Naxos Greece 2017 Traveler guide

The largest island of the Cyclades, Naxos is built within a Venetian fortress. Travelers are welcomed by a massive 8-meter-high stone gateway known as the Portara, a 2,500-year-old remnant of an ancient temple dedicated to Delian Apollo facing the sacred island of Delos.

Once the heart of Cycladic culture, Naxos is today one of Greece’s most self-sufficient islands home to some 12,000 permanent residents due to its fertile land and local supply of water.

Its capital, Chora or Naxos town, is a mix of traditional Cycladic architecture, below a Venetian fortress complete with stone walkways and white-washed alleys. The hustle and bustle is here as it is also the island’s main port.

Things to do on Naxos

Naxos Greece Portara stone gateway

2,500-year-old stone gateway known as the Portara, dedicated to Delian Apollo

Stroll the Castro: Overlooking the Chora is the Venetian-inspired castle complete with cathedrals, courtyards, towers and mansions. At the Castro you will find the historic French School which was run by Catholic nuns of the Ursuline order. Nikos Kazantzakis attended the Jesuit Commercial School, where he is said to have penned ”Zobra the Greek’’ and “Report to Greco”. Built in 1207, the Castro today also hosts summer concerts and exhibitions.

Indulge: Naxos is known for the wide variety of its cheeses including a wide choice of locally produced graviera (gryere), afromyzithra, kopanisti and cream cheese. But the most unique is the Arseniko. Made of goat milk, it is considered the king of all cheeses due to its sharp taste and long history – records place it as back as 1000 AD in the village of Koronos.

Being the most fertile of the Cyclades, Naxos is also known for its famed potato, fresh vegetables, wealth of herbs and fine meats and of course for its very own lemon-citrus liquor known as ‘’kitron” and Naxian wine.

The island is growing into a foodies’ choice destination due to the sheer variety of dishes prepared with local products.

Visit the villages of Apeiranthos and Halki. Apeiranthos is a tiny village some 28km from Chora at the foot of Mt Fanari said to have been established by Cretans, which explains the similarities in traditions. Besides being known for its active participation in politics, the village also houses the Museum of Natural History.

In Halki, meanwhile, sit at the ‘’plateia” (central square) and enjoy village life in action. Besides its traditional square, Halki is also known as the home of ‘’kitron’’. Learn more about the local spirit at the Vallindras Distillery and museum, which has been distilling the liqueur since 1896.

Naxos Greece 2017 traveler guide

Chalki Village in Naxos, Greece

Swim: If there ever was a place to swim then Naxos is it. Long beaches with crystal clear turquoise waters and ultra fine sand promise to keep you on the beach all day long. Favorites? Agia Anna, Agios Prokopios, Agios Georgios, Kastraki, Mikri Vigla and Plaka for nudist bathing.

Snorkle your way to Panagia Parthena islet. Some 600m from Mikri Vigla beach lies an islet and its tiny 250-year-old chapel. Besides offering excellent snorkelling conditions, you can swim or kayak.

Like neighboring Paros, Naxos is also emerging as a top windsurfing and kitesurfing hotspot due to the summer ”meltemi” winds.

Visit the Folk Museum located in the Chora, this private collection of traditional items sheds light on the domestic practices of yesteryear including winemaking and cheese production, farming, bee-keeping, weaving and bread-making.

Find the lost Kouros – There are three kouros on the island –  a kouros is a large marble statue of a male youth dating back to the  6th and 7th centuries BC. The largest (10 meter-tall) is near the fishing village of Apollonas on the northeastern side of the island. The smaller two can be found amid lush vegetation in the valley of Flerio, near Mili.

How to get to Naxos?

Getting to Naxos is easy: there are daily ferry connections from the ports of Piraeus and Rafina in the summer with the car ferry taking about four hours, the faster sea jets (catamarans) around 2.5 hours and daily flights from Athens International Airport to Naxos Airport, about 3km from Naxos town (Chora).

There are also regular ferry services from Naxos to Paros, Amorgos, Anafi, Astypalea, Donousa, Folegandros, Ios, Santorini, Mykonos and Heraklion on Crete.

What’s near Naxos?

