Hello! I’m Roberta (originally from Sicily) living close to Milan for more than 15 years, with a deep connection to Greece. My passion for the Greek islands began when I was 25 years old and it increased over the years when I visited my very first Cycladic island, Paros, in 2012. It was love at first sight, even if I can’t explain the reasons. I was so overwhelmed by the positive vibes of the island, and its people, that I decided to return four years later to celebrate my wedding with family and friends from all over Italy.
From that moment, the island remained in my heart and I made a promise to return every year and learn the language. One year later, I started a blog (kaliparos.com), followed by my social media channels, where I share my love for Paros and my travels around the Greek islands. So far, I have visited over 25 islands among the Cyclades, Ionian and Dodecanese, and it’s impossible to decide which are my favorites (apart from Paros)!
That said, I feel like I have left a small part of me in every one but I can’t hide the fact that my favorites are the Cycladic islands. Even though they’re the most touristy and expensive, they always take my breath away due to their renowned simplistic blue and white pastel colors with rustic and arid landscapes. Once there, I find myself brimming with happiness and positive thoughts which literally makes my heart smile! I try to return to Paros at least twice a year and combine it with new islands.
My Visit to the Charming Donousa
This summer I visited Donousa for the first time. It’s part of a really small archipelago, which includes four islands that are easily reachable with everyday ferry departures from Naxos or weekly services from other nearby islands (such as Mykonos or Paros). The best way to reach Donousa is by flying to Mykonos and catching the direct ferry to the island or via Naxos on the Express Skopelitis. Otherwise, you can fly to Santorini or Athens and catch a direct ferry from there or (as before) via Mykonos, Naxos or Paros.
Donousa is like stepping back in time – a black and white postcard of an original Greek island – with a modern day twist. Lots of nice tavernas are dotted around the characteristic port. They offer one of the best culinary experiences I had in all of my Greek island trips. Traditional recipes abound (like the local tiropita which is made of fried dough instead of the traditional pasta fillo, influenced by the close Amorgian kitchen) and you can enjoy meals in typical tavernas, gourmet restaurants or rustic bars – which offer you snacks from breakfast until late evening.
There are less than 10 beaches on the island, including a very nice one in the port area. A small bus service reaches most of them, quite often during the day and in the high season. From the bus stops, you can also reach other beaches by hiking on simple or more difficult pathways.
There are also small boats which can take you to beaches unreachable by road. There are just two villages in Donousa: one is the port, called Stavros where everyone converges after a day at the beach, and the other one is the really small Mersini which just has a couple of houses, a nice taverna and lots of prickly pears. For your stay, I recommend Pahivouni Studios & Suites. It has a nice terrace and a hypnotic sea sound during the night.
10 Best Things To Do in Donousa
- Relax and Stop Looking at Your Watches: Set your mind and your heart towards slowness – embracing the typical “siga, siga” Greek philosophy (meaning “slow, slow”). Try to get in the slow lane.
- Hike to Kalotaritissa Beach: This stunning beach is located on the opposite side of the island to the port. You can walk there from the port in Donousa and enjoy the island’s rocks, amazing sea views and the friendly but taciturn local inhabitants of the mountains: the goats.
- Start and End Your Day at the Port: You can begin your day with an energetic breakfast at the port or enjoy the last cocktail of the day while admiring a stunning Donousa island sunset. This is the place to be!
- Head to Kedros Beach for a Meal: Walk the short path to Kedros Beach, the closest to the port, and enjoy a meal at the wonderful bar.
- Watch the Sunset from a Church with Views: There’s one small, idyllic church which overlooks the port’s picturesque bay – you can’t miss it! The climb there will be rewarded by the unique view on offer.
- Discover the Aspros Kavos Promontory: Take path number five which leads you to the extreme north of the island. It’s so beautiful here.
- Read a Book from an Open Library in Stavros: Looking for something to read on your Donousa visit? Stop in front of one of the “open libraries” in the gorgeous alleys of Stavros village, where you can borrow a book for the whole duration of your stay or leave the one you just finished.
- Treat Yourself to the Local Appetizer Dish of Fried Potatoes: Enjoy the simple taste of fried potatoes for your appetizers – which in Greece are still freshly cut, fried and sprinkled with scented oregano.
- Visit the Local Bakery in the Port Area: Fill your nostrils with the aroma of freshly baked cakes and cookies, and of course try some too!
- Embrace the Serene Atmosphere of Donousa: Spot locals sitting in the traditional kafenios (Greek cafes), live the island, breathe in the Cycladic winds (Meltemi) and smile – you are on a Greek Island!
Final Thoughts on the Island
If you are looking for nightlife and amenities, you will be disappointed with the simplicity of Donousa. This is an island where time stands still. What I appreciated most about my trip there was the slowness. It’s like living your days in a slow-motion frame – tasting every single moment, indulging in long conversations with the people around you, getting in touch with the deepest side of yourself, reading a book with a freddo cappuccino, etc. No traffic, no cars, no motorbikes (just the few of the locals), no plans, no urgency, no rush – just you and your daily emotional diary!
