Getting from Chania to Donoussa

If you are heading to Donoussa from Chania you are making your way from the most intimate of Crete's three main cities to one of the Small Cyclades islands, northeast of Naxos, to the north. 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 Chania to Donoussa running in summer on the wider Blue Star route that connects Crete 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 overnight ferry from Chania to Piraeus and then either fly to Naxos and take the local Express Skopelitis ferry to Donoussa, which runs 6 days a week in summer and takes around 2 to 3 hours, or take the Piraeus to Donoussa ferry directly, 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. Chania has an international airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Chania 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 Chania 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 Chania 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.