Small Cyclades (known as Mikres Cyclades in Greek) are a set to tiny  inhabited islands: Donousa, Ano and Kato Koufonisi, Keros (uninhabited), Schinousa and Irakleia renowned for their back-to-basics island life and pristine beaches with regular access by local ferry or boat from Naxos.

Ferries to Naxos / Athens to Naxos / Naxos ferry tickets

From Athens, Piraeus port to Naxos in 2017

Blue Star Ferries schedules to Naxos

  • Daily at 07:25 with the Blue Star Delos.
  • Until 31/03 daily except Saturdays at 17:30 with the Blue Star Naxos
  • From 01/04 until 31/10 at 17:30 with the Blue Star Naxos or Blue Star Patmos.
  • From 25/06 until 03/09 every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at 06:45 with the Blue Star Naxos .
  • From 15/07 until 12/08 every Saturday at 09:00 with the Blue Star 2

Hellenic Seaways ferry schedules to Naxos

  • From 07/04/2016 until 01/10 at 07:15 with the Highspeed 4
  • From 31/03 until 15/06 & from 11/09  until 29/9  every Monday – Wednesday – Thursday – Friday at 16:30 with the Nissos Samos
  • From 16/6 until 10/9 daily  at 23:55 with the Nissos Samos

Seajets ferry schedules to Naxos

  • From 24/03 until 18/05 & from 01/10 until 31/10 at 07:00 with the Seajet2
  • From 19/05 until 24/09  at 07:00 with the Champion jet 1
  • From 25/09 until 30/09 at 07:00 with the Superjet

From Athens, Rafina port to Naxos in 2017

Fast Ferries ferry schedules to Naxos in 2017

  • From  08/04 until 10/06 & from 18/09 until 08/10 daily at 08:05 with Ekaterini P
  • From 11/06 until 17/09 daily except Sundays at 08:05 with Ekaterini P or Theologos
  • From 11/06 until 17/09 every Sunday at 07:25 with Ekaterini P or Theologos

Seajets ferry schedules to Naxos in 2017

  • From 19/05 until 31/05 daily except Sundays at 15:45 with the Superjet
  • From 01/06 until 30/09 daily at 07:10 with the Terrajet
  • From 01/06 until 30/09 daily except Sundays at 15:45 with the Terrajet

From Athens, Lavrio Port to Naxos in 2017

Hellenic Seaways ferry schedules to Naxos in 2017

  • Every Friday at 07:00 with the Artemis (schedule is not officially approved yet)

All ferries from Athens to Naxos are available for online booking via danae.travel

How much does it cost to travel to Naxos / Naxos ferry tickets price

Prices for 2017 ferries connecting Athens’ main port of Piraeus to Naxos start at 35.00 euros per person in economy and for ferries connecting Athens’ port of Rafina to Naxos start at 30.00 euros. Ferry schedules and prices from Athens’ port of Lavrio have not been announced yet.

There are both conventional and high speed ferries operating the ferry route. Below you can find the prices for each company and vessel operating the Athens – Naxos ferry routes in 2017:

From Athens, Piraeus port to Naxos:

Prices with Blue Star Ferries from Athens, Piraeus Port to Naxos

The Blue Star Delos morning ferry from Piraeus to Naxos offers both seats and cabins at the following rates:

  • Economy deck / lounge: 36.00 euros
  • Economy numbered seats: 41.00 euros
  • Business Class lounge: 50.00 euros
  • Internal 4-bed cabin: 57.50 euros per bed.
  • External 4-bed cabin: 59.50 euros per bed.
  • External single cabin: 86.50 euros
  • External 2-bed cabin: 133.00 euros
  • LUX external double bed cabin: 148.00 euros
  • LUX external single cabin: 96.00 euros

The Blue Star Patmos afternoon ferry from Piraeus to Naxos offers both seats and cabins at the following rates:

  • Economy deck / lounge: 36.00 euros
  • Economy numbered seats: 41.00 euros
  • Business Class lounge: 50.00 euros
  • Internal 2-bed cabin: 64.50 euros per bed
  • Internal 4-bed cabin: 57.50 euros per bed
  • External 4-bed cabin: 59.50 euros per bed.
  • External single cabin: 86.50 euros
  • External 2-bed cabin: 133.00 euros
  • LUX external single cabin: 96.00 euros

The Blue Star Naxos ferry from Piraeus to Naxos offers both seats and cabins at the following rates:

  • Economy deck / lounge: 36.00 euros
  • Economy numbered seats: 41 euros
  • Business Class lounge: 50 euros.
  • External 4-bed cabin: 59.50 euros per bed.

