Getting from Syros to Donoussa

If you are heading to Donoussa from Syros you are making your way from the capital of the Cyclades to one of the Small Cyclades islands, northeast of Naxos, in the same island group. It has good beaches and a single main settlement with an atmosphere of genuine isolation.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Syros to Donoussa. Getting there by sea means taking the ferry from Syros south through the Cyclades to Naxos, which runs several times daily in summer and takes around 2 to 3 hours, and then taking the local Express Skopelitis ferry to Donoussa, which runs 6 days a week in summer and takes around 2 to 3 hours. This keeps the journey entirely within the Cyclades and avoids Athens and Piraeus entirely. Alternatively take the ferry from Syros to Piraeus and board 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. Syros has a small domestic airport with limited connections from Athens. Taking the ferry from Syros south to Naxos and then the local Express Skopelitis to Donoussa gives a total journey time of around 5 to 6 hours and avoids Athens entirely. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Syros south through the Cyclades to Naxos and then the local Express Skopelitis across to Donoussa. It keeps the journey entirely within the Cyclades and avoids Athens entirely. 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.