Getting from Arki to Donoussa

If you are heading to Donoussa from Arki you are making your way from one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Dodecanese to one of the Small Cyclades islands, northeast of Naxos, on the opposite side of the Aegean. It has good beaches and a single main settlement with an atmosphere of genuine isolation.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Arki to Donoussa. Arki is connected to Patmos, Leros, Lipsi, Kalymnos and occasionally Rhodes and Samos, with services running a limited number of times per week. Getting to Donoussa means taking the ferry from Arki to Leros, flying to Athens and then flying to Naxos and taking the local Express Skopelitis ferry to Donoussa, which runs 6 days a week in summer and takes around 2 to 3 hours. Alternatively, fly to Athens and take the Piraeus to Donoussa ferry, which runs around 4 times a week and takes around 6 hours 45 minutes.

Getting there by air

Donoussa has no airport. The nearest airport is Naxos. Arki has no airport either. Taking the local ferry from Arki to Leros, flying to Athens and then Athens to Naxos, followed by the local ferry to Donoussa, gives a total journey time of around 6 to 7 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the local ferry from Arki to Leros, fly to Athens and then fly to Naxos and take the local Express Skopelitis across to Donoussa. It is the most practical approach. Check the ferry schedule from Arki carefully before booking your flights as services run only a limited number of times per week. Give yourself at least two nights on Donoussa and come prepared as facilities on the island are limited.