Getting from Astypalaia to Donoussa

If you are heading to Donoussa from Astypalaia you are making your way from a butterfly-shaped island between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese to one of the Small Cyclades islands, northeast of Naxos, relatively close in geographic terms. It has good beaches and a single main settlement with an atmosphere of genuine isolation.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Astypalaia to Donoussa running in summer on the wider Blue Star route that connects Astypalaia with the Small Cyclades. The service runs a limited number of times per week and takes several hours with stops along the way. Alternatively take the ferry from Astypalaia to Naxos and then the local Express Skopelitis ferry to Donoussa, which runs 6 days a week in summer and takes around 2 to 3 hours.

Getting there by air

Donoussa has no airport. The nearest airport is Naxos. Astypalaia has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Astypalaia to Athens and then Athens to Naxos, followed by the local ferry to Donoussa, gives a total journey time of around 5 to 6 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the seasonal direct ferry from Astypalaia to Donoussa when the schedule works for your dates. It avoids Athens entirely and is the most enjoyable approach. If the timing does not align, fly from Astypalaia to Athens and then fly to Naxos and take the local Express Skopelitis across to Donoussa. Give yourself at least two nights on Donoussa and come prepared as facilities on the island are limited.