Getting from Thessaloniki to Donoussa

If you are heading to Donoussa from Thessaloniki you are making your way from the second largest city in Greece to one of the Small Cyclades islands, northeast of Naxos, on the opposite side of the country. It has good beaches and a single main settlement with an atmosphere of genuine isolation.

Getting there by air

Donoussa has no airport. The nearest airport is Naxos. Thessaloniki has an international airport with connections to Athens. Flying from Thessaloniki 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, gives a total journey time of around 5 to 6 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Take the train, bus or drive

Thessaloniki is connected to Athens by train, taking around 4 to 5 hours, and by KTEL bus, taking around 5 to 6 hours. From Athens the direct Piraeus to Donoussa ferry runs around 3 to 6 times a week and takes around 7 to 8 hours. The drive from Thessaloniki to Piraeus takes around 5 to 6 hours via the E75 motorway. All three options suit travelers with a car as the conventional ferry takes vehicles directly to Donoussa.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Thessaloniki to Donoussa. Getting there by sea means traveling to Piraeus and boarding the direct Piraeus to Donoussa ferry, or flying to Naxos and taking the local Express Skopelitis ferry.

Your best option

Fly from Thessaloniki to Athens and then fly to Naxos, then 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. If you are traveling with a car, drive from Thessaloniki to Piraeus via the E75 motorway and take the conventional Piraeus to Donoussa ferry.