Getting from Zakynthos to Donoussa

If you are heading to Donoussa from Zakynthos you are making your way from one of the most beautiful of the Ionian islands to one of the Small Cyclades islands, northeast of Naxos, on the opposite side of Greece. 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. Zakynthos has an international airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Zakynthos to Athens and then Athens to Naxos, followed by the local Express Skopelitis ferry to Donoussa taking around 2 to 3 hours and running 6 days a week in summer, gives a total journey time of around 5 to 6 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Zakynthos to Donoussa. No Ionian island is connected by sea to any Aegean island. Getting there by road means taking the ferry from Zakynthos to Kyllini and driving to Piraeus for the direct Piraeus to Donoussa ferry, which runs around 3 to 6 times a week and takes around 7 to 8 hours. The total journey by road and sea takes the better part of two days.

Your best option

Fly from Zakynthos 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 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. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Zakynthos to Kyllini and drive to Piraeus for the direct Piraeus to Donoussa ferry.