Getting from Santorini to Naxos

If you are heading to Naxos from Santorini you are making one of the best moves on the Cyclades circuit. Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades and the most varied, with a coastline that stretches for kilometres of fine sandy beaches on the west and north, a mountainous interior of ancient villages, Byzantine churches and marble quarries, a Venetian castle rising above the old town of Chora and some of the finest local produce in Greece. The potatoes, the cheeses, the citrus liqueur, the kitron made from citron fruit, the local pork — Naxos feeds itself and has always been able to. It is an island that works on multiple levels and rewards people who stay long enough to get beyond the beaches.

Take the ferry

The Santorini to Naxos ferry is one of the best short hops in the Cyclades and the obvious way to make this journey. Blue Star Ferries, Seajets and Golden Star Ferries all serve the route year-round with up to 8 daily crossings in summer. The fastest Seajets high-speed catamaran covers the 43 nautical miles in around 1 hour 10 minutes. Blue Star conventional ferries take around 2 to 2.5 hours but are more stable, more spacious and considerably more comfortable if the Meltemi winds are up. The stretch between Santorini and Naxos can get choppy in July and August so if you are prone to seasickness, take the Blue Star and sit midship. Book ahead in summer as this is a popular route.

What about flying?

Both islands have airports but there are no direct flights between them. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights and almost all island to island travel goes through Athens. Flying via Athens would add several hours to a journey that the ferry covers in under 2 hours. The ferry is the only sensible choice on this route.

Your best option

Take the ferry. It is one of the few cases in Greek island travel where the answer requires no deliberation. The crossing is short, the service is frequent and you arrive directly into Naxos harbour with the Portara, the massive marble gate of an unfinished ancient temple, standing on the islet just to the left as you dock.