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Dhenoussa is a charter location in Cyclades, a yacht charter area in Greece.

The anchorages on Dhenoussa:

Stavros
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Ormos Roussa
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Stavros      Ormos Roussa

Island Overview 

Dhenoussa or Donoussa is sometimes known as the ‘Emerald of the Cyclades’ and it’s easy to see why. At 13.5 sq km total, this stunning Greek island is blessed with a ring of gentle aquamarine seas lapping and ebbing into coves, under rocky outcrops and onto its beaches.

Navigation

The island of Dhenoussa has two anchorages Stavros and Ormos Roussa which can be easily accessed with the yacht you charter.

Because the island is positioned in a relatively open spot it can be more exposed than others particularly during higher winds such as the meltemi. With that in mind, you can find good mooring at both year-round without too much fuss.

The biggest anchorage is Stavros, the island’s main port and social hub. Here you can tie along the ferry quay where you can go to stern. Stavros is one of the best protected spots to stop on Dhenousa.

The other anchorage is Ormos Roussa on the island’s north eastern tip. Just offshore is the tiny islet of Skilonisi which offers some protection for the bay of Ormos Roussa. The southern side at Roussa is peaceful and can be great during mild conditions.

Overall, Roussa is best approached from the SE although the channel between Dhenoussa and Skilonisi has good depth. The bottom is fairly rocky throughout the bay and can take a while to get a good holding.

General Information 

It is worth noting Donoussa is one of the more exposed islands in the Cyclades and during meltemi winds it has a bit of a reputation as being more difficult than some to approach.

There’s even a ‘Meltemi Taverna’ in Stavros, the island’s main port which takes its name from the notorious winds occurring most often in summertime June – September.

Nevertheless, its charms are easy to see and some fantastic and unique experiences can be found here.

Giorgos Sfakianakis Photography (source: Facebook)
Zera Ametshaeva (source: Facebook)

History of Dhenoussa 

Its place in Greek mythology revolves around Dionysus, god of fertility and wine who took Cretan princess Ariadne away from Naxos and hid her on Donoussa after she had fallen in love with hero Theseus.

For some history spotting, head to the Achtia ton Argilion and Myti tou Trachyla settlements in Vathi Limenari where archaeological sites such as the ancient foundations of a wall and scattered traces of ancient tombs are still visible from the Early Cycladic period (3000BC).

During Roman times it was used as a destination for undesirables to be exiled and later pirates took to Donoussa during the middle ages as a place of refuge and genuine hideaway, testament to its feeling of solitude and tranquillity nowadays.

Massimo Gnone (source: Facebook)

Places of Interest

Beaches 

The main attraction is of course its beaches, of which there are many with Kedros being the most popular while others such as Kalotaritissa and Vati Limenaria are more remote.

Less tourist centric than many islands in the Cyclades, escapes from civilisation and private spots to relax and enjoy the scenery are easy to find.

SS Orion Shipwreck 

If you haven’t had your history fix take a trip to Kedros beach where just offshore lies the sunken remains of the SS Orion, a German cargo ship attacked by an RAF bomber squadron during WWII.

Agios Stavros Church

In Donoussa’s capital Stavros there is the beautiful old church called Agios Stavros meaning Holy Cross. The village took its name from the church and it remains a highlight to visit very close to the port.

Fokospilia Cave 

A number of cave systems can be found on Donoussa which are worth a look.

Many such as those at Fokospilia used to be pirate hideouts in medieval times.

Luigi Tarini (source: Facebook)
George Andris (facebook)

 

Tichos Cave

Also worth a look is the cave at Tichos on Donoussa’s north west at Aspros Kavos.

This cave is smaller but has some very impressive stalactites to admire.

Things To Do

Trail Run

There is a 19km trail called the ‘Dhenouusa Trail Run’ looping the island, beginning and ending at Stavros port and no matter the pace you decide to take it there can be some stunning views on offer.

Greek Food

Discover the Greek food that is much loved in the Cyclades and all the surrounding areas in the small taverns dotted around the island, especially at Stavros. One such restaurant is the Captain George restaurant overlooking the port and harbor where you can find the typical Greek salads and deliciously delicate white fish meals the area is known for.

Marco Invernizzi (source: Facebook)
På luffen i Grekland (source: Facebook)

Services

Getting around on foot is the most common transport method on Donoussa, however there is a public bus running routes from Chora to Kalotaritissa and a minimal taxi service.

You will find a number of grocery stores, an ATM machine, doctor’s office and bakery all located at port Stavros. Other services include ferry access giving you the opportunity to arrive with your car and explore the island via its simple road network. There is no gas station on Donoussa, worth keeping in mind if arriving with your car.

    Yachts available in Dhenoussa

    CAKIRYILDIZ

    From €40,000/week
    5 cabins
    141 ft
    EAST YACHTING
    10 guests
    Built: 2014
    100 Litres/Hr

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    LIFE TIME

    From €15,000/week
    4 cabins
    65 ft
    Jeanneau
    8 guests
    Built: 2020
    25 Litres/Hr

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    GRATITUDE

    From €35,000/week
    5 cabins
    59 ft
    Fontaine Pajot
    10 guests
    Built: 2014

    View

    Jetski

    FREEDOM

    From €30,000/week
    4 cabins
    78 ft
    Alalunga
    10 guests
    Refit: 2021
    420 LT/HR Litres/Hr

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    LARGO

    From €40,000/week
    4 cabins
    89 ft
    .
    8 guests
    Refit: 2021

    View

    3 reviews

    ELENA

    From €25,500/week
    6 cabins
    100 ft
    Perama, Greece
    13 guests
    Refit: 2008/2016/2023
    360 Litres/Hr

    View

    13 reviews
    Jetski

    MEDUSA

    From €17,900/week
    4 cabins
    68 ft
    Azimut
    8 guests
    Refit: 2019
    350 Litres/Hr

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    ZELDA

    From €45,000/week
    5 cabins
    132 ft
    SU Marine
    10 guests
    Built: 2010
    90 Litres/Hr

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    LADY L

    From €17,500/week
    4 cabins
    63 ft
    .
    8 guests
    Refit: 2022
    280 Litres/Hr

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    Jetski

    SANJANA

    From €57,000/week
    4 cabins
    106 ft
    Mondomarine
    10 guests
    Refit: 2016
    550 Litres/Hr

    View

    Jetskis: 2
    Jacuzzi

    OMNIA

    From €110,000/week
    6 cabins
    150 ft
    Brodosplit
    12 guests
    Refit: 2022
    100 Litres/Hr

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    OKEANOS

    From €9,850/week
    3 cabins
    52 ft
    Beneteau
    7 guests
    Built: 2022

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    VENUS SECRETS

    From €23,000/week
    4 cabins
    70 ft
    Uniesse
    8 guests
    Refit: 2023

    View

    Jacuzzi

    NATALIA V

    From €135,000/week
    5 cabins
    148 ft
    Picchiotti
    12 guests
    Refit: 2022
    320 Litres/Hr

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    Mira

    From €14,000/week
    2 cabins
    55 ft
    Pershing
    4 guests
    Refit: 2023
    550 Litres/Hr

    View

    1
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