Ferry from Aegiali (Amorgos) to Donoussa

The ferry from Aegiali on Amorgos to Donoussa is a short and very scenic hop between two of the quieter islands in the Small Cyclades. This route is operated by Blue Star Ferries together with Small Cyclades Lines (Mikres Kyklades N.E.), giving a mix of conventional ferries and smaller local boats. The crossing time from Aegiali to Donoussa is usually around 45 minutes on Blue Star Ferries and up to about 1 hour 15 minutes on Small Cyclades Lines, with most summaries giving an average of about 1 hour. Services typically run in the morning, with departures around 07:00 or 08:00 from Aegiali depending on the day and company. In high season there are normally about 6 to 7 sailings per week, while in the lower season this can drop to around 3 weekly departures. Ticket prices are very budget friendly, usually between €5.00 and €7.00 for a foot passenger, with small supplements if you bring a vehicle or choose a better seat. This route is perfect if you want to add relaxed, off the beaten track Donoussa to an Amorgos holiday without long travel times or complicated connections.

Key information for the Aegiali (Amorgos) to Donoussa ferry

1. Ferry duration

The Aegiali to Donoussa ferry usually takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes. Blue Star Ferries sailings are generally the quickest at about 45 minutes, while Small Cyclades Lines departures are scheduled at around 1 hour 15 minutes. Most travellers experience a crossing time close to 1 hour, depending on the ship and exact timetable.

2. Ferry companies

This route is served by 2 companies: Blue Star Ferries (often shown as Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries) and Small Cyclades Lines / Mikres Kyklades N.E. Netferry notes that each operator usually runs 3 weekly sailings, for a total of about 6 weekly crossings in some seasons. In practice, timetables can shift from year to year, so you may see 3 to 7 weekly departures depending on the month and the mix of companies.

3. Fast vs slow ferry

On this short route, the “fast” option is normally the Blue Star ferry at about 45 minutes, while the “slower” option is the Small Cyclades Lines boat at about 1 hour 15 minutes. The Blue Star ship is larger, more stable and a little faster, but it only runs on some days. The smaller local ferry takes longer but offers a more intimate feel and often slightly different timings, which can be useful when planning your stay.

4. Best time to travel

The Aegiali to Donoussa ferry route is at its best between June and September, when the number of weekly crossings is highest and sea conditions are usually more settled. Ferryscanner and Netferry mention that from June to September there can be around 4 to 7 crossings per week, while from October to May this often drops to around 3 weekly sailings. Outside the main season, some days may have no direct service, so you should always check live schedules when travelling in spring or autumn.

5. Sea conditions and wind

This is a short open sea crossing within the Small Cyclades, so you may still feel the Meltemi wind in July and August, but the limited distance and journey time reduce the impact. Blue Star’s larger vessels are very stable even when seas are choppy, while the smaller Small Cyclades Lines boat will move a bit more in rougher conditions. If you are prone to motion sickness it is still wise to bring tablets, but most travellers find this 45 minute to 1 hour hop comfortable.

6. Port guide

Aegiali port on Amorgos is a small, relaxed harbour village with a long sandy beach, tavernas, cafés and mini markets along the waterfront, and most accommodation within easy walking distance of the pier. Donoussa port, commonly called Stavros, is a tiny village with a beach right by the harbour, a few tavernas, rooms to let and basic shops, all just a few minutes on foot from where the ferry docks. Both ports are simple to navigate, which makes boarding and disembarking very stress free.

7. Car rental advice

Fares and guides for this line show that it is possible to carry vehicles, but capacity is limited and not every sailing allows cars. Ferryscanner mentions average vehicle costs around €8.18 in addition to the passenger fare on some departures, reflecting small car spaces on short local ferries. Because both Amorgos and Donoussa are relatively small islands, many travellers find it easier to rent a scooter or small car separately on each island or explore Donoussa on foot rather than bringing a vehicle across.

8. Foot passenger tips

As a foot passenger you should aim to be at Aegiali port about 30 to 45 minutes before departure, as this is a small, quick loading ferry. Timetables show early morning departures from Aegiali to Donoussa, usually around 07:00 or 08:00, which allows you to arrive in Donoussa in time for breakfast and a full day on the island. With such low ticket prices, it is worth booking ahead in July and August, but outside peak weeks you can often find seats even closer to departure.

9. Is this route worth it?

The Aegiali to Donoussa ferry is absolutely worth including if you enjoy quiet islands and want to see more of the Small Cyclades without long travel days. In less than 1 hour, and for as little as €5.00 to €7.00, you can add a completely different island with beautiful beaches and a slow pace to your Amorgos itinerary. Because it is short, cheap and scenic, this route is especially attractive for people who like to combine Aegiali with a few nights in Donoussa rather than staying on a single island.

10. Alternative route if cancelled

If your Aegiali to Donoussa ferry is cancelled, the usual back up is to travel on a different day or to route via another island such as Naxos. Blue Star Ferries and Small Cyclades Lines connect both Aegiali and Donoussa with Naxos, so in theory you can go Aegiali–Naxos–Donoussa, though this is longer and may require an overnight stop. In poor weather it is often best to wait for the next direct Aegiali–Donoussa sailing, as both ports are small and easy for last minute changes.

11. Reverse route internal links

There is also a reverse Donoussa to Aegiali ferry route, again operated by Blue Star Ferries and Small Cyclades Lines. Ferryscanner notes that from June to September there are about 2 weekly sailings in the Donoussa to Amorgos (all ports) direction, with average travel times of around 45 minutes and ticket prices from €5.00 to €7.00. When you design your island hopping itinerary, it is useful to check both Aegiali–Donoussa and Donoussa–Aegiali timetables together so you can decide whether Donoussa works best as a stop on the way to or from Amorgos.