Getting from Athens to Naxos

If you are heading to Naxos from Athens you are going to the largest island in the Cyclades and one of the most satisfying. Naxos has everything: a medieval Venetian town built around a castle on a hill above the port, beaches on the west coast that run for kilometres of flat sand, a mountainous interior of marble villages and ancient temples, excellent local food including its famous potatoes and cheese, and a size large enough that it never feels overwhelmed by visitors. The marble doorway of the Temple of Apollo on the promontory above the harbour is one of the most iconic images in Greece and the first thing you see arriving by ferry.

Take the ferry

The Athens to Naxos ferry is one of the most heavily served routes in the Cyclades. Blue Star Ferries, Seajets, Fast Ferries and Golden Star Ferries all operate from Piraeus year-round with up to 6 daily crossings in summer. The fastest Seajets catamaran covers the distance in around 3 hours 20 minutes. Blue Star conventional ferries take around 5 to 5.5 hours but are more comfortable and considerably more pleasant for the crossing. Rafina on the northeastern Attica coast also has connections to Naxos, taking around 4 hours and useful if you are coming from Athens Airport. Book ahead in July and August.

What about flying?

Naxos has its own small airport with daily connections from Athens, operated by Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air. The flight takes around 45 minutes. For most travellers the ferry is the better option as the journey time difference is not significant once you factor in airport transfers, and arriving by sea into Naxos port is one of the great Cycladic arrivals.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Piraeus. The Blue Star overnight is a good option if you want to maximise time on the island. The Seajets fast catamaran at around 3 hours 20 minutes is the right choice if you want to travel in daylight and arrive quickly. Check Ferryhopper for the day's schedule and book ahead in peak summer.