We went to Naxos Island for a family vacation, and we loved it there! But before starting to share all the amazing things we did on this beautiful Greek island, there is one major topic to cover: How to get to Naxos? Ferry or plane— which one should you choose? How do you get to Naxos from Athens? Can you visit Naxos and then continue island hopping from there? You can find plenty of useful information and details about our journey in my blog post below.
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Why Have a Vacation on Naxos Island?
Naxos is a charming Greek island in the Aegean Sea, known for its stunning beaches and authentic ambiance. As the largest island in the Cyclades, it features crystal-clear waters and beautiful sandy shores. Nestled between Mykonos and Santorini, Naxos is quieter since it is not a cruise ship destination, making it an ideal choice for family summer vacations.
Is it possible to fly directly to Naxos in Greece?
Naxos Island has one airport serving only domestic flights. To reach Naxos from the US or Europe, you first fly into Athens International Airport and then take a domestic flight to Naxos. The airport is conveniently located just 3 km from Naxos Town.
How to get to Naxos from Athens?
You can either choose to get the plane or the ferry to get to Naxos from Athens.
Athens to Naxos ferry or flight
The flight duration to Naxos is approximately 40 minutes. In contrast, ferry travel time varies based on the type of ferry, typically taking between 3 to 6 hours. Clearly, planes are the faster option to get to Naxos. However, if you take the ferry, you can stroll around on board, enjoy the ferry deck, and have the chance to take in some breathtaking views of the Greek Islands and the Aegean Sea.
There are many domestic flights from Athens International Airport to Naxos. The good news is that plane tickets are almost as cheap as ferry tickets if you buy them in advance. However, I must emphasize the importance of purchasing tickets early because prices rise significantly closer to the summer months. In that case, flying to Naxos can become needlessly expensive, making a ferry ride the better option.
Ferries from Athens to Naxos
Ferries depart to Naxos from both Piraeus and Rafina ports in Athens. Generally, the routes do not go directly to Naxos but stop at nearby islands (like Mykonos and Paros) first. The duration and price vary depending on the speed of the ferry.
Typically, especially during high season, ferry tickets can be found for about half the price of a plane ticket. While the total cost may not differ significantly for one or two people, traveling by ferry is much more economical for a family of four, as our family does.
Our Journey from Athens to Naxos Island
We flew to Athens International Airport early in the morning. It was our first time in Greece, and we wanted to visit both some of the Greek islands and Athens. So, we planned to go to Naxos, Ios, and Santorini first and then return to explore Athens’ historic center.
After our morning flight, we headed to Rafina port, which is closer to the airport. We took a taxi from the airport to Rafina port (alternatively, public transport is also available). We arrived at the port around noon, and since we had some time, we enjoyed lunch at a delightful fish restaurant. Thus, I can say our vacation actually began at Rafina port.
When our ferry time arrived, we boarded the Sea Jets ferries. The ferry we boarded at 14:30 arrived in Naxos at 17:50.
Ferry ride from Athens to Naxos
We reached Naxos in 3 hours and 20 minutes with the Sea Jets fast ferry. There were alternative ferry companies that offered slightly cheaper tickets, with travel times of about 5 to 5.5 hours, but their schedules were either very early in the morning or late in the evening. Additionally, if you decide to go by ferry, it’s advisable to purchase your tickets in advance, as prices can increase based on availability.
You can purchase your tickets online at www.ferryhopper.com. There’s no need to print your ticket; you can simply show it on your mobile phone and have it scanned when boarding the ferry. For more information on ferry ticket prices and schedules, please visit the website.
Important Note for Super Savings!
When planning your vacation to the Greek islands, it’s crucial to check ferry schedules and prices before deciding how many days to spend on each island and booking your hotels, as ferry prices can change significantly from day to day. Once you identify the most convenient and cheapest ferries to the islands you wish to visit, then proceed to book your accommodations.
We first booked our hotels, assuming there would surely be ferries to hop from one island to another. Later, we realized that while ferries did exist, some routes had only one trip per day on certain days. This was a fast ferry that was quite expensive, but there were many cheaper alternatives if we traveled on different days. For example, after Naxos, we went to Ios, where there was only one daytime ferry priced at around €60. If we had chosen a different day, the ticket price could have dropped to €8. You can calculate the extra amount we had to pay as a family of four. 🙁 I wish we had read Tripomom.com before planning our vacation! :)))
How was the experience on the Greek island ferry?
We boarded the ferry and placed our luggage in the designated baggage area below (this area is where cars are parked, which felt a bit insecure to me, but it seems to work fine, as our bags were intact—thank goodness! :)).
Then, we moved to the passenger section and found our numbered seats. We had chosen our seats from the cheapest economy section, which turned out to be the wisest choice. The seats were comfortable, and the spacious halls were air-conditioned, offering a cool and refreshing atmosphere. Additionally, there was a café on board where you could purchase small snacks.
Although the journey was on a high-speed ferry, we were allowed to go out onto the deck. Of course, the wind tousled our hair, and saltwater splashed onto our skin, but it was incredibly enjoyable to spend time on the Aegean Sea.
Ferry stops on the way to Naxos
The ferry made stops at the islands of Andros, Tinos, and Mykonos along the way before we arrived in Naxos.
Mykonos Island is very close to Naxos, being the last stop before we arrived. The ferry ride from Mykonos to Naxos takes only 40 minutes. Although we chose not to stop there, Mykonos is easily accessible for a day trip from Naxos.
Shortly after leaving Mykonos, we arrived at Naxos Island. As we approached the port, the famous Portara, the island’s symbol, greeted us. We quickly made our way to the exit, collected our luggage, and disembarked. Since the ferry only stops for a few minutes at each island, it’s essential to be prepared before reaching the port. After we got off, the ferry continued on its way to Paros, the next island on its route.
Have you been to Naxos Island before? How did you get there? I would love to hear about some alternative routes.
