Getting from Astypalaia to Naxos

If you are heading to Naxos from Astypalaia you are making your way from a butterfly-shaped island between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese to the largest island in the Cyclades, relatively close in geographic terms. 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 a seasonal direct ferry from Astypalaia to Naxos running in summer on the wider Blue Star route. The service runs a limited number of times per week and takes around 3 to 5 hours depending on the vessel and stops. It is one of the most natural connections from Astypalaia into the Cyclades and avoids going through Athens entirely.

Getting there by air

Naxos has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Astypalaia has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Astypalaia to Athens and then Athens to Naxos takes around 40 to 45 minutes on the second leg. Total journey time is around 4 to 5 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the seasonal direct ferry from Astypalaia to Naxos when the schedule works for your dates. It is the most natural and enjoyable connection and avoids Athens entirely. If the timing does not align, fly from Astypalaia to Athens and then fly to Naxos. The arrival by sea with the Portara temple doorframe visible from the water is one of the great Cycladic arrivals. If you are traveling with a car, the conventional ferry takes your vehicle directly to Naxos Town port.