An easy guide with information about the ferry to Naxos with current schedules, fares and recommendations on how to book your ticket. Find the direct and indirect routes to Naxos, the ports of departure, the frequency, the duration as well as the transportation options by arriving on Naxos!
Are you planning a trip to Naxos and wondering how to get there by ferry? Look no further, as we have all the information you need to make your journey a breeze.
Firstly, it's important to note that Naxos is one of the most popular islands in Greece and is well-connected by ferry to other islands and the mainland. There are several ferry companies that operate routes to Naxos, including Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, and SeaJets.
If you're traveling from Athens, there are several ports you can depart from including Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio. The journey from Piraeus takes approximately 5 hours, while the journey from Rafina takes around 3 hours.
If you're traveling from other islands in the Cyclades, there are daily ferries connecting Naxos to Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, and many others. The journey times vary depending on the distance between the islands but typically take between 30 minutes to 2 hours.
It's important to note that ferry schedules can change depending on the season and weather conditions. It's always best to check the ferry company's website or visit a local travel agency for up-to-date information on schedules and prices.
In conclusion, getting to Naxos by ferry is a convenient and enjoyable way to travel. With several ferry companies and routes available, you'll have no trouble finding a journey that suits your needs. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning views of the Aegean Sea on your way to Naxos.
- The itineraries to Naxos are regular and throughout the day
- You can start your journey from the port of Piraeus and Rafina.
From Piraeus to Naxos
- Daily morning and afternoon departures by regular (duration 5,30 hrs) and high-speed Ferries (4 hours)
From Rafina to Naxos
- During the summer period (from May to September) you will travel with modern regular ferries with a cruising duration of 5 hours but also with high-speed ferries (3,15 hours) that serve the route to Mykonos, Paros and Naxos.
There are also departures from:
- Mykonos: 7 daily departures with a duration of 0,40 to 1,15 hrs
- Santorini: 4 to 6 daily departures with a journey time of 1,30 to 3 hrs
- Paros: 3 to 7 daily departures depending on the season with a travel time of 0,20 to 0,40 min.
- Milos: 1 x daily from June to September. The journey takes 3,40 hrs
- Crete: 3 departures from May to October lasting 3,30 hrs
- Koufonisia: 2-3 dep. from June to September with a duration of 35 min.
Give a departure port and a date and find all possible ferry to Naxos connections!
Each year and depending on the period, there may be more or fewer connections. The biggest shipping companies announce the new ferry schedules by the end of December and the rest of them by January-March each year!
Local transportation services
The ferry port of Naxos
- Naxos port situated in the middle of the island and is very close to Chora/City center
Public Bus Service
- Naxos has a good bus network that connects most villages with Chora/City. The main bus station is near the port, close to the tourist information center and serves the villages/beaches approx. every 30 minutes!
- The buses run from Chora to Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka, Chalki (Halki), Filoti, Apiranthos and Apollonia and there are also bus services to Keramoti, Koronoas, Melanes, Mikri Vigla, Moutsouna, Pyrgaki and Sangri.
Bus Naxos
- Tel.: +30 2285022291
- Timetables
- E-mail: info@naxosdestinations.com
Taxis
- There are plenty of taxis in Naxos and a radio-taxi service is also available by calling the nr. +30 2285022444. The main taxi rank is on the Paralia, the main promenade near the port and taxi drivers charge a fixed rate to all the main stops such as the airport and beaches at Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and Plaka. To take a taxi anywhere else in Naxos it is better to negotiate the price first.
- Radio-Taxi Tel.: +30 2285022444
Tip: Most of the hotels in Naxos have their own minibus and will transfer you from the hotel to the port or vice versa. Try ringing them to find out if this service is available!
The information on this page was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice.
Booking your ferry ticket to naxos
If you're planning a trip to the beautiful island of Naxos, one of the first things you'll need to do is book your ferry ticket. Naxos is a popular destination in the Cyclades, and there are several ferry companies that operate routes to and from the island. Here's what you need to know to book your ferry ticket to Naxos.
Choosing a ferry company
The first step in booking your ferry ticket is choosing a ferry company. There are several ferry companies that operate routes to Naxos. Each company has its own schedule, pricing, and amenities, so it's important to do your research and choose the one that best fits your needs.
