Donoússa

Donoússa, due east of Náxos, is the northernmost and most remote of the ‘Back Islands’, with few ferry links. Larger and more mountainous than the others, its Geometric-era settlement (900–700 BC) was excavated, but most visitors come for the fine beaches, with taxi boats to get you to them in July and August. Otherwise it’s a good place for walkers and hermits, complete with a little bus goes back and forth on the paved road. Bring a good book.

For Stávros, the port and main village, the beautiful sandy beach of Kédros is a 25-minute walk. A 20-minute walk up the hill and you’ll be in Mersíni, with tiny village with spectacular views, and two tavernas for drinking them in.

The island’s second best beach, Livádi enjoys a dramatic setting, and is an hour’s walk or a boat hop east of Stávros. On the north side of the island, little Kalotarítissa, a 75-minute walk from Stavrós, is near the third beautiful beach, Trypiti, overlooking a tiny islet.

Practical Info

Tourist information