Key Takeaways
- Naxos is a captivating Greek island with diverse landscapes, making it a must-visit destination.
- Travel options from Athens to Naxos include ferry, flight, island hopping, and private yacht charter.
- Ferries provide a cost-effective way to travel, departing from Piraeus Port and Rafina Port during peak season.
- Flights offer the quickest travel time, with a direct route from Athens Airport to Naxos Apollo Airport.
Naxos is an Idyllic island in the South Aegean Sea. It often flies under the radar of some travelers, but if you ask us, this is one Greek island that has to make it to your Greek islands bucket list.
Why's that? Well, it’s no secret that Naxos is incredibly beautiful. This island has quite a varied landscape ranging from dreamy Naxos beaches to mountainous regions and some Instagram-worthy picturesque Naxos villages.
Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades islands and sits right in the center. That makes it the perfect base for some epic Greek island hopping to the surrounding islands.
If you’re an eager traveler looking for an easy adventure, one of the most appealing draws is that it's easy to get from Athens to Naxos.
While you might still be scratching your head about how to get from Athens to Naxos, we're here to reassure you that it's easier than the Greek invasion of Troy.
How to Get to Naxos from Athens
With an absolutely staggering list of places to explore, we've established that Naxos is the perfect destination for family vacations, couples, and even solo travelers.
The burning question remains, how are you going to get there?
Here are four simple ways to get from Athens to Naxos that you should consider when planning your trip to Greece:
- Grab a ferry from Athens to Naxos
- Fly from Athens to Naxos
- Island hop to Naxos
- Charter a private yacht to Naxos
Ferry from Athens to Naxos
The good news is that there's an Athens to Naxos ferry all year round. During the quieter tourist season, you will find at least two daily ferries, as ferry companies operating during the summer between the capital and the island have taken measures so the ferry timetables are not restricting visitors' schedules.
During the peak tourist season, there are as many as five daily ferry crossings from different ferry companies, including the famous Blue Star Ferries.
The earliest ferry departs at around 06:45 am, and the last one leaves at about 05:30 pm. There are two types of ferries that you can choose from.
You can take the slow and steady route with a traditional ferry, which will get you to Naxos from Athens in five to six hours.
We'll admit while a traditional ferry trip is a fantastic way to enjoy your journey along the Aegean Sea, it's not the fastest way to travel from Piraeus to Naxos.
So, if it's speed and efficiency you're after and not an aesthetic ferry route, then a high-speed ferry is your best bet, as it will cut your travel time by at least two hours.
Throughout the year, ferry routes from Athens to Naxos depart from the Piraeus Port, near Athens city center. You can easily reach the ferry port via the Athens metro system or by taxi.
During peak season, several ferry operators depart from the Rafina Port near the Athens International Airport, so opting for one of Athens airport hotels makes perfect sense.
Traveling via ferry from Athens to Naxos is very cost-effective because Naxos' ferry tickets start from as little as €27 ($29) for a traditional ferry company.
A high-speed ferry will cost you slightly more, with prices starting at around €57 ($60). During the peak tourist season, you can expect ticket prices to skyrocket to about €129 ($134).
Flights from Athens to Naxos
So maybe the idea of strict ferry schedules, seasickness, and the sea water drenching you is just not appealing (trust us, you wouldn’t be the first).
We get it. Ferry rides aren't for everyone, and that's okay. If that's the case, you're in luck because there is a direct flight from Athens to Naxos.
This is the quickest way to travel between the two destinations since the flight only lasts 40 minutes. Flights depart from the Athens International Airport and arrive at the Naxos Apollo Airport.
Island Hopping
Island hopping is one of the many ways to get to Naxos from Athens. If you have a flexible itinerary (which we recommend considering for a worthwhile trip to Greece), taking a ferry that will stop at a few of the other Cycladic islands along the way. This may include Mykonos and Santorini or Milos and Sifnos, before eventually hopping off at Naxos.
If you're island hopping with a cruise ship (lucky you), select an itinerary with Naxos as one of its stops, and you can depart from there. If you have time to explore and island hop, we say go for it!
Private Yacht
Maybe you'd like to travel from Athens to Mykonos on a boat, but the idea of sharing your space with too many other people is just not one that sits well with you at all. In that case, you can amp up the luxury and sail from Athens to Naxos on a private yacht.
Yes, you read correctly – a yacht! You can charter a yacht and set sail from Athens to Naxos. The experience is way more luxurious and intimate, and you can create a multi-day itinerary that works for you.
Final Thoughts on Traveling from Athens to Naxos
Well, there you have it, four simple ways to get from the buzzing capital of Athens to the stunning island of Naxos and the picturesque Naxos Town.
So the most important things to remember when heading to Naxos are:
- Do thorough research on the best time to travel; seasons play a big role
- Check your budget to make sure you don’t overspend on travel
- If you’re heading out via ferry, be sure of the departure port and time
Now that the hard work is done, you can focus on the more important things, like how to spend your time on the island with these exciting things to do in Naxos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Way to Travel from Athens to Naxos?
What is the Cheapest Way to Travel Between Naxos and Athens?
Which Port Should I Depart From in Athens?
How long in Advance Should I Book My Ticket from Athens to Naxos?
