loader image

HISTORY & VILLAGES

DONOUSSA

DONOUSSA

FROM GEOMETRIC TO MODERN TIMES

Donoussa, Denoussa, Stenozza, Spinossa, or Viridem. Many names emerged over the centuries, all for such a tiny spot in the middle of the Aegean. A tiny dot on the map. Its history is long and mysterious. Archaeological findings of a Neolithic settlement in Vathi Limenari, dating back to the Geometric Period, testify that centuries flow like water in Donoussa. Contributing to the Cycladic culture, Donoussa is referred to as a place of exile during the Roman era, a pirate refuge in later times, and in the early 1800s, a summer settlement for shepherds from Amorgos.
Remains of a house in the geometric settlement of Vathy Limenari

1900s

In the early 1900s there were approximately 300 inhabitants who spread across the island's 4 villages. Stavros (formerly Kampos) has always been the capital of the island, Messaria (formerly Haravgi, as they used to say), Mersini and Kalotaritissa completed the villages.

1930s

The mines that operated in Kedros until the late '30s provided iron, aluminum, copper, and job opportunities for many families.

1940s

Wars passed through this land (because who can escape), with bombings, hunger, Italian occupation, German occupation, and British allies.

1950s

Cultivations of onions and tobacco significantly supported the islanders until the 1950s.

1960s

The '60s came with poverty, loneliness, and emigration. The working hands became less and less, fields were abandoned and eventually deserted. Another twenty difficult years followed.

1980s

Shortly before the power came, around 1980, the first visitors were beginning to make their presence on the island. Then the port was built, and life in Donoussa changed forever.


Much has changed since then, but what will never change is the way we watch the sun, setting and rising everyday. Nor will the sea change, whether calm or stormy, it will never cease to stimulate the mind and calm the spirit. And the sky, that starry night sky, will forever accompany our dreams and chase away our nightmares.

THE VILLAGES

MAIN VILLAGE

STAVROS OR KAMPOS

Our port. The first taste. Here you’ll find most of the taverns, cafe bars, our bakery, ATMs, grocery stores, mini markets, the clinic, the Citizen Service Center (KEP), and in general, it’s the place where the island’s pulse beats. If you’re wondering whether we swim in this sandy beach, we’ll say, of course, because such crystalline and clear, transparent waters, overlooking the harbor, are rare.

THE "MIDDLE" VILLAGE

MESSARIA

Ascending after the beach of Kedros, a small rural settlement with a few houses stands out, with a rich history. Although now uninhabited, these 9-10 houses, once hosted over 60 people. Rich crops, mills, and the ironworks made Messaria a precious distribution center for households. A visit will reward you with a deep sense of tranquility and fantastic moments facing the Aegean Sea.

THE WINDSWEPT VIEW TO AMORGOS

MERSINI

Airy and taken out of the time capsule, it stands proud just after Messaria. A self-sufficient place, blessed with running water and fertile soils. The few remaining residents continue the tradition of working the land and raising animals, from generation to generation. Make the effort to follow the path that leads to the sea. Livadi and Fykio await you. Returning, take a stop at the spring, drink its refreshing water, and relax in the shade of the old plane tree. If after all this, you’re hungry, the tavern is just a few steps away.

THE VERY LAST END

KALOTARITISSA

Our unique 11-kilometer-long peripheral road starts from the port, passes through villages and fields, and eventually ends there, at the far end. Coastal, secluded, and protected by the imposing presence of Mount Papa rising behind it at 386 meters, Kalotaritissa offers you a unique opportunity to disconnect, as the signal on your mobile, as well as your worries, will be absent there. Sapounochoma, Vlycho, and Mesa Ammos await you for lounging and swimming, and if you can’t hold your hunger, trust your nose, it knows where to lead you.