Booking your ticket
Once you've chosen a ferry company, you can book your ticket online through our website that allows you to select your route, date, and time, and pay for your ticket choosing the desired payment method.
When booking your ticket, be sure to check the ferry schedule to ensure that the departure and arrival times work for your travel plans. It's also a good idea to book your ticket in advance, especially during peak travel season when ferries can fill up quickly.
Types of tickets
Ferry companies offer several types of tickets, including economy class, business class, and VIP class. Economy class is the most affordable option and offers basic amenities like seating and restrooms. Business class offers additional amenities like priority boarding and access to a lounge area. VIP class is the most luxurious option and includes amenities like private cabins and personal service.
If you're traveling with a vehicle, you'll need to purchase a separate ticket for your car or motorcycle. Be sure to check with the ferry company for specific requirements and pricing.
Boarding the ferry
On the day of your departure, be sure to arrive at the port at least an hour before your scheduled departure time. You'll need to present your ticket and any necessary documents (like your passport) at the check-in counter. Once you've checked in, you can board the ferry and find your seat or cabin.
During the ferry ride
The ferry ride to Naxos can take anywhere from 1-5 hours depending on your departure point. During the ride, you can enjoy amenities like cafes, restaurants, and duty-free shopping. You can also take in the beautiful views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding islands.
Arriving in Naxos
When you arrive in Naxos, you'll disembark the ferry and collect any luggage or belongings you brought with you. From there, you can explore the island and all it has to offer.
Booking your ferry ticket to Naxos is an important step in planning your trip. By choosing a ferry company, booking your ticket, and understanding the types of tickets available, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey to this beautiful island in the Cyclades.
Regular and high-speed ferries connect Naxos with most of the Cycladic islands.
Book your tickets with go-Ferry.com and enjoy your trip on the ferry! The "Easy-Way" reservation system allows the most reliable online ferry reservations and offers flexibility and faster services for your ferry tickets to Naxos.
Departure times and ferry prices to Naxos may change depending on the season, we suggest you receive the last call with real-time availability.
Fill in the following fields and see the current ticket prices from/to the island of Naxos!
Book in advance your tickets
Arrange your ferry journey to Naxos in advance
It is very important that you have organized your ferry to Naxos in advance, having arranged all the details. You don't want something to go wrong, and you can achieve perfect holidays with a great organization. In addition to hotel accommodation and air-tickets, when you book the boat tickets to or from Naxos you know that everything is under control even before leaving home.
There are many reasons why you should arrange in advance of your ferry ticket to Naxos. Here are some of the most important:
Pay for Hotel in Naxos without using it!
- During the high season in Greece, and especially in July and August, it is likely that you won't find ferry tickets to popular destinations, such as Naxos if you don't book them in advance. So, don't make the mistake to book your hotel on Naxos without having booked the ferry pass. The last thing you want is to get to the port and not find an available ferry to your island!
Save time in Naxos!
- Although we charge a commission for acquiring ferry bookings, this allows you not only to secure your ferry tickets to Naxos but also to save time; besides receiving a service and attention first.
Have a bigger choice of Ferry Tickets!
- Buying in advance gives you a better chance of getting the tickets, on the ferry you prefer and at the schedule you want. It does not make sense that your journey is interrupted by not finding available ferry departures, but it is possible.
Find more connections!
- If you want to organize your vacations to Naxos, it is wise to check all the possible routes and timelines in order to make the right combinations between Naxos and other destinations as well as between the air and the ferry tickets. Online, you can have an overview of all the routes going to Naxos.
Get the best deal!
- Tickets can be expensive, so it’s natural to want to get the best deal on them. It has become a regular practice for ferries to announce special rates and deep discounts for booking ferry tickets to or from Naxos up to 3-6 months in advance.
Feeling Great having the ferry ticket in your pocket!
- You will feel a great feeling when having the ferry confirmation in your hands. The reservation with us will allow you to secure your ferry trip, you will be relieved to have the confirmation in your hands or on your smartphone!
