Getting from Symi to Donoussa

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

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Symi to Donoussa. Getting there means taking the ferry from Symi to Rhodes, which takes around 50 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes and runs multiple times daily, and then flying from Rhodes to Athens and then Athens to Naxos, followed by the local Express Skopelitis ferry to Donoussa, which runs 6 days a week in summer and takes around 2 to 3 hours. Alternatively fly from Rhodes to Athens and take the direct Piraeus to Donoussa ferry, which runs around 3 to 6 times a week and takes around 7 to 8 hours.

Getting there by air

Donoussa has no airport. The nearest airport is Naxos. Symi has no airport. The nearest airport is Rhodes. Taking the ferry from Symi to Rhodes, flying from Rhodes to Athens and then Athens to Naxos, followed by the local Express Skopelitis ferry to Donoussa, gives a total journey time of around 6 to 7 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Symi to Rhodes and fly from Rhodes to Athens, then fly from Athens to Naxos and take the local Express Skopelitis across to Donoussa. It is the most practical approach. Check the Donoussa departure days carefully before booking as the service runs a limited number of times per week. Give yourself at least two nights on Donoussa and come prepared as facilities on the island are limited.