Day 5: Slow Living in Donousa – A Day of Sunshine, Sandwiches & Solitude

Introduction

After a few early starts and ferry hops, I permitted myself to sleep in—and I did just that. I vaguely remember turning off my 7:30 alarm and waking properly around 9, a little groggy after a slightly disturbed sleep. The culprit? A cool breeze in the night, and my failure to locate the blanket until halfway through. Rookie error.

With no big plans for the day (and intentionally giving the camera a rest), I set out in search of a leisurely breakfast and a bit of local flavour.

Breakfast Hunt… and a DIY Plan B

I’d intended to try Yucca Café, but when I arrived, it was closed—possibly for Sunday church hours or maybe just not open for the season yet. A quick look around town didn’t reveal any good alternatives, so I popped into the mini market instead. A few individual Greek yoghurts, a tin of honey, and some instant coffee later, I was back in my studio room, fingers crossed it had basic kitchen gear.

Thankfully, it did. I threw together a makeshift breakfast, which, although unglamorous, got the job done. Then I packed my beach gear and set off on foot to Kedros Beach, about a 15-minute stroll from the accommodation.

Kedros: Calm Waters and Kindle Time

Kedros was blissfully quiet when I arrived—just a few older couples already laid out, enjoying the sun. I claimed a quiet corner, dropped my towel, and settled in with my Kindle. A couple of hours passed easily, punctuated by two quick dips in the sea. The water was on the chilly side, but once I got moving, it felt refreshing rather than punishing.

Just as I was thinking about heading back to the village for lunch, I noticed the Kedros Beach Bar was open. I grabbed a seat, ordered a toasted cheese & onion sandwich and an Alfa beer (€7.50 total), and soaked in the view before returning to the sand for a little more lounging.

By 1 p.m., the sun was getting intense (and I had no shade), so I walked back to the room to cool off and get a chunk of work done on my second Mykonos vlog.

Round Two at the Beach & A Different Taverna Dinner

At 3 p.m., I couldn’t resist heading back out. Kedros had filled up a bit—maybe 15–20 people now—but I found a spot close to where I’d been earlier and picked up where I left off: sunbathing, reading, and occasionally people-watching. Around 5:30, I packed up for the second time and headed back to the room.

After a couple more hours of video editing, I changed and went out for dinner at Ampelaki, a nearby taverna I hadn’t tried yet. It was quiet but had a pleasant atmosphere, with just a few other tables occupied. I overheard the waitress mention they weren’t fully open yet—just weekends for now, with a limited menu—but that full service would start from next Saturday (the 24th May).

I started with cheese pies with honey, which turned out to be three generous, pastry-wrapped rolls filled with a light, feta-like cheese—more filling than expected, but really tasty. For the main, I had chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and spaghetti in a cream sauce. Rich and satisfying, especially paired with half a litre of house white wine, which was miles better than the rosé-tinted red from the night before. The starter and main were €8 each, and the wine was €6—solid value all round.

By 9:30, I was back in my room with a full stomach and a few more edits completed on the vlog. Not a dramatic day, but exactly what I needed: sun, sea, simple pleasures, and a slower pace of life.