Choose the accommodation
Find out about the ferry types that are running to Naxos, choose the ideal accommodation option on the ferry to Naxos and get fresh and relaxed at your destination. Comfortable armchairs, business class comfort seats, outside and inside cabins or economy deck chairs. There is a range of accommodation options to choose for a day or night ferry to or from Naxos.
About Naxos
It is the biggest and the most fertile island of the Cyclades. The particular character of its landscape lies on the very high mountains (the Mount Zas, 1,004 m, is the highest of the Cyclades) and the uniquely special mountain villages. The island extends over a surface of 428 km2, its coastline is 148 km long and it has 18,000 inhabitants.
During the ancient years, Naxos was the island where Dionysus was worshipped. According to mythology, it was on this island that he met the Minoan Ariadni, who had been abandoned there by Theseus. From ancient times until today, the island has an exceptional production of citrus fruits, famous wine and tasteful cheese.
The first inhabitants of the island were the Karians, succeeded by the Cretans and the Ionians. Since the ancient times Naxos has been renowned for its wine and the worship of Dionysus. During the 6th century B.C. Naxos experienced trade, economic and cultural prosperity. It became member of the two Athenian Alliances. During the Venetian occupation, Vicente Markos Sanoudos founded the Duchy of Naxos (1207). The Venetians remained on the island until 1566. In 1579 it formed part of the Ottoman Empire and joined the Greek State in 1830.
Many myths in Greece involve Naxos as some point. Zeus, the highest god, was born on Crete, but grew up on Naxos. The people of Naxos used to worship him, and a temple was made to his honour at the mountain Za (Zeus).
When Zeus' mistress Semele died before giving birth to their child, Zeus took the embryo and put it in his thigh. When the baby, Dionysus, was born out of Zeus thigh on Naxos, the nymphs Philia, Coronida and Clidi brought him up on the island, which was to be Dionysus favourite island. The god made the island fertile and full of grapevines, forever blessing it.
Another myth is about Ariadne, the daughter of king Minos of Crete. She had helped Theseus kill the Minotaur, and out of fear for her father, she fled with the hero. On Naxos she fell asleep,Theseus left her and when Dionysus saw her, he made her his wife. According to another version she committed suicide by jumping off a cliff in Chora.
Naxos was a centre for the Cyclades islands from 4000 to 1100 BC. The capital has always been Naxos (Chora), but it used to be called Calliopolis ('the best city") in ancient years. The island supposedly got its current name after the first ruler: king Naxos, but it has had different names through history: Dia ("Zeus"), Stroggyli ("round") and Dionysias. It held tights bonds with Santorini and Halkida, and together they founded the colony Naxos on Sicily in 734 BC.
The island was well known for the sculptures that were made here. One of the best known works are the lions on Delos.
In 501 BC Naxos was threatened by the Persians but managed to keep them away. Eleven years later the Persians succeeded in invading the island. In 479 BC Naxos became a member of the Delian League but left it in 466BC. The island became a vassal state to Athens until the city was defeated by the Spartans during the Peloponnesian War.
Naxos was to fall under many great states; once again under the Athenians, then the Macedonians, after that the Egyptians and finally it fell under Rhodes' power. In 41 BC the island was conquered by the Romans.
When the Venetians invaded the Cyclades islands in Greece ,Naxos fought for forty days at the Byzantine castro Apalyrou, but the islanders were finally defeated and was made center for the The Aegean Duchy under the Venetian Marcus Sanudos in 1207. The duke himself made a strong fortress and the Venetian rule lasted for 300 years. In 1564 the island was invaded by the Turks, but they basically just collected taxes from then on. The Venetian Rule was to be the main rule, which can be seen in the fact that there still are quite a few Catholics on the island. In May 1821 Naxos was liberated.
What to see in Naxos
A walk through the town will give you the chance to visit its main sights. Do not forget to visit:
- "Portara”: A marble gate dating back to 6th century B.C. which formed part of ancient temple of Apollo. It is situated at the port entrance
- The castle, an impressive monument associated with the long Venetian occupation of Naxos (1204-1537)
- The boarding school of Ursulines situated at the highest point of the castle
- The archaeological site of Grotta located at the northern part of Chora, where you can observe the ruins of the Mycenaean capital of Naxos (1300 B.C.)
