Getting from Chania to Naxos

If you are heading to Naxos from Chania you are making your way from the most intimate of Crete's three main cities to the largest island in the Cyclades, to the north. 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 Chania to Naxos running in summer on the wider Blue Star route that connects Crete with the Cyclades. The service runs a limited number of times per week and takes several hours with stops along the way. It is one of the more natural sea connections between Crete and the Cyclades and avoids going through Athens entirely. Alternatively take the overnight ferry from Chania to Piraeus and then the Piraeus to Naxos ferry, which runs up to 7 daily departures in summer and takes around 3.5 to 5.5 hours.

Getting there by air

Naxos has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Chania has an international airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Chania 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 Chania to Naxos when the schedule works for your dates. It avoids Athens entirely and is the most enjoyable approach. If the timing does not align, fly from Chania 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, take the overnight ferry from Chania to Piraeus and board the conventional Piraeus to Naxos ferry, which takes your vehicle directly to the island.