Getting from Donoussa to Leros

If you are heading to Leros from Donoussa you are making your way from one of the Small Cyclades to one of the most atmospheric islands in the Dodecanese group, on the opposite side of Greece. It has a striking Art Deco Italian colonial port at Lakki and a medieval castle above the main town of Platanos.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Donoussa to Leros. Getting there means taking the ferry from Donoussa to Piraeus, which runs around 3 to 6 times a week and takes around 7 to 8 hours, and then boarding the overnight Piraeus to Leros ferry, which runs 3 to 5 times a week and takes around 9 to 13 hours. Flying is considerably more practical for most travelers.

Getting there by air

Leros has its own small airport with daily connections from Athens. Donoussa has no airport. The nearest airport is Naxos. Taking the ferry from Donoussa to Piraeus and flying from Athens to Leros takes around 50 minutes on the second leg. Total journey time is around 12 to 14 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Donoussa to Piraeus and fly from Athens to Leros. It is the fastest and most practical approach. Check the Donoussa to Piraeus departure days before planning as the service runs a limited number of times per week. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Donoussa to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Leros ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.