Getting from Volos to Donoussa

If you are heading to Donoussa from Volos you are making your way from a city on the Pagasetic Gulf at the foot of the Pelion peninsula 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 Volos to Donoussa. Volos is the main departure point for the Sporades group and has no connection to the Cyclades ferry network. Getting there by sea means driving from Volos to Piraeus, which takes around 3 to 3.5 hours via the E75 motorway, 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 drive to Athens and fly 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. Volos has a small airport at Nea Anchialos with limited connections from Athens. Driving from Volos to Athens and flying from Athens to Naxos, followed by the local ferry to Donoussa, gives a total journey time of around 5 to 6 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Drive from Volos to Athens and fly from Athens to Naxos, then take the local Express Skopelitis across to Donoussa. It is the most practical approach. Check the Donoussa departure days before planning as the schedule 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.