Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades islands and, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful of all Greek islands. Despite being relatively underrated, compared to the neighboring islands like Paros and Mykonos, it has lots of archaelogical sites, monuments, beautiful landscapes, picturesque villages, hiking paths and serene beaches. It’s the greenest Cycladic island. Naxos is 176 km away from Athens, and that makes it one of the most frequently-visited islands of the Cyclades as well. It is easy to reach the place either by cost-effective ferry or by time-friendly plane from many different locations around Greece, including Athens and nearby islands.
How do you get to Naxos by ferry?
First of all, assuming that you’re planning a daily excursion from Athens, there is a regular ferry connection between Naxos and Athenian ports. The ferry from Athens to Naxos usually makes a stop at the port of Paros. Other possible routes may take you to Cyclades such as Andros, Tinos and Mykonos.
Ferries depart from both Rafina and Piraeus ports. However, the connection from Rafina is only available during the summer season. Still, since Piraeus will be very hectic during this high season, an alternative route will be a big adventage. Rafina port is located closer to Eleftherios Venizelos airport, while Piraeus port is spotted closer to the city center.
How long is ferry from Athens to Naxos? What’s the cost?
In each case, the trip lasts from 4 to 6 hours depending on whether your ferry is a normal one or a high speed. From Naxos, you can reach to other Cycladic islands by “Skopelitis”, the local express ferry. You can travel to Naxos by ferry from many different islands of the Aegean sea as well. The cost of ferries from Athens to Naxos starts from 39,50€.
Can you get to Naxos by plane?
Thankfully, there’s an airport in the island. Naxos National Airport “Apollon”, which is located close to Agios Prokopios – about 3 km away from Naxos towncentre, receives only domestic flights from Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”. The main airlines are Aegean Air, Olympic Air and Sky Express. Most common departure time from Athens is early in the morning, but high season comes with afternoon flights as well. A direct flight from Athens to Naxos lasts about 30 or 40 minutes. Costs start from 55€.