The Blue Star 2 morning ferry from Piraeus to Naxos offers both seats and cabins at the following rates:

  • Economy deck / lounge: 36.00 euros
  • Economy numbered seats: 41.00 euros
  • Business Class lounge: 50.00 euros
  • Internal 2-bed cabin: 64.50 euros per bed.
  • External 4-bed cabin: 59.50 euros per bed.
  • External 2-bed cabin: 66.50 euros per bed
  • External 3-bed cabin: 59.50 euros per bed
  • External single cabin: 86.50 euros
  • External 2-bed cabin: 133.00 euros
  • LUX external cabin: 148.00 euros
  • LUX 2-bed external cabin: 74.00 euros per bed

Prices with Hellenic Seaways from Athens, Piraeus port to Naxos

The Highspeed 4 morning ferry from Piraeus to Naxos offers 3 types of seats at the following rates:

  • Economy numbered seat: 50.50 euros
  • Economy table seat: 50.50 euros
  • Business numbered seat: 60.50 euros
  • Business table seat: 60.50 euros
  • VIP numbered seat: 68.00 euros
  • VIP table seat: 68,00 euros

The Nissos Samos afternoon and night ferry from Piraeus to Paros offers both seats and cabins at the following rates:

  • Economy deck / lounge: 35.00 euros
  • Economy numbered seats: 40.00 euros
  • Internal cabin 3 or 4-bed: 56.50 euros per bed
  • Internal 2-bed cabin: 63.00 euros per bed
  • External 3 or 4-bed cabin: 58.50 euros per bed
  • External 2-bed cabin: 65.00 euros per bed
  • LUX external 2-person cabin: 70.00 – 80.00 euros / person

Prices with Seajets from Athens, Piraeus port to Naxos

The SeaJet 2 morning ferry from Piraeus to Naxos offers 2 types of seats at the following rates:

  • Economy (silver) numbered seat: 59.70 euros
  • Business (club) numbered seat: 75.00 euros

The Champion Jet 1 morning ferry from Piraeus to Naxos offers 3 types of seats at the following rates:

  • Economy (silver) numbered seat: 59.70 euros
  • Business (club) numbered seat: 75.00 euros
  • VIP (Platinum) numbered seat: 79.80 euros

The SuperJet morning ferry from Piraeus to Naxos offers 3 types of seats at the following rates:

  • Economy (silver) numbered seat: 59.70 euros
  • Business (club) numbered seat: 75.00 euros
From Athens, Rafina port to Naxos

Prices with SeaJets from Athens, Rafina port to Naxos

The Superjet afternoon ferry from Rafina to Naxos offers 2 types of seats at the following rates:

  • Economy (silver) numbered seat: 60.00 euros
  • Business (club) numbered seat: 68.80 euros

The TerraJet morning & afternoon ferry from Rafina to Naxos offers 3 types of seats at the following rates:

  • Economy (silver) numbered seat: 48.80 euros
  • Business (club) numbered seat: 68.80 euros
  • VIP (platinum) numbered seat: 76.00 euros

Prices with Fast Ferries from Athens, Rafina port to Naxos

The Ekaterini P. morning schedule from Rafina to Naxos offers 3 types of accommodation at the following rates:

  • Economy lounge / deck: 30.00 euros
  • Economy numbered seats: 33.00 euros
  • Business lounge: 45.00 euros

All ferries from Athens to Naxos are available for online booking via danae.travel

Naxos port – Information for travelers

Naxos port is in the Chora and caters to incoming ferries, high-speed vessels, sailboats and catamarans. The marina offers docking facilities including water and electricity. Travelers can find, in walking distance, around the port cafes & restaurants, travel agents and ATM’s.

