DONOUSSA
Its the northernmost and most remote island of Little Cyclades. Around it are small uninhabited islands: Makares, Skoulonissi and Hedonia. According to mythology it is named after the god Dionysus who lived on this island. Ariadne stopped at Donoussa when they returned from Crete, where Dionysus saw Ariadne and fell madly in love with her. That is why the goddess Athena ordered the hero Theseus to obey Dionysus and leave Ariadne on the island to become Dionysus wife.

Donoussa, due to its location, has been serving as a station for various sea passes: Virgilus mentions it in the story of Aeneas from Troy in Italy, while 18th and 19th century travelers sailing from Naxos to Patmos passed by. The island had more than one Remains of a preCycladic settlement are still present at the site of "Vathi Limenari". In the 1st century BC Antonius gave the island to the Rhodians, while in imperial times there was a place of exile, much of which was plundered. Donoussa became internationally known during World War I from the carbonation of the Guimbo and Brislau warships at Cape White Cove in 1916. At the end of World War II, the English Allies bombed with 8 eight bomber aircrafts and sunk a German ship of 2.500 tones at the beach of Kedros. Remains of the shipreck are still present at the bottom of the Kedros beach.

SEA AND SITESEEING

For the lovers of the sea and diving there are the amazing sandy beaches of Kedros, Vathi Limenari, Livadi and Fykio on the south side of the island with crystal clear waters. And of course the main beach of Donoussa, Stavros with golden sand. You can also visit the  two caves with access only via the sea. On the east coast of Moschona's lair is Fokospilia, with its bottom colored with magnificent blue hues, an ideal seal shelter. The second underwater cave, the Wall Cave, is located on the north side of the island. Large cave with stalactites.

CHURCHES
The largest church is the Church of the Holy Cross, the patron saint of the island. It is celebrated on the 14th of September where every year the biggest festival of the island is organized. Pilgrims come from all over Greece, and on the evening of Stavros' Eve after the "esperinos", food and dance begins until dawn. To the east of the settlement of Stavros, the "twin churches" of Panagia and Agios Ioannis dominate prominently. A unique architectural complex, simple and beautiful, where two basilicas are united under a small belfry. Built in 1892. It is celebrates on August 15th at the celebration of Virgin Mary with full feast and dancing.

Shortly after the war the church of Agia Sophia was built in Mersini, there you will find the centuries-old plane tree at the fountain of Mersini with running waters as an oasis on this small Cycladic island. Finally the chapel of Agios Georgios which was recently built and dominates in the picturesque fishing village of Kalotaritas.

VILLAGES
Stavros: The center and capital of the tourist zone of the island is Stavros, a beautiful and traditional Cycladic village. Here you will find everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The rest of the villages are Messaria, Mersini and Kalotaritissa which are distinguished for their beauty and are ideal for hiking.

EASTER
Easter in Donoussa is celebrated with great splendor. On "Great" Friday, during the epitaph procession, the custom of the "kalonion" is revived. During which the owner of each house lit a fire in the yard of his house so as to light the way for the epitaph to pass. This was because until the 80's there was no lighting in Donoussa. On "Great" Saturday, traditional stone ovens light up early in the morning to bake "Pavlos" (the name of the traditional Donousa bread) and buns (a kind of sweet bread that looks like brioche). And finally, a stuffed goat which is cooked in the oven overnight to be ready for Easter Sunday.

Take advantage of our great offers during the Easter vacation and the months of May and September.