The Koufonisi to Donousa ferry route links two of the smallest and most beautiful Cycladic islands. Ferries normally depart from the little port at Chora on Koufonisi and arrive at the main harbour of Stavros on Donousa, which is also the island capital. The route is operated by Small Cyclades Lines, using the much loved vessel Express Skopelitis, which runs a wider circuit between Naxos, Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonisi, Donousa and Amorgos. Sailing time between Koufonisi and Donousa is usually about one hour and ten minutes, depending on sea conditions. In recent seasons there have been several sailings each week, with more crossings in summer and fewer in winter. Typical departures from Koufonisi are in the late afternoon, often between about sixteen thirty and seventeen fifteen, bringing you into Stavros in the early evening, which is ideal for checking in to your room and enjoying the sunset by the harbour. Tickets on this short inter island ferry route are among the cheapest in the Cyclades, with simple deck tickets often starting from around seven euro for a foot passenger. Because this is a short hop between small islands, facilities on board are simple and relaxed, with indoor lounges, open decks and a very local feel rather than a large cruise style atmosphere.
The Koufonisi to Donousa ferry route usually operates all year, but it is most frequent from June to September, when you can expect around three sailings per week, and it drops to roughly one sailing per week from October to May, so careful planning is important. The late afternoon departure from Koufonisi and the lack of a same day return sailing mean that this is not a practical day trip route from Koufonisi, and most travellers stay at least one night on Donousa before returning or continuing to Naxos or Amorgos. The ferry is primarily used by foot passengers and islanders moving between the Small Cyclades, and space for vehicles is very limited, so it is sensible to assume that this is a foot passenger route unless your ticket specifically confirms a vehicle space. In high summer the meltemi wind can make seas choppy and this can affect schedules, so allow some flexibility and try not to plan very tight flight or long distance ferry connections on the same day. Most people buy their tickets in advance through online booking platforms to secure a place on the exact sailing they want, as there are only a few departures each week and they can be busy in August. At both Koufonisi and Stavros ports everything is very compact, so arriving around one hour before departure is usually enough time to collect any tickets, find the correct waiting area and board at a relaxed pace while you enjoy the views of the bay.
How often does the Koufonisi to Donousa ferry route run in summer
Can I use the Koufonisi to Donousa ferry route for a day trip
You cannot realistically use the Koufonisi to Donousa ferry route for a day trip from Koufonisi, because the sailing from Koufonisi leaves in the afternoon and the return sailing from Donousa to Koufonisi is in the morning, so there’s no same day return and travellers on forums report that they always stay at least one night on Donousa.
Is the Koufonisi to Donousa ferry route reliable when the meltemi wind is strong
In general the Koufonisi to Donousa ferry route is reliable, but like all Small Cyclades crossings it can be delayed or occasionally cancelled when the summer meltemi wind is very strong, so people on travel forums advise leaving some flexibility in your plan and avoiding very tight same day connections with flights or big ferries.
What is the experience like on board the Koufonisi to Donousa ferry route
The Koufonisi to Donousa ferry route is served by the small traditional vessel Express Skopelitis, with simple indoor seating, open decks and a very local atmosphere, and most travellers carry normal luggage as foot passengers, so you should expect a relaxed inter island crossing rather than a large modern high speed ship.
Do I need to book the Koufonisi to Donousa ferry route in advance or can I buy tickets at the port
Because there are only a few sailings each week on the Koufonisi to Donousa ferry route and some days in August can be busy, many travellers now book online in advance through platforms that partner with Small Cyclades Lines, although in quieter months you can often still buy tickets at local agencies near Koufonisi harbour or in Stavros on Donousa.