Athens ports with ferry departures to Naxos

Athens has three ports: Piraeus, which is the main port, Rafina, a secondary port on the northeastern coast of Attica and the not-as-busy port of Lavrio, southeastern Attica.

Information about Piraeus Port – Athens
How to reach the port of Piraeus:

Piraeus port is near Athens and can be reached by metro, train, bus and taxis both from the Athens city center and from Athens International Airport (AIA):

  • From Athens International Airport: Take the express bus X96. It takes you directly to the port, its frequent, cheap and quite fast. It usually takes about 60-90 minutes. The cost is 5 euros / adult. Check the timetables on screens inside the airport. The X96 bus stop is just outside the arrivals level at the airport (check the signs). At the port, the bus stop is near Gate E6 (also close to the metro station). If you choose to take a taxi, it will cost you 50-60 euros and it will take you around 60 minutes.
  • From the center of Athens: The best way to reach Piraeus port from the center of Athens is by metro / train. You can catch it from the Monastiraki or Omonia stations. It costs 1.40 euros and takes under 30 minutes. If you choose to take a taxi, it will cost you just under 30 euros and it will take you about 30 to 40 minutes. With heavy traffic it might take you up to an hour. If you prefer traveling by bus, there are two options:
    • From Syntagma Square to Piraeus: Bus 040, Piraeus bus stop: Korai Square (close to the Municipal Theater) and then a 10-minute walk to Gate E9.
    • From Omonia Square to Piraeus: Bus 049, Piraeus bus stop: Korai square (close to the Municipal Theater) and then a 10-minute walk to Gate E9.

We can arrange a private transfer for you from your hotel in Athens to Piraeus port or from the Athens International Airport to the port. You can also book online via danae.travel together with your ferry tickets.

Where or which gates do the ferries to Naxos depart from at Piraeus port? 

  • Blue Star Ferries to Paros depart from Gate E7
  • Hellenic Seaways ferries to Paros depart from Gate E7
  • Seajets ferries to Paros depart from Gate E9

Note: There is a running port bus which connects departure gates.

Map of Piraeus port:

Piraeus port map

Athens, Piraeus Port map

Athens, Rafina port Information

Rafina, the secondary port of Athens, is on the northeastern coast of Attica. It is further out from the center of Athens but closer to the airport. Rafina is convenient for travelers traveling to the Northern Cyclades islands of Andros, Tinos and Mykonos as the travel time is much shorter. It is also convenient for those catching a ferry a couple of hours after their arrival at Athens International Airport and who wish to avoid the city center. If your ferry departs from Rafina early in the morning, spending a night in Rafina could be smart. The Avra Hotel is right next to the port. Reaching Rafina from the center of Athens with public transport is not very convenient.

How to reach the Athens port of Rafina:

  • From Athens International airport: Take the regional bus (KTEL) to Rafina port from the arrivals level. It runs every hour from 04:35 to 22:20 and will take you a little under 1 hour. Your only other choice is a taxi.
  • From the center of Athens: Take the regional bus (KTEL) to Rafina port from Mavromateon St on Pedion Areos Park. It runs every 30 minutes from 05:45 to 22:30 and will take you about 90 minutes. Again, your only other choice is a taxi.

How long is the ferry ride from Athens to Naxos?

In brief: Ferries to Naxos take between 2.5 and 5 hours. With a conventional ferry its around 4.5 hours and with a high-speed ferry between 2.5 and 3 hours.

The Blue Star Naxos morning schedule takes about 6 hours, departs from Athens via Piraeus at 17:30 and arrives in Naxos at 23:35. The Blue Star Delos morning route takes about 5 hours, departs from Piraeus at 07:25 and arrives in Naxos at 12:30. The Blue Star Patmos afternoon ferry also takes about 5 hours 15 min hours, departs from Piraeus at 17:30 and arrives in Naxos at 22:45.

The Hellenic Seaways, HighSpeed 4 morning schedule from Athens’ port of Piraeus takes 4 hours, departs at 07:15 and arrives in Naxos at 11:10. Its afternoon and night routes with the Nissos Samos from Athens, Piraeus port, takes a little less than 6 hours to reach Naxos

The Seajets, Champion Jet 1, the Seajet 2 and the SuperJet from Athens, Piraeus port to Naxos takes a little over 3 hours and 30 minutes, departs Piraeus at 07:00 and arrives in Naxos at 10:30. The TerraJet morning and afternoon ferries from Athens’ Rafina port to Naxos takes 4 hours 15 minutes. On its way to Naxos, it stops at the islands of Tinos, Mykonos and Paros.

