DIVING TOURISM
Orion shipwreck, Kedros beach: at the bottom of Kedros beach, one can admire the wreck of the destroyer “Orion”. It is a ship that was used by the Italian Navy and then by the German Navy during World War II. In September 1944 an Australian army aircraft spotted the ship hiding in Donoussa and together with four other aircraft attacked and destroyed the Orion. Today, at a depth of 5-6 meters, there are ruins and debris from the ship where those who love diving tourism and such an adventure can see it up close.
GASTRONOMY TOURISM
The island has amazing culinary delights. Don’t forget during your stay in Donoussa to try the local delicacies in one of its taverns. Some options that will fascinate you are patatato, i.e. braised meat with potatoes, klostas (local spaghetti), stuffed goat with rice, and of course the delicious vegetable pies.
If you are also a lover of sweets, you must try souvli (wheat flour cream) and xerotigana.
HIKING TOURISM
The island has a very good network of 5 hiking trails that make it an ideal destination for those who love wandering with a view of the endless blue of the Aegean.
1st route: Stavros – Kalotaritisa
It is a path that connects the two settlements with a total distance of 3.7 km. During the route you will come across Ammoudi beach, the mines of Kapsala (where Donoussa used to extract aluminum and copper), Papa peak which is the highest point of the island at 385 meters and with a magnificent view of the Aegean from where you can see all the way to Ikaria. Down your descent from the top, you will reach the bay where Kalotaritissa is located.
2nd route: Messaria – Kedros
A 1.1 km trail that starts from the village of Messaria and ends at the beautiful beach of Kedros. During the hike you will see the mine of Messaria, a spring with water and following the asphalt road you will be taken to the beach of Kedros.
3rd route: Mersini – Livadi
A short path of 900 meters that connects the village of Mersini with Livadi beach. On the way you will meet the source of Mersini while if you do not want to swim in Livadi but in another beach or if you want to combine your dives in two beaches you have the option of choosing Phykio.
4th route: Kedros – Kato Mylos
A 1.8 km route that connects the old mill of the island with the beach of Kedros. While wandering along the path you can see Limenari beach and explore the ruins of a settlement of the geometric period before and then take a dip in the beach of Kedros.
5th route: Stavros – Limni – Aspros Kavos
The path has a total distance of 2.1 km. You start from the settlement of Stavros, head towards the bay of Limni and end up at Aspro Kavos, a beautiful cape with unspoiled beauty. The white rocks with sharp corners will fascinate you.
HISTORICAL TOURISM
There were two mines on the island which produced iron, aluminum, copper, and iron ore. You will find the Mines of Kapsala between Stavros and Kalotaritissa. These are two holes that created the galleries of the mines. The Mines of Messaria as well as those of Kapsala extracted the same metals. They are located near Ano Messaria and here only some piles of earth are left.
In Donoussa, specifically near Limenari beach, excavations have brought to light the remains of a settlement from the Geometric Period.
Kato Mylos: in a very nice spot with an endless view of the blue Aegean, in Messaria is the old mill of the island where the inhabitants ground wheat and barley.
MARINE TOURISM
Visit the beaches of the island with a local boat, where along the way you will see the famous seal caves and the cave of the Wall.
You can also take a boat to visit the Makares rock islands which are very close to Donoussa. On your way to Makares you may also meet dolphins.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
On the 27th of July every year, the “Hotel Festival” takes place on the island, the purpose of which is to introduce visitors to the island through photo and folklore exhibitions.
On August 15, the day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, a festival is held in the village of Stavros with live island music, dance, and food.
On September 14, the festival of the Cross takes place, with traditional music, food, and dancing until dawn.
On September 19, in Mersini, in the church of Agia Sophia, there is a celebration in honor of the Saint of the same name.
A very nice custom that is being revived in Donousa is “treasure hunting”. A game that has its roots in historical and folklore traditions of times when the island was a haven for pirates.
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