Donoussa island

General info
Donoussa belongs to the Small Eastern Cyclades cluster and is located earthwards to the island of Santorini. It is a small, yet with intense character island, which covers just 14   square km and has 165 residents.

The island has been characterized (and the Small Cyclades group as a whole) as a piece of a forgotten paradise on earth and this is not unjustifiable. The amazingly unspoiled nature of the island characterized by a semi-mountainous relief, smooth hills covered by sparse vegetation and cedar-trees, fabulous beaches of excellent green-blue waters, and small coves  reminds anew  to the visitor the positive   influence  that nature exert in humans.

The few villages of the island are untouched by massive tourism. The lovely   bright white houses, the colours of the flowers in the yards, the fresh air enriched by a scent of sea and flowers, the idyllic squares where the open-hearted locals are gathering, create a serene and charming atmosphere.

For decades now, Donoussa has been a favourite destination to those who are longing for serenity, to nature-lovers. In recent years there is a growing number of visitors and the accommodation facilities have been considerably expanded.

Maybe Donoussa doesn’t offer many luxuries on material lever or choices for intense nightlife; however it is an island that one can have the luxury to relive the beauty of the simplicity; to re-estimate the value of the artless aesthetic and to remember the revitalizing effect of the direct contact; with nature, with the others; with oneself.   

Neighbouring islands to Donoussa are Naxos and Amorgos.

Historical profile
According to mythology, the god Dionysus brought secretly Ariadne from Naxos to Donoussa, when she was abandoned by Theseus, so that the latter couldn’t find her.

The discoveries of two settlements during excavations, which date back to the 3rd Millennium BC, indicate that the island has been inhabited since the Protocycladic Period.
Remains of a fortified settlement and of a cemetery which were found in the southeaster part of Donoussa (in Vathi Limenari position) witness that the island reached at great development around 10th century BC (Geometric period) and also that it has been strongly influenced by both the Cycladic and the Dodecanese civilizations.

In later centuries it was dominated by the Romans who used it as a place of exile, followed by the Ottomans, while in 1941 it was passed to the hands of the Italians and Germans. Donoussa was liberated in 1944.

Villages
Donoussa or Stavros, it is the capital and also the port of the island.
Built on a smooth hill which is covered party by green tress, Stavros  is a small idyllic settlement of 140 residents approximately which offers a magnificent view to the harbour. The authentic  Cycladic houses adorned by colourful bougainvillaea that are  perched on their white walls, the delightful narrow streets and the tiny idyllic squares,  offers to the visitor a picture of unforgettable beauty. Here you will find traditional taverns, a few, yet charming coffee-bars and even fewer night bars. The settlement has its own beach, an excellent sandy one with crystalline waters.

The remains of the geometric settlement in Vathi Limenari site will travel you back in time, and a visit to the beautiful church of Panagia and Agios Ioannis (St. John) will fill you with serenity and with memories of breathtaking sunsets.
At the northwester part of the island there is the Cave of the Wall in which stalactites of amazing formations can be seen.

Other worth-visiting villages are Kalotaritissa (10 km northeast to Stavros), a coastal picturesque settlement with fabulous beaches of emerald waters and Mersine, an agricultural small village with intense traditional colour. Plenty of water springs, imposing plane trees and the stone-built houses of traditional architecture create an idyllic charming atmosphere. Don’t fail to visit Fokospilia, a seal cave accessible only by boat. Its blue crystal waters and the wonderful scenery will definitely reward you. 

Beaches
Donoussa Is a favourite destination among sea-lovers, for it offers clean coasts, amazing beaches of crystalline emerald waters in an absolute natural environment.
Some of the best beaches are Stavros beach, a sandy beach with blue –green shallow waters and also family friendly, Kendros (kedros) beach, a wonderful sandy beach, Livadi beach, a long sandy one with amazing crystal clear waters and tree-shadow and Vathi Limenari beach, a fine pebbled beach with blue clear waters. 

Access
Donoussa is connected directly by scheduled trips with Piraeus Port (Attica), especially during summer season.
There is also a connection with the islands of Iraklia (Irakleia), Koufonissia (KoUfonisia), Paros, Naxos, Amorgos and other Cycladic islands.