Donoussa’s main function was for years little more than being one of those islands which the avid collector of unknown Greek islands would boast he had visited. That’s now wearing a bit thin, because much improved ferry services and the fame of its splendid sandy beaches have upped its ratings as a sunny hideaway. That said, not much in the way of hotel development has occurred [yet] so in high season the nearer beaches tend to be packed with back-packers, so that is not the best time to visit. Unless, of course, that’s your thing. On the other hand, it has to be said that (in typical Greek fashion) it’s only when the island is filling up nicely that the locals divert their caiques into shuttle boats to the beaches, which saves you having to slog round the cliffs on foot in the heat.
The port (and main village) is called Stavros. It comprises a row of shops backing a narrow harbour-front, beyond which there’s a splendid sandy beach which you cross on foot to reach some of the accommodation and at least one of the tavernas. However, there are three other small settlements on the island (none with any facilities) which can be reached from the roughly circular road (so far only partly asphalted) which offers the chance of a good long walk with wonderful views across to neighbouring islands.
So what else is there to do? Not much, which of course is its charm; but it’s a perfect island for getting away from it all and there’s now even a beach taverna (at least in season) on the nearest of the super sandy beaches.
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