Getting from Tilos to Donoussa

If you are heading to Donoussa from Tilos you are making your way from a volcanic island 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 Tilos to Donoussa. Getting there by sea means taking the overnight ferry from Tilos to Piraeus, which runs via Rhodes and takes around 15 to 18 hours, and then boarding the direct Piraeus to Donoussa ferry, which runs around 3 to 6 times a week and takes around 7 to 8 hours. Alternatively take the ferry from Tilos to Rhodes, fly from Rhodes to Athens and then Athens to Naxos, and take the local Express Skopelitis ferry to Donoussa, which runs 6 days a week in summer and takes around 2 to 3 hours.

Getting there by air

Donoussa has no airport. The nearest airport is Naxos. Tilos has no airport. The nearest airport is Rhodes. Taking the ferry from Tilos to Rhodes, flying from Rhodes to Athens and then Athens to Naxos, followed by the local 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 Tilos 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 Tilos to Rhodes schedule before booking as departure days and times vary by season. Give yourself at least two nights on Donoussa and come prepared as facilities on the island are limited.