The Fast Ferries Ekaterini & Theologos from Athens Rafina port to Naxos takes 6 hours 30 minutes and departs Rafina at 08:05 and arrives in Naxos at 14:20. On its way to Naxos it stops in Andros, Tinos and Mykonos.

Slow vs. High-speed ferries from Athens to Naxos

On conventional ferries there are more facilities like lounges, cabins, dining areas, shops, etc. You can go outside on the deck, walk around the different internal and external areas and in general have a more relaxed journey. They may be slower, but conventional ferries can travel in high winds. What’s more, if you are traveling with young children, there is more space for them to move around and explore. Conventional ferries are also cheaper than high-speed ferries.

Blue Star, Hellenic Seaways and Seajets operate modern vessels offering comfortable accommodation. Seajets “SuperJet” is a small fast hydrofoil. The Fast Ferries “Ekaterini” from Rafina is a large slow conventional ferry.

High-speed ferries are separated into 3 main categories:

  • Large catamarans like the Highspeed 4 which also transport vehicles.
  • Large mono-hauls like the TerraJet which also transport vehicles.
  • Smaller passenger-only hydrofoils like the Superjet or the Flying Cats.

On high speed ferries, passengers cannot go outside. All seats are numbered airplane-type seats. Both Hellenic Seaways and Seajets have a bar offering snacks and beverages. Small hydrofoils do not travel in high winds and when the sea is rough offer a bumpy ride.

Media on vessels connecting Athens to Naxos

Check out the ferries connecting Athens to Naxos below:

Blue Star Delos (morning schedule from Piraeus)

Blue Star Patmos (afternoon schedule from Piraeus)

Blue Star Naxos

Highspeed 4 (morning schedule from Piraeus)

Hellenic Seaways Highspeed 4 schedules for 2017

Click here to see a 360° Tour of the Hellenic Seaways Highspeed 6 presented by Hellenic Seaways

Nissos Samos (afternoon & night schedule from Piraeus)

Hellenic Seaways Nissos Samos

Hellenic Seaways Nissos Samos

Nissos Samos Interior Business Lounge

Nissos Samos interior business lounge

Nissos Samos Interior Economy Lounge

Nissos Samos interior economy lounge

Nissos Samos Interior Economy Numbered Seats

Nissos Samos interior airplane-type seats

Champion Jet 1 (morning schedule from Piraeus)

Champion Jet 1 Exterior

Champion Jet 1 Exterior

To see a 360 tour of the Champion Jet 1 click here.

Terrajet

TerraJet Naxos Greece 2017 Traveler Guide

TerraJet by SeaJets

Seajet 2 & SuperJet

Seajet 2 exterior

Seajet 2 exterior

The Fast ferries Theologos & Ekaterini from Rafina Port

Fast Ferries Naxos Greece 2017 Traveler Guide

Fast Ferries

Which other Greek islands is Naxos connected to?

From Naxos, you can catch a ferry to the following islands (next to each island, you will find a price indication):

  • Mykonos: 17.00 euro per person
  • Tinos: 18.00 euro per person
  • Anafi: 12.90 euro per person
  • Folegandros: 10.90 euro per person
  • Ios: 9.70 euro per person
  • Santorini: 13.30 euro per person
  • Sikinos: 7.30 euro per person
  • Thirassia: 12.00 euro per person
  • Syros: 9.70 euro per person
  • Paros: 6.20 euro per person
  • Aegiali (Amorgos): 11.90 euro per person
  • Katapola (Amorgos): 11.70 euro per person
  • Donoussa: 7.30 euro per person
  • Iraklia: 6.20 euro per person
  • Schinoussa: 6.50 euro per person
  • Koufonissi: 8.50 euro per person
  • Astypalea: 20.00 euro per person
  • Kimolos: 13.50 euro per person
  • Milos: 17.50 euro per person
  • Heraklio: 77.80 euro per person