Mines in Kapsala

There were mines in two places on the island of Donoussa. One was on the hillsides of Kapsala and the other approximately 1000 meters northeast of Kedros, northwest of Messaria. We pass the mines of Kapsala as we hike along Path One (1), which connects Stavros with Kalotaritissa. Approximately 600 meters after the fork toward Xylobatis, as we climb toward the slopes of Mount Papas, we will see two holes up high on our right. These are the entrances to the tunnels of the mines. Access to them is relatively easy. The hole on the left has been filled in with dirt. Generally, it is best not to attempt to go inside! Iron, aluminum, copper, and a white stone Greeks call “atsacha” were excavated from the mines of Donoussa.