Naxos Travel Guide, Ferry Information and Maps | Spaceship (2023)

FAQs

Where do ferries arrive in Naxos? ›

The port where all the ferries arrive and depart in Naxos is located in Naxos Town (Chora), the capital of the island and the center of life.

The island has one ferry port, located in Chora. The port of Naxos is famous for its picturesque beauty and its view of the awe-inspiring Portara.

Naxos is a large island with many sights, villages, and beaches. We recommend 3 to 5 days in Naxos to visit as many places as possible. Naxos is a multifaceted island, so you need days to understand it. You can also pay a visit to the musts that will last no more than 24 hours.

The quickest crossing from Santorini going to Naxos takes just one hour, whilst the slowest ferry boat sailing to Naxos from Santorini island takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes. The average crossing time is 2 hours.

Public transport is the cheapest way to get around the island, reach the most worth-visiting spots and at the same time enjoy a pleasant journey! The central bus stop is located in Chora. Chora is connected via a bus to several villages and beaches all over Naxos.

If you are arriving into Athens International Airport (AIA) and can get a direct flight, then it might make sense to fly. However, if you visiting Athens first and are already in Athens city centre, taking the ferry is usually the better option. The Athens Naxos ferry route is also cheaper than flying.

Do Greek island ferries sell out quickly? Not all Greek ferries sell out fast but if you're planning to take your vehicle aboard, book a cabin or get an early booking offer, it's better to book your ferry tickets in advance. Also, you should note that some Greek island ferries are seasonal with limited onboard seating.

Sealink Queensland operate a passenger ferry service and Magnetic Island Ferries operates a vehicle ferry service. These services depart from opposite sides of the river. Both services arrive on Magnetic Island at the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal where guests of Best of Magnetic will find our office for their check in.

The Portara of Naxos (or the Great Door) is a massive marble doorway that stands proudly as the jewel of Naxos. It lies close to the port, on the islet of Palatia. In ancient times, a strip of land connected the northern side of Naxos port to the islet of Palatia.

(mid-April through mid-June + mid-September and October)

Many feel the shoulder season is the best time to visit Naxos, with comfortable temperatures, the possibility for discounts on hotel rooms and airfare, and few crowds on the sand, in Chora's charming streets, or out on the hiking trails.

What is Naxos best known for? ›

Naxos is well known for its long sandy beaches (Agios Prokopios, Plaka), ideal wind conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing (Mikri Vigla, Laguna), high-quality local agricultural products (potatoes and types of cheese like arseniko and anthotiro), the impressive Portara (trademark of the island which is the ...

It is a fact that most people on Naxos speak English well enough to discuss just about anything. However, immersing into the Greek culture requires some basic knowledge and understanding of the Greek language.

Naxos Town certainly caters to tourists. There you'll find all the ubiquitous excursion companies and souvenir stores. But Naxos is FAR less touristy than neighboring islands like Santorini and Mykonos. Of course, to be fair, it's definitely a bit more touristy than less-visited islands like Milos or Symi.

Day Trip to Paros or Naxos

Since Paros and Naxos are so close together, day trips are a great way to explore the highlights of both islands. Both islands offer sightseeing bus tours to the main villages and cultural highlights. Naxos offers fantastic boat trips to visit the harder-to-reach beaches and sea caves.

How long is the ferry ride from Naxos to Santorini? The Naxos - Santorini ferry duration ranges from approximately 1 hr 15 min to over 2 hr 30 min. Travel time depends on the type of vessel (high-speed or standard), the ferry itinerary and weather conditions.

In Naxos Town and the beaches, most shops, bars, and restaurants accept credit cards, usually with a minimum purchase required; if not, nearby ATMs are easy to find. It is a good idea to have some cash on hand for bus trips and small purchases like bottled water and snacks.

Can you drink the water in Naxos? Tap water in Naxos villages in the mountains is drinkable. Most villages have their own natural water coming from a near by mountain water spring. This water is perfectly 100% safe to drink.

Yes, Naxos is generally safe at night. The island is known for its laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals, and there is a low crime rate. However, it is always advisable to take the usual safety precautions when travelling, such as avoiding dark alleys and keeping your valuables secure.

