Getting from Astakos to Naxos

If you are heading to Naxos from Astakos you are making your way from a port town on the western coast of central Greece to the largest island in the Cyclades, on the opposite side of the country. It has a medieval Venetian town above the port, long sandy beaches on the west coast and a mountainous interior of marble villages.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Astakos to Naxos. Astakos ferry connections are limited to Kefalonia and Ithaca. Getting to Naxos means driving from Astakos to Athens, which takes around 3.5 hours, and then taking the Piraeus to Naxos ferry, which runs up to 7 daily departures in summer and takes around 3.5 to 5.5 hours. Alternatively drive to Athens and fly to Naxos, which takes around 40 to 45 minutes in the air.

Getting there by air

Naxos has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Astakos has no airport either. Driving from Astakos to Athens and flying to Naxos takes around 40 to 45 minutes on the second leg. Total journey time is around 5 to 6 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Drive from Astakos to Athens and take the Piraeus to Naxos ferry. The ferry delivers you directly to Naxos Town port with the Portara temple doorframe visible from the water as you arrive, making it one of the great Cycladic arrivals. If you prefer to fly, drive to Athens and fly to Naxos. If you are traveling with a car, the conventional ferry from Piraeus takes your vehicle directly to the island.