Donousa combines marked trails leading to secluded beaches with sea caves, archaeological traces and night skies where the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. You can first decide whether trails and coastline, wildlife or history will shape your stay.

Hiking Trails, Beaches and Night Skies

Marked hiking trails cross Donousa, connecting its four settlements with secluded beaches. Stavros Beach is the island’s central beach, located in the settlement of the same name. For planning purposes, you can distinguish between a central beach in Stavros and the secluded beaches connected by the trail network. Hiking and coastline go hand in hand on Donousa, but the central beach and the more remote beach destinations offer different experiences.

The night sky is another distinctive natural feature: Donousa’s low light pollution makes it possible to see the Milky Way with the naked eye. This adds another dimension to exploring the island’s trails and beaches. If you associate nature not only with coastal scenery but also with the night sky, this is one of Donousa’s special features.

Sea Caves and Wildlife

The Trypiti sea cave lies on Donousa’s northern coast. It can be reached by boat or by swimming, and a natural opening in the rock lets in light. Its location, access options and opening in the rock make Trypiti a distinctive natural feature to consider when planning your trip. The Fokia sea cave on Donousa has a different significance: it serves as a refuge for the protected Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus).

Skoulonisi is an uninhabited rocky islet opposite Kalotaritissa that serves as a refuge for seabirds. These natural sites have distinct characteristics: Trypiti is defined by its opening in the rock, Fokia by its importance to the monk seal, and Skoulonisi by its role as a refuge for seabirds. This distinction helps you see the caves and rocky islet as different aspects of the landscape and wildlife.

An Archaeological Perspective on Donousa

Vathy Limenari, a fortified Geometric-period settlement, lies on Donousa’s eastern coast near Mersini. Its ruins date from the 9th–8th centuries BC, and the site is one of the most important archaeological monuments in the Small Cyclades. This clearly dated historical site complements the island’s natural environment and wildlife. If you are interested in archaeology as well as the coast, trails and rocky landscapes, Vathy Limenari offers a distinct way to explore Donousa’s past, focusing on the fortified settlement and its ruins.

Staying in and Arriving at Stavros

Stavros is Donousa’s port, where passenger ships dock. The island’s central beach is also located in the settlement of the same name. Stavros is also called Kampos; it has accommodation, restaurants, cafés, minimarkets and bars. You can choose where to stay separately from deciding which natural and cultural features you want to focus on during your visit.

For an overview of the wider destination: Naxos.