Of the thousands of islands making up the Greek state, a good 227 are inhabited. Not all of them, however, are equally popular among tourists.

Among the “unexplored gems” in Greece identified by the Italian publication TheWom is Donousa.

The easternmost island of the Lesser Cyclades, Donousa is home to only 213 people, according to the census held in 2021, and is some 10 miles east of the more famous island of Naxos. 

Most of its population lives in the island’s main settlement, Stavros, which consists of a cluster of white homes and a pretty church overlooking the port. The village also has a variety of taverns, bakeries and shops.

While it receives fewer visitors than more famous islands such as Mykonos and Santorini, Donousa is still ready to welcome tourists with holiday rentals and other tourist facilities.

Tourists venturing to Donousa will be given the chance to soak up the local tradition, as a few festivals take place during the warmer months.

Among them is the Innkeepers’ Festival on July 27, during which exhibits of photography and folk art are set up to allow visitors to discover the island’s history, and the Agia Sofia celebration on September 19, a religious event taking place at the homonymous church in the village of Mersini.

Like many other Greek islands, Donousa boasts several pretty beaches, including one just a few feet away from Stavros town.

Speaking about the beach on the travel advice website Tripadvisor, one visitor described it among the “best village beaches in all of Greece”. They added: “Fine sand on land and in the water, thus easy to get in. There are a few tamarisk trees towards the harbour side, while at the back of the southeastern part is a wall.”

Another popular beach on the island is Kedros, around half an hour away from the Stavros by foot. Speaking about the beach, one tourist wrote on Tripadvisor: “I think it is the best beach in Donoussa…large…shallow turquoise blue…you can reach it by boat departing from the port or by walk in 30 minutes from port…”

Visitors in Donousa also have the chance to discover its tiny villages, almost unbothered by the passing of time, and some of its natural wonders – including the promontory of Aspros Kavos on the northwestern edge of the island and Spilia Tichou, one of the sea caves on the northeastern side.