To research ferry timetables and ticket prices, visit FerryHopper.com – it's the best site for booking ferry tickets in Greece.

How long is the ferry ride from Athens (Piraeus) to Naxos? The duration of the Piraeus to Naxos ferry trip ranges from 3.5 hr to 5 hr 20 min, depending on the type of vessel you're traveling with. Tip: bear in mind that ferry timetables can change.

What is the best route to island hop in Greece? ›

The Route of Diamonds: Athens – Mykonos – Paros – Naxos – Santorini. With this route, you can visit 4 of the most beautiful islands not only in Greece but in the world as well!

Tips For Cheaper Ferry Tickets

Book in advance - Generally, the lowest fares are available when you book in advance. So book as early as possible before your travel date.

Ferry bookings can be made any time, even up to the day of the travel. However, if you wish to book in advance for your own peace of mind, this is fine too. All ferry companies differ about when you can actually make a commercial ferry booking. These can range from 2 months to 7 days in advance.

During very windy weather, flights and ferries can be cancelled. I read online that this happens several times a year. The windiest months are January, February, July and August. The smaller, faster ferries (like the Seajet catamarans) tend to be cancelled first.

Booking Information

Is it necessary to pre-book ferry tickets to Magnetic Island? No, it is not necessary to pre-book ferry tickets. We do not allocate tickets to our ferry departure times, arriving early to the terminal is recommended to board your desired ferry departure.

One of the best ways to explore Magnetic Island is on foot. A network of walking tracks and trails allows you to appreciate the island's natural environment through leisurely coastal walks or more or more physically challenging hikes in the hills.

Magnetic Island is well worth the visit. Get around by in a rental buggy or mini and choose between cabins, self-contained houses and luxury villas for your accommodation.

Naxos is green, forested, idyllic, and much quieter than the other islands. If you are looking for a very nice, easy walk that takes you through several villages and to one historical site, this is perfect for you.

Naxos Town, also called Chora, is the largest village on Naxos island. This is where the vast majority of hotels, restaurants, and bars are located, as well as the main ferry port.

The main port of Naxos can be found on the western side of the island, in the main town (Chora), near the signature local landmark - Portara. Its location is very convenient since the Town area is full of all kinds of tourist facilities. It is one of the busiest Cycladic ports.

What is the hottest month in Naxos? ›

Average monthly temperatures

Naxos has a mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. If you're a sunseeker the best time to visit Naxos is between June and September. The hottest month of the year is July with an average daily maximum of 28 C and an average low of 23 C.

Apollonas (Naxos) water temperatures peak in the range 23 to 27°C (73 to 81°F) on around the 7th of August and are at their lowest on about the 1st of March, in the range 15 to 16°C (59 to 61°F). Apollonas (Naxos) water temperatures are always warm reach their highest in the first part of August.

As the sea temperature heats throughout the summer, September can be a great time to swim and sunbathe when the weather is warm, but not as hot. Naxos is often cloudy, windy, and rainy from November to March.

Naxos is featured frequently in Greek mythology.

Because Zeus was born in Crete but brought up in Naxos. In his honor, the inhabitants named the tallest mountain in Naxos after him: Zeus or Zas. In addition, Zeus, Apollo, Dionysus and Ariadne, Demeter and Artemis are worshiped above all Greek gods in Naxos.

Naxos Nightlife

Naxos offers a wide variety of places to enjoy all kinds of music, from jazz to modern house and live Greek music. During the night, the picturesque alleys of Chora thrive with activity and people enjoy the lively atmosphere of this place.

When in Naxos, you shouldn't miss visiting the picturesque Old Town, which is one of the best sightseeing on the island.

Bathing suits are for the beach only. Never leave the beach without covering up. Also, it is considered quite rude to go barefoot on the beach. And while there are some nude beaches in Greece they are few and far between.

Yes, you can drink tap water in Greece – it is not unsafe.

Wind in Naxos is usually stronger than many places. The windiest month is January, followed by February and August.

Most of them have thin, white sand, while one can find pebbled beaches as well as rocky ones. In Naxos Town, the island's capital, there is the beach of Saint George, covered with thin sand. Its main characteristic is its shallow waters that make it very safe for the children.

