Getting from Thessaloniki to Naxos

If you are heading to Naxos from Thessaloniki you are making your way from the second largest city in Greece to the largest island in the Cyclades, on the opposite side of the country. It has a medieval Venetian town above the port, long sandy beaches on the west coast and a mountainous interior of marble villages.

Getting there by air

Naxos has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Thessaloniki has an international airport with daily connections to Athens. Flying from Thessaloniki to Athens and then Athens to Naxos takes around 40 to 45 minutes on the second leg. Total journey time is around 3 to 4 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Take the train, bus or drive

Thessaloniki is connected to Athens by train, taking around 4 to 5 hours, and by KTEL bus, taking around 5 to 6 hours. From Athens the Piraeus to Naxos ferry runs up to 7 daily departures in summer and takes around 3.5 to 5.5 hours. The drive from Thessaloniki to Piraeus takes around 5 to 6 hours via the E75 motorway. All three options suit travelers with a car as the conventional ferry takes vehicles directly to Naxos Town port.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Thessaloniki to Naxos. Getting there means traveling to Piraeus for the ferry to Naxos.

Your best option

Fly from Thessaloniki to Athens and then fly from Athens to Naxos. It is the fastest and most practical approach at around 3 to 4 hours total. The arrival by sea with the Portara temple doorframe visible from the water is one of the great Cycladic arrivals, so if time allows the Piraeus to Naxos ferry is a rewarding alternative. If you are traveling with a car, drive from Thessaloniki to Piraeus via the E75 motorway and board the conventional ferry which takes your vehicle directly to Naxos Town port.