- Panaghia Vlacherniotissa church with a remarkable wood-carved chancel andPanaghia Myrtidiotissa chapel at the port
- The cathedral of Zoodochos Pigi (Life-Giving font of Virgin Mary)
- The Archaeological Museum exhibiting findings dating back from the Late Neolithic until the Paleochristian period
- The Monastery of Aghios Ioannis Chrysostomos
- The Town Hall building housing the municipal library, the municipal theater, the municipal philharmonic orchestra and the Model Library of University Textbooks
- Belonia Tower (6 km SE): the residence of the Venetian lord of the region with the twin (orthodox – catholic) Aghios Ioannis church
- Dionysos sanctuary (6th century B.C.): an official sanctuary of Naxos in “Yria”, 10 km SE of Chora
Travelling to Naxos
Tsikalario-Apano Kastro-Potamia
In Tsikalario starts a pathway leading to Apano Kastro, a place located on a hill with amazing view. It seems that from antiquity up to the medieval times it was inhabited. The route continues down the west side of Apano Kastro and after passing through fields it ends up in Potamia.
Melanes
Melanes village is ideal for a pleasant relaxing walk. The village is located in an area in Naxos and is full of springs, brooks and old watermills. It is a very interesting trip as it combines rich natural beauty with cultural developments. The village is close to the castle-like cottage of the Venetian potentate Markos Sanoudos, as well as close to the castles of Mavrogenis, Fragkopoulos and atheling De Marrie.
Archeological sites -Naxos
The most significant archaeological site of the island is the sanctuary of Demeter and Apollo (6th century), which has been built in its entirety of white marble. It lies south of Sagri at the position of Gyroula. The worship of the sanctuary is connected to the Eleusinian Mysteries. The restoration works on the temple have been completed and the finds are kept at a museum built inside the archaeological site.
Castles in Naxos
The castle of Chora is undoubtedly the most renowned medieval monument of Naxos. It was built under the lead of Venetian Duke Markos Sanoudos in 1207. The castle has two entrances: Trani Porta (Great Gate) to the north and Paraporti (wicket) to the left. Inside the castle you will find many medieval buildings, such as the boarding school of Ursulines and the School of Commerce founded by Jesuit monks, the Kapela Kazatza, a chapel of the Duke, the Catholic Cathedral and the Tower of Krispi or Glezos, today housing the Byzantine Museum.
Heading to the center of the island, near Chora, you will come across the Venetian castle of Belonia, a local nobleman at the Galanado village. At the entrance of Apeirathos village, you will find the Zevgoli tower (17th century) built on a rock and in Sangkri village you will have the chance to admire some Venetian towers.
Monasteries in Naxos
The old monastery of Aghia Kyriaki and its small church dedicated to the Assumption (Koimissi tis Theotokou) can be found in Chora. The Ypsilotera Monastery-Tower, located NE of Chora in the valley of Eggares, provided shelter to the local farmers during the Frankish occupation. To the north, you will find the Faneromeni Monastery, dating back to the 17th century.
The fortified monastery of Fotodotis Christos is located at Danakos village.
Churches of Naxos
Naxos is full of churches with icons and religious objects of great historical and artistic value. In Chora there is the Church of the Virgin Mary Vlaherniotissa, one of the oldest churches on the island with two icons of Aggelou of Kritos. In Sargi you will also see Byzantine churches of interest.
Traditional cuisine - Naxos
The main traditional dishes of Naxos island are based on meet and potatoes, but this does not mean that they do not have vegetable dishes as well. The most famous dishes are: “rosto” (meat in red sauce), stuffed lamb, pastitsio with pumpkin, “pentarates” potatoes, “karfa” omelet and kakavia (soup with different kinds of fish). Some other famous specialties of the island are “giachnada” (different vegetables in fresh tomato sauce) and herb pies.
Traditional products-Naxos
Naxos island is famous all around Greece for its products and mainly for "Naxos Graviera" (salted semi hard cheese) which since 1996 has been distinguished for its designation of origin. Other well known cheeses of Naxos island are “arseniko” (hard goat cheese), ksinomizithra (sour, slightly salted soft cheese) and anthotiro (soft, unsalted cheese). Famous are also the potatoes from Naxos island, as well as its meat, fish and seafood.