What is better Crete or Naxos? ›

Once on the islands, you'll find Naxos easier to explore just because it is so much smaller than Crete. Despite being the largest of the Cyclades, Naxos is only 430 km² compared with Crete's 8,450 km2. Conclusion. Although Naxos is smaller and easier to navigate, we have to give this one to Crete for easy arrivals.

Naxos has a mountainous interior that is skirted by a picturesque coastline and exceptional waterfronts. This coastline boasts vivid blue waters and fine white sand that attracts so many visitors year on year. Sun-soaked and radiant, Naxos is a great location for your next beach break.

Paros is more cosmopolitan and fancy, and Naxos feels a bit more rural and authentic. During August Paros tends to be busy as it is one of the favorite islands of the Greek holidaymakers, while on Naxos you will never feel crowded. Both islands are family-friendly, while Paros is a better option for couples.

To save time, consider flying. Compared with boats, flights are less likely to be delayed or cancelled, tend to offer more frequent connections, and are much faster — but often more expensive. Two major Greek carriers offer daily flights from Athens to many Greek islands are Olympic Airlines and Aegean Airlines.

Naxos ferries connect Cyclades Islands with Cyclades Islands, Athens, Crete & Dodecanese Islands with crossings available to Paros, Syros, Santorini (Thira), Mykonos, Schinoussa, Anafi, Katapola, Aegiali, Donoussa, Ios, Iraklia, Koufonissi, Tinos, Milos, Sikinos, Folegandros, Thirasia, Sifnos, Kea, Kythnos, Andros & ...

Experience the beauty of the island of Santorini on a full-day boat trip from Naxos. Get breathtaking views of the volcanic caldera and explore the villages of Oia and Fira.

The main Naxos ferry port is the one at Naxos Town. It is the only port that can accept large ferries and its orientation is such that it is often battered by the winds from the north. However, it seems that the cost of creating a new port is such that things will remain as they are for quite a while.

With Seajets which is the fastest ferry company on this route you can arrive in 3h 25m. On this route, you can find both direct trips and those with stops at other islands. Typically, these stops will be Paros, Santorini (thera), Syros, Mykonos, Heraklion, crete and Ios.

The 2 main ports of Western Greece serving ferry routes to the Ionian Islands are Patras and Igoumenitsa. Usually, ferries depart from Patras to the southern islands of the group such as Zante (Zakynthos), Kefalonia and Ithaca.

Chora, the main town of Naxos, is the capital town of Naxos island. It is considered one of the most beautiful villages among the Cyclades islands for its fine architecture that combines Venetian and Cycladic elements.

Is there more than one port in Naxos? ›

Both types dock at the two main ports Piraeus and Rafina. Although Piraeus port carries the vast majority of passengers to Naxos, operating all year round, Rafina port itineraries are only available during middle and high season.

Portara – the symbol of Naxos

It is located on a small promontory, overlooking the island of Delos, the mythological birthplace of Apollo and his sister Artemis. I especially recommended visiting Portara for sunrise or sunset.

To save time, consider flying. Compared with boats, flights are less likely to be delayed or cancelled, tend to offer more frequent connections, and are much faster — but often more expensive. Two major Greek carriers offer daily flights from Athens to many Greek islands are Olympic Airlines and Aegean Airlines.

There are daily ferries from Athens to Naxos year-round, with frequency increasing in the summer months. The length of the ride varies depending on what boat you choose. Highspeed catamaran ferries can reach Naxos from Athens in 3 to 4 hours. Larger, Blue Star ferries take 5 to 6 hours.

You can use a boat from the main ports of Athens (Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio). There is a daily ferry from Athens (Piraeus) all year round. During the high season, all three ports serve regular routes to and from the island. Alternatively, you can fly directly from the International Airport of Athens.

Do Greek island ferries sell out quickly? Not all Greek ferries sell out fast but if you're planning to take your vehicle aboard, book a cabin or get an early booking offer, it's better to book your ferry tickets in advance. Also, you should note that some Greek island ferries are seasonal with limited onboard seating.