Ferry from Athens to Naxos

How to Get to Naxos from Athens 

Naxos is a less bustling island than its neighboring Mykonos and Paros. Still, it is equally favored by tourists thanks to its golden beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and scenic villages. It is the largest island in the Cyclades complex, and besides its natural beauty, Naxos boasts a rich history reflected in its numerous museums and historical attractions. From its traditional and mouthwatering culinary scene to its magnificent blend of seaside and mountain landscapes, Naxos captivates the hearts of all visitors.

If you are looking for the most popular way to get to your journey’s end, you should consider opting for a ferry ride from Athens to Naxos. Verily, ferries are a top pick for many travelers. You’ll find available crossings from two of the ports in Athens. Thus, you can catch your ferry from Rafina Port. It is the most convenient option for travelers departing from Athens Airport, as the aviation hub lies a 40-minute ride from Rafina.

On the other hand, Piraeus Port isn’t just the primary port of Athens. It is also the major harbor in Greece and one of the most significant maritime hubs in Europe and the world. Thus, sailings from Piraeus to Naxos are more frequent than from the Port of Rafina. Moreover, Athens Piraeus Port is situated within a fairly close distance from the city center and is adequately connected to downtown Athens. Indeed, visitors can travel from Piraeus Port to city center in just 30 minutes. In fact, Athens Port is linked to downtown via Piraeus port taxis, private transfers, buses (and express bus lines), and the fast and traffic-free Blue Athens Metro Line 3.

Types of Ferries from Athens to Naxos

Passengers can take their pick among two types of ferries from Piraeus to Naxos. Indeed, conventional ships and high-speed ferries provide connections to Naxos from Athens Piraeus Port. Both types of vessels are accessible. Therefore, passengers with disabilities are offered all the necessary amenities for a smooth trip. Moreover, despite varying in quantity, all ships feature dining facilities. Thus, passengers have access to at least some drinks and snacks regardless of the ferry they choose. Finally, travelers should keep in mind that the air-conditioning is typically strong in the ferries’ indoor spaces. Hence, even if you are traveling during the summer and are dressed lightly due to the high temperatures, a light jacket might prove useful while sitting inside the ferry.

So, which type of vessel should you choose for your ride from Piraeus to Naxos? They all offer several advantages. As a result, the final choice is utterly subject to personal preferences and cost limits. Explicitly, the major upsides of each type of ferry are:

* Hence, less delays. They are also ideal for travelers who get seasick.

The Ferry Schedule to Naxos from Athens Piraeus Port

Numerous ferries depart daily from Athens Piraeus Port, with Naxos Port as one of their destinations. Although ferries run far more often from Piraeus to Naxos during the tourist period (even more so from July to September), there are available crossings year-round, even during the winter months. That being said, it’s important to remember that the routes of each ferry company change from time to time. Thus, you should always check the current departure times before settling on the chosen ferry route. In any case, even though ferry companies have desks inside the Port of Piraeus and last-minute ferry tickets are a possibility, it is highly advisable to pre-book your tickets, at least if you want to benefit from lower rates and be sure about their availability. Please keep in mind that ferries from Piraeus to Naxos typically call at other islands as well, such as the cosmopolitan Mykonos or Paros. Therefore, tickets sell out fast.

The ferry from Athens to Naxos normally takes about 3.5 to 5.5 hours to get to the Cycladic island. Expectantly, the exact traveling time depends on the selected vessel, the following route (intermediate stops), and the weather conditions. As a matter of fact, weather can cause significant delays in the scheduled ferry routes. Moreover, sailings are also affected by passenger traffic. During peak times, the boarding and disembarking process can be time-consuming, forcing ferries to run behind schedule.

Although Piraeus Port is a vast harbor, consisting of 12 gates, ferries to Naxos don’t depart from all the gates. They most frequently sail from Gates E6, E7, E9, and E10. However, this isn’t a rule. Hence, you should check the departure gate written on your ticket, while it is also recommended to consult the destination boards that lie inside the Port of Piraeus. What’s more, the traffic congestion around the port and inside the complex often results in longer-than-expected rides. Even more so, if you depart from the city center during rush hours, you may encounter a considerable delay. On the other hand, if reaching the harbor via public means of transit and/or traveling with small children or lots of luggage, you should bear in mind that your gate might lie within a long distance from the alighting bus stop or station. Therefore, you should allow time for an additional journey with the complimentary port’s shuttle bus or even a public bus line to the departure location of your ferry.

Fares and Tickets for Ferries from Athens to Naxos

Are you wondering about the cost of your ferry from Athens to Naxos? Ferry tickets are priced based on several variables, such as the ferry company, the selected route, the chosen seating category, and the time of the year. Overall, if you choose to travel economy class, you should expect to pay about €51,50/$56 to €77,70/$84,50 for your ride from Piraeus to Naxos. Are you traveling with children? If they are aged from 5 to 10, they can benefit from lower fares. The same applies to passengers with disabilities. On the other hand, kids younger than 5 travel for free. As soon as you book your ferry ticket, you should print it or save it to your mobile or electronic device. Please remember that you’ll be asked to display it in order to board your ferry.

Ferry Companies with Routes from Piraeus to Naxos

Routes and Fares of Ferry Companies from Piraeus to Naxos

Although the ferry companies present at the Port of Piraeus usually update their schedules annually (they typically announce the new ones from December to March), itineraries themselves don’t differ much. In any case, if you want to get an idea of the available crossings from Athens to Naxos (Piraeus Port), all you’ll have to do is check the current operating routes:

Blue Star Ferries Routes from Piraeus to Naxos

Seajets Routes from Piraeus to Naxos

A Flight or a Ferry from Athens to Naxos?

The most sought-after option to travel from Athens to Naxos is by ferry. Still, many travelers prefer air journeys over ferry rides. Verily, during the high tourist season, flights depart daily from Athens International Airport to Naxos, while the airport isn’t far from the city center (a 40-minute drive away). So, which is the most convenient option? In other words, should you fly or sail from Athens to Naxos?

The main advantage of air journeys is their speed. Thus, sailings from Piraeus to Naxos last around 3.5 to 5.5 hours, while flights from Athens Airport take just 50 minutes. Moreover, air travel is considered comfortable, even on full flights. Conversely, ferries tend to get overcrowded during the high tourist season.

That being said, ferries remain the most popular way to travel from Athens to Naxos. There are numerous routes from Piraeus Port to the Cycladic island, and their fares are significantly cheaper than air tickets. Furthermore, travelers can bring their vehicles on the ferries as well, skipping the hassle of car renting upon arrival at Naxos. As for luggage, ferry companies set more relaxed luggage restrictions. Hence, travelers can carry baggage weighing up to 40-50kg/88-100 pounds. Please note that ferries feature luggage storage space where passengers can store their personal belongings. Last but not least, all vessels have decks and outdoor areas. That being said, the outdoor space on high-speed ferries is limited. Travelers can relax sitting on the ferry’s decks, lounging in the sun, and soaking in the sea air while enjoying the amazing sea views.

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