Getting from Chios to Naxos

If you are heading to Naxos from Chios you are making your way from one of the most overlooked islands in the northeastern Aegean to the largest island in the Cyclades, on the opposite side of Greece. 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 Chios to Naxos. Getting there by sea means taking the overnight Chios to Piraeus ferry, which runs around 3 times a week and takes around 9 hours, 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. Alternatively take the ferry from Chios to Mykonos and then the short Mykonos to Naxos ferry, which keeps the journey within the Aegean island network without going through Piraeus.

Getting there by air

Naxos has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Chios has its own airport with daily connections from Athens. Flying from Chios 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

Fly from Chios to Athens and then fly to Naxos. It is the fastest and most practical approach. The arrival by sea with the Portara temple doorframe visible from the water is one of the great Cycladic arrivals, so if you prefer the ferry, take the overnight boat to Piraeus and board the Piraeus to Naxos connection. If you are traveling with a car, the conventional ferry from Piraeus takes your vehicle directly to Naxos Town port.