Getting from Chios to Donoussa

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

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Chios to Donoussa. Getting there by sea means taking the overnight Chios to Piraeus ferry, which runs around 3 times a week and takes around 9 hours, and then either 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, or taking 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. Chios has its own airport with daily connections from Athens. Flying from Chios 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

Fly from Chios to Athens and then fly to Naxos and take the local Express Skopelitis across to Donoussa. It is the most practical approach. Give yourself at least two nights on Donoussa and come prepared as facilities on the island are limited. If you are traveling with a car, take the overnight ferry from Chios to Piraeus and board the direct Piraeus to Donoussa ferry.