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Donoussa, Denoussa, Stenosa, Spinosa. Over the centuries, this little island in the heart of the Aegean has been known by many names. Just a small dot on the map, yet its history runs as deep and enigmatic as the sea that embraces it.
Archaeological discoveries in Vathi Limenari reveal traces of a Neolithic settlement, dating back to the Geometric Period—proof that time flows like water through Donoussa. A quiet contributor to Cycladic culture, the island has worn many faces: a place of exile in Roman times, a refuge for pirates in later years, and by the early 1800s, a summer haven for shepherds from nearby Amorgos.
In the early 1900s, around 300 residents called this island home, spread across four charming villages. Stavros—once known as Kampos—has long been the island’s proud capital, while the quaint villages of Messaria (fondly remembered as Haravgi), Mersini, and Kalotaritissa completed the vibrant community.
Until the late '30s, the mines in Kedros not only yielded valuable iron, aluminum, and copper but also offered much-needed work and hope to many local families.
This land has witnessed the passage of wars, with challenging times of bombings, hunger, and periods of Italian and German occupation, along with the involvement of British allies.
Until the 1950s, the humble cultivation of onions and tobacco not only sustained livelihoods but also nurtured a strong sense of community and connection to the land.
During the 1960s, the island faced a period of deep challenges—marked by poverty, isolation, and a surge in emigration. With fewer hands to work the land, fields that once flourished were gradually left untended, eventually falling into abandonment. This difficult chapter stretched on for another twenty years, leaving a lasting imprint on our community.
Just before the island was connected to electricity, around 1980, the first travelers started to discover its beauty. Then the port was built, forever changing life in Donoussa and opening the door to a new era.
Although much has changed over time, some things will always stay the same. The daily ritual of watching the sun rise and set. The sea, whether calm or stormy, continues to inspire our minds and soothe our spirits. And that vast, starry sky above will always be there, guiding our dreams and guarding us from our fears.
Welcome to our port—the island’s vibrant heart and your first taste of its charm! Here, you’ll find welcoming taverns, cozy café bars, our beloved bakery and all the essentials, from mini markets and a handy ATM, to the clinic and Citizen Service Center (KEP). It’s where the island’s energy comes alive!
And yes, we absolutely swim at this sandy beach! With its crystal-clear waters and a beautiful view of the harbor, it’s simply irresistible.
Just above Kedros Beach, a small rural settlement whispers of the past. Once home to over 60 people, its few remaining houses now stand peacefully uninhabited, echoing the island’s rich past. Once a thriving hub of crops, mills, and ironworks, Messaria now offers visitors pure tranquility and breathtaking Aegean views.
Airy and taken out of the time capsule, this proud village stands just beyond Messaria. Blessed with running water and fertile land, its few residents carry on the tradition of farming and raising animals. Follow the path to the sea, where Livadi and Fykio await. On your way back, pause at the spring, sip its refreshing water, and rest under the old plane tree. And if hunger strikes, the tavern is just a few steps away.
Our one-of-a-kind 11-kilometer scenic road begins at the port, winding through villages and fields before reaching its peaceful end. Nestled between the coast and the towering Mount Papa (386m), Kalotaritissa invites you to unplug. Here, both mobile signals and worries fade away. Relax and swim at Sapounochoma, Vlycho, and Mesa Ammos, and when hunger calls, just follow your nose—it won’t lead you wrong.
