The small, sweet island of Donousa lies furthest east from the others. It has the least amount of tourist infrastructure, about 130 inhabitants, three tiny villages, some very good walks, small beaches, and a handful of tavernas. There is a small farming community residing in the villages, but most of the life on the island is centered around the small, pretty, and quiet port of Ai. Stavros. The harbor of Ai. Stavros is an absolute little gem of a village. It exudes the charm and delightful atmosphere that pervades the entire island. And, it catches the setting sun . things just don't get any better than this! Walkers will enjoy discovering and exploring the small inland villages of Kalotaritissa, Haravghi, and Mirsini, and the superb beaches of Kentros and Livadi. It is the northern island of the " Little Cycladic Isle" located 9 miles east Naxos and 14 North of Amorgos. It has an area of 13 square kilometres and a population of 110 permanent residents. Uninhabited rocky islands like Ktenia, Skoulomisi and Macares surround this island. According to Mythology Dionysus hid Ariadne on Donousa when Theseus deserted her on the island of Naxos. On the island there are caves near the sea, a cave with stalactites and the cave of Fokospilia. There are five villages on the island Stavros, the capital of the island, Mersini, Kalotaritisa, Messaria and Troulos and they are all connected by one main road. It is the most northern island of the Cyclades and far off from the rest. It is north of Amorgos and it is 14 miles away from Aigiali. Its area is 13 squ. kms. and has got 110 inhabitants who mainly work as fishermer or cattle raisers. The name of the island has stayed intact since ancient times. It had been inhabited at the so called "geometric years" and this is obvious from the remains of the geometric settlements that have been discovered. Stavros, is the lee of the island; it is also the harbour and the capital, located at the southern part of Donousa. You can find here one of the most picturesque beaches and if you have a boat you can moor at the smaller Jetty at the right. Stavros has all the amenities such as taverns, mini markets, bakeries, cafes, bars and of course rooms to let. The rest of the villages are Kalotaritissa, with its picturesque little tavern, Troulos, Messaria and Mersini. A main road links these villages together. You will be bewitched by the beautiful sandy beaches of Kedros and Livadi. At the waterbed of Kedros you will be able to see the wreckage of a German ship that was sunk by the allies during the Second World War. Donousa is a private paradise for those who wish to enjoy the tranquility close to nature as well as the sea. It is a must to visit the cave of Toihos located at the N.W. of the island as well as the remains of geometric settlements which bear wittness to the fact that the island had been inhabited since that time and finally the churches of Timio Stavros (Holy-Cross), Panagias (Virgin Mary) and Ag. Ioannis (St. John). Be married together with the local people on the 15th of August and the 14th of September. |
