Ferry from Iraklia to Donoussa

Iraklia Guide

The small Greek island of Iraklia is one of the Cyclades group of islands and is located in the Aegean Sea. It measures around 18 sq. km and lies between the island of Naxos and the island of Ios, and is close to the islands of Schoinoussa, Koufonisi, Donoussa and Keros which together for the Small Cyclades group of islands. The island has many artefacts that have been found confirming that ancient settlements and tomb were located on the island. Finds include evidence of the Early Cycladic civilisation (3rd millennium BC) and the ruins of the temples of the Goddess Luck and the Goddess Zeus, dating back to the 4th - 2nd century BC. The islands coastal terrain, characterised by coves and naturally formed caves, were good hiding places for pirates and smugglers during the Turkish Occupation.

Agios Georgios is the island's port from which ferries operate to Piraeus with a crossing time of between 8 and 10 hours, depending on route. Ferry services are also available to the other islands of the Small Cyclades and also to Naxos and Amorgos.

Donoussa Guide

The Greek island of Donoussa is the most northerly of the Small Eastern Cyclades group of islands and lies to the east of the island of Naxos and north of Amorgos. The island is quite small with a land area of around 13 sq. km and has a number of coves and hidden sandy beaches just waiting for visitors to explore. The island's residents, which amount to about 100, live mainly in the villages of Donoussa, Stavros, which is the largest and home to the island's port, Mersini, Haravgi and Kalotaritissa. A popular attraction on the island are the caves of "Spilia Tichou" with its spectacular stalactite formations, in the north west of the island, and "Fokospilia" on the island's east coast. According to mythology, Dionysus offered Ariadni a hiding place in Donoússa so that Thesseus could not find her. A settlement dating to the Geometric Period as well as remains of Bronze Age dwellings reveal the historical importance of the island.

Donoussa is connected by ferry to the port of Piraeus and to Naxos and Amorgos.