Getting from Donoussa to Ios

If you are heading to Ios from Donoussa you are making your way from one of the Small Cyclades to an island in the southern Cyclades, in the same island group. It has some of the finest beaches in the Cyclades on its south coast and a Chora above the port that comes alive in the evening.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Donoussa to Ios. Getting there means taking the ferry from Donoussa to Naxos, which runs 4 to 7 times a week and takes around 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, and then the Naxos to Ios ferry, which runs several times daily in summer and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. This keeps the journey entirely within the Cyclades and avoids going through Athens or Piraeus. Alternatively take the direct Donoussa to Piraeus ferry and then the Piraeus to Ios ferry.

Getting there by air

Ios has no airport. The nearest airport is Santorini. Donoussa has no airport. The nearest airport is Naxos. Taking the ferry from Donoussa to Naxos and connecting south through the Cyclades to Ios gives a total journey time of around 3 to 5 hours and is considerably more practical than flying for this island hop.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Donoussa to Naxos and then connect south to Ios. It keeps the journey entirely within the Cyclades and avoids Athens entirely. Check the schedules carefully before booking as the Donoussa to Naxos connection runs a limited number of times per week and you will need to time your arrival in Naxos around the Ios departure. If you are traveling with a car, take the Donoussa to Piraeus ferry and board the conventional Piraeus to Ios ferry, which takes your vehicle directly to the island.