How to Get to Naxos: Ferries, Flights & Arrival Tips
Ferries, flights and island-hopping to Naxos — plus what to do the moment you land.
Written by locals who drive these roads every day
Naxos sits in the heart of the Cyclades, which makes it one of the easiest Greek islands to reach — by ferry from Athens or almost any neighbouring island, or by air into its small, friendly airport. Here’s every option, with honest local advice on which to choose, plus what to do the moment you arrive.
Option 1: Ferry from Athens (the classic way)
Ferries to Naxos leave from Piraeus, Athens’ main port, and in summer also from Rafina (closer to Athens Airport).
- Conventional ferry (Blue Star): about 5.5–6 hours from Piraeus. Cheapest, most comfortable, sails in almost any weather, and you can walk around on deck. Locals’ choice.
- High-speed ferry: about 3.5–4 hours. Roughly double the price, airline-style seating, and more affected by the meltemi wind in July–August.
- From Rafina: high-speed services in season take around 3.5–4.5 hours — convenient if you land at Athens Airport and go straight to the islands without visiting Athens.
Book ahead for July–August and Easter — cabins and cars sell out first, deck seats last. Naxos is a major stop, so there are multiple departures daily in season.
Option 2: Fly to Naxos (JNX)
Naxos Island National Airport (JNX) is tiny — one runway, a few minutes from plane to curb — and sits just 3 km south of Naxos Town. Olympic/Aegean operate short hops from Athens (about 40 minutes) year-round, and seasonal European charters appear in summer. Seats are limited and prices rise fast, so book flights as early as you book your hotel.
Landing at JNX is wonderfully simple: your bag appears quickly, and if your rental car is waiting at the curb — we deliver to the airport for free — you can be swimming at Agios Prokopios beach within 25 minutes of touchdown. More detail in our Naxos Airport guide.
Option 3: Island-hopping to Naxos
Naxos connects daily in season with the whole southern Aegean:
| From | Approx. time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paros | 30–45 min | Constant service, practically a shuttle |
| Mykonos | 40–60 min | Multiple high-speeds daily in season |
| Santorini | 1.5–2 h | Popular route; book ahead in August |
| Ios | 50–60 min | Daily in season |
| Amorgos / Small Cyclades | 1–2.5 h | Express Skopelitis local ferry — an experience in itself |
Arriving by ferry or flight?
We hand you the keys at Naxos Port or Naxos Airport — free delivery, no counters, no queues.
Arriving at Naxos Port: what to expect
Ferries dock right at the edge of Naxos Town, beneath the Portara — the massive marble temple gateway that is the island’s landmark. The port is walkable to most Chora hotels, but be warned: disembarking in August is busy, taxis are few (the whole island has only a couple of dozen), and the bus station gets crowded. If your accommodation is outside town — Agios Prokopios, Plaka, Mikri Vigla or a village — pre-arranged car delivery at the port is by far the smoothest arrival.
Which option should you choose?
- First time in Greece, coming via Athens: fly into Athens, high-speed ferry from Piraeus. You’ll see the islands roll past and arrive under the Portara.
- Short trip, no Athens stopover: fly Athens → JNX; 40 minutes and you’re on island time.
- Island-hopping: Naxos slots perfectly between Paros/Mykonos and Santorini — do 3+ nights, it’s a big island.
- Travelling with your own car from Athens: the Blue Star conventional ferry carries vehicles — but honestly, renting on the island is usually cheaper than two ferry car tickets, and you get a car suited to Naxos roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
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