The small, sweet island of Donousa lies furthest east from the others. It has the least
amount of tourist infrastructure, about 130 inhabitants, three tiny villages, some very
good walks, small beaches, and a handful of tavernas. There is a small farming
community residing in the villages, but most of the life on the island is centered around
the small, pretty, and quiet port of Ai. Stavros. The harbor of Ai. Stavros is an absolute
little gem of a village. It exudes the charm and delightful atmosphere that pervades
the entire island. And, it catches the setting sun . things just don't get any better than
this! Walkers will enjoy discovering and exploring the small inland villages of
Kalotaritissa, Haravghi, and Mirsini, and the superb beaches of Kentros and Livadi. It is
the northern island of the " Little Cycladic Isle" located 9 miles east Naxos and 14 North
of Amorgos. It has an area of 13 square kilometres and a population of 110 permanent
residents. Uninhabited rocky islands like Ktenia, Skoulomisi and Macares surround
this island. According to Mythology Dionysus hid Ariadne on Donousa when Theseus
deserted her on the island of Naxos. On the island there are caves near the sea,
a cave with stalactites and the cave of Fokospilia. There are five villages on the
island Stavros, the capital of the island, Mersini, Kalotaritisa, Messaria and Troulos
and they are all connected by one main road. It is the most northern island of the
Cyclades and far off from the rest. It is north of Amorgos and it is 14 miles away from
Aigiali. Its area is 13 squ. kms. and has got 110 inhabitants who mainly work as
fishermer or cattle raisers. The name of the island has stayed intact since ancient times.
It had been inhabited at the so called "geometric years" and this is obvious from the
remains of the geometric settlements that have been discovered. Stavros, is the lee
of the island; it is also the harbour and the capital, located at the southern part of
Donousa. You can find here one of the most picturesque beaches and if you have a boat
you can moor at the smaller Jetty at the right. Stavros has all the amenities such as
taverns, mini markets, bakeries, cafes, bars and of course rooms to let. The rest of the
villages are Kalotaritissa, with its picturesque little tavern, Troulos, Messaria and Mersini.
A main road links these villages together. You will be bewitched by the beautiful sandy
beaches of Kedros and Livadi. At the waterbed of Kedros you will be able to see the
wreckage of a German ship that was sunk by the allies during the Second World War.
Donousa is a private paradise for those who wish to enjoy the tranquility close to nature
as well as the sea. It is a must to visit the cave of Toihos located at the N.W. of the
island as well as the remains of geometric settlements which bear wittness to the fact that
the island had been inhabited since that time and finally the churches of Timio Stavros
(Holy-Cross), Panagias (Virgin Mary) and Ag. Ioannis (St. John). Be married together
with the local people on the 15th of August and the 14th of September.