How to get from Athens to Naxos by ferry?

In the heart of the Cyclades archipelago, don’t miss a stopover in Naxos. Find out now how to get to the island by ferry from Athens.

Long a rival of its neighbor, Paros, Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades. It is also the most populated, with about eighteen thousand inhabitants. Culminating at an altitude of more than a thousand meters, Naxos offers a steep relief to visitors, alternating mountains and valleys.

If you are passionate about Greek mythology, Naxos will make you happy! Indeed, the island is said to be the birthplace of the god of vines and wine, Dionysus. It would also have sheltered the childhood of Zeus, the king of the gods. Finally, it would be there that Theseus would have abandoned Princess Ariadne, after her victory over the Minotaur in Crete. The very name of the island would come from a mythical hero, Naxos. Of all these legends, there are still places to discover, such as the Cave of Zeus, near Filoti. History lovers can visit the remains of the temple of Demeter, in Sangri, and that dedicated to Apollo, in Chora. The monumental gate of the latter dominates the village.

Like the rest of the archipelago, Naxos has had a tumultuous history. Passing from the hands of the Greeks to those of the Romans, then the Byzantines and the Venetians, it was also conquered by the Ottomans. Many traces still dot the island, in addition to an exciting archaeological museum to discover. It is located in the kastro, the former fortress of Chora, and houses collections related to the Cycladic and Mycenaean civilizations.

If you are visiting Naxos, do not hesitate to discover its typical gastronomic specialties! You may also want to try kalogero, made from aubergines, or kephalopodia, an offal broth. On holiday at Easter time? Take the opportunity to eat patouda, lamb cooked with rice, wild herbs, grapes and cheese! Did this appetizer make you hungry? Here’s how to get from Athens to Naxos by ferry right away!

Also read:
The 20 beautiful Greek islands you can’t miss
How to get around by ferry in Greece?

Ferry companies connecting Naxos to Athens

Photo credit : Aerial-motion / Shutterstock.com

Currently, three ferry companies operate between Athens and Naxos. Per week, this represents about fifty trips from the port of Piraeus. Golden Star Ferries is the company that offers the widest choice, with fourteen connections per week. Next come SeaJets, with seven crossings, and Blue Star Ferries, with four. The Athens-Naxos connection takes approximately four hours.

Rates are higher in the high season, between April and October. If you have the opportunity to travel between November and March, you will be able to obtain more attractive prices. An idea to keep in mind, especially since, in the Aegean Sea, winters are considered relatively dry and sunny!

Upon arrival, you will disembark at the port of Chora, the only port in Naxos that welcomes ferries. Take the opportunity to discover its different districts, such as Kastro and Bourgos. Would you like to continue your adventure in the Cyclades? From Naxos, you can take another ferry to Santorini, Milos, Mykonos, Paros or Rafina.

Compare ticket prices from Athens to Naxos with Direct Ferries

Plan a ferry trip to Naxos with Direct Ferries

Photo credit : Aerial-motion / Shutterstock.com

How to plan a ferry trip to Naxos? The easiest way is to use a specialized crossing comparator, such as the Direct Ferries website. This way, you will quickly find the link that suits you, both in terms of price and date.

On the Direct Ferries website, fill in the fields dedicated to departure and arrival dates and times. Then, indicate the number of passengers, as well as their characteristics (adult or child). Finally, complete the information about your vehicle (type, make), if you plan to take it to Naxos. If not, know that you can rent a car on the island, through one of the various agencies located near the port.

Then, all you have to do is click to discover all the solutions listed by Direct Ferries. Feel free to book as soon as possible, as the tickets are quickly filled!

How to book your ferry trip to Naxos from Athens?

Photo credit: Unsplash – Iuliia Isakova

Once you have filled in all the fields indicated on the home page, the Direct Ferries website offers you a list of crossings, operated by different shipping companies. These regularly cause ticket prices to change. So don’t forget to do your search at different times, in order to benefit from a discount! In addition to Naxos, Athens provides travel to other Cycladic islands such as Santorini, Mykonos and Paros.

Have you found the right liaison for you? All you have to do is choose how you want to travel. Several possibilities are available to you. For example, you can choose a cabin, with two or four berths. Some are equipped with a private bathroom, for more comfort. Do you travel during the day? You can then request a seat in one of the passenger lounges. Finally, if you want to save on the cost of the crossing, you can benefit from a much cheaper place on the bridge.

Before completing your reservation, you are invited to take out a free cancellation insurance policy, as well as an SMS service, to remind you of the terms of your trip. These precautions are not mandatory. Finally, you will receive a confirmation email at your address. All you have to do now is start dreaming about the fine sandy beaches of Naxos!

Compare ticket prices from Athens to Naxos with Direct Ferries