Cycladic cooking, bars to have fun at night and shops with souvenirs and handmade crafts as well as biological products. There is also a mini market, a bakery, a grocery store and a travel agency. At Stavros, you will find the majority of the tourist accommodation of the island, a Civil Service Bureau, a post office and an outpatient health centre.

Messaria It is a mountain settlement which is divided into the Upper and Lower Mesaria. We recommend following the path which starts from Kedros.

Mersini It is the second biggest settlement of the island. It is built on a cliff with houses in traditional Cycladic architecture and a breathtaking view. The few inhabitants are occupied mainly with agriculture and stock breeding. At Mersini you can find one of the most scenic spots of the island, namely a spring of the same name next to a sycamore tree. From Mersini you can follow a path of exceptional beauty which leads to the beaches of Livadi and Fikiou. In the village you can find two taverns with traditional food.

Kalotaritisa This is probably the most picturesque settlement of Donousa. It is situated in an isolated spot on the North side of the island and it is built in the shade of mountain Papa, the highest peak of the island. The main road ends there. We recommend following the scenic path from Stavros and walk all the way to the gorgeous beach of Tripiti after going through the settlement. At the cove there are two more beaches: Vlihos and Sapounohoma.

Churches

All the churches of the island are very picturesque. The Holly Cross in Kambos which was consecrated in 1902. Virgin Mary on the top of the mountain next to Kambos has got a spectacular view of the sunset just as Agia Sofia in Mersini. Finally, you will never remain unmoved when you visit Saint George in Kalotaritissa.

Network of pathways

Donousa is one of the few islands in the Cyclades suitable for tourists who enjoy hiking throughout the year due to the detailed signage of its pathways which have a total length of 9.2 kilometers. The network of the paths gives access to all the villages of the island as well as to places worth visiting like springs, bays and points of agricultural or fishing interest such as mills, fields, beaches and natural harbours.

Points of Interest

Vathi Limenari
A settlement of the Geometrical period ( 900 BC – 700 BC ) built at on a steep cape with deep anchoring on the southeastern side of Donousa which is not affected by north winds. Accessible only by sea and a path without signs.

Lake (Limni) - White Cove bay
An enclosed bay with a small beach where ships used to anchor in the past. Access is possible through a signed path which leads to Cape Aspros which offers a landscape of out of this world beauty that you shouldn’t miss.

Fokospilia - Cave of Tihos
Caves accessible only by sea on the boat ‘Donousa Magissa’. There you can enjoy waters in different shades of blue. Fokofolia is considered one of the last places where the seals Monachus Monachus seek shelter while in the Cave of the Wall you can admire the wonderful stalactites.

Water fountain (Pigi) at Mersini
An oasis under the enormous sycamore tree which is watered all year round by the spring.

Peak of Papas
It is the highest peak of Donousa and it is accessible on foot through the signed path to Kalotaritsa. It is advisable to set off before dawn so as to enjoy a magical sunrise as the sun emerges through the sea. The view of the Aegean from the peak is stunning.

Kato Milos
An old Wind-mill where the inhabitants of the island used to grind. It is accessible through a signed path that starts from Kedros.

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