Getting from Elafonisos to Naxos

If you are heading to Naxos from Elafonisos you are making your way from a small island off the southern Peloponnese coast 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

Elafonisos has no ferry connection to the wider Greek ferry network. The only ferry from Elafonisos is the short 10 minute crossing to Pounta on the southern Peloponnese, which runs every 30 minutes in summer. Getting to Naxos means taking the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta and then driving north to Piraeus for 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.

Getting there by air

Naxos has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Elafonisos has no airport. The nearest airport is Athens, around 3.5 to 4 hours by car from Pounta. Taking the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, driving north to Athens and flying from Athens to Naxos takes around 40 to 45 minutes on the second leg. Total journey time is around 6 to 7 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, drive north to Athens and fly from Athens to Naxos or take the Piraeus to Naxos ferry. Having a car is essential for the Pounta to Athens leg as the KTEL bus connection is slow and infrequent. 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 from Piraeus takes your vehicle directly to Naxos Town port.