Ferry from Santorini to Naxos

How to Get from Santorini to Naxos

Naxos is a famous Greek island known for its rich history and historical sites, crystal-clear beaches, and rugged mountainous landscapes. Thus, whether you’re exploring or relaxing, Naxos should be a recommended destination for your holidays. So, how to get from Santorini to Naxos?

Ferries depart from the Santorini Ferry Port heading to Naxos. Athinios Port, the port handling the island’s passenger traffic, is located on the southwest part of the island, within an 8-km/4.9-mile distance from Fira, Santorini’s capital. No matter where you stay on the island, you’ll easily reach the port via a port taxi or a private port transfer. However, you should keep in mind that Santorini taxis are few. Therefore, you may face difficulties catching one for your ride. Have you rented a car during your stay in Santorini? Plan to drop it off at Athinios Port and get to the ferry docks with your car rental. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that the road to the Port of Santorini is winding and sloping. Alternatively, a bus runs to Santorini Port from Fira. It is the cheapest transit option to Athinios. However, there are no direct routes available from other locations.

Types of Ferries from Athinios to Naxos

There are two types of ferries operating the route from Santorini to Naxos. Conventional and high-speed ferries run from Athinios Port to Naxos, efficiently linking the two Cycladic islands. All ferries are well-maintained, and ferry companies strictly adhere to safety regulations, with frequent inspections ensuring compliance. Moreover, they are accessible, offering all necessary services and facilities for a comfortable journey for passengers with disabilities. They feature several amenities to ensure pleasant journeys. Thus, they all have restrooms, comfortable seating, deck areas, and snack bars. There are also specially designated zones for pets. Plus, some vessels boast business lounges, stores, and cabins. Temperatures in Greece during the summer are very high. That’s the reason why all ferries are air-conditioned. In any case, you should keep in mind that the atmosphere in the ferries’ indoor areas is usually chilly, so it’s best to dress appropriately.

Are you having trouble deciding on the best ferry journey for you? Should you choose a high-speed ferry or take a conventional route? Check their main advantages and disadvantages to make up your mind:

* Weather-related delays and cancellations are less common. Moreover, they are recommended for passengers who get seasick easily.

The Ferry Schedule from Santorini to Naxos

Passengers who want to travel from Santorini to Naxos can make their pick among the 7–8 daily ferry routes connecting the two islands. As expected, sailings are more frequent during the summer, whereas routes are scarcer at other times. The ferry schedule changes from year to year. Overall, it doesn’t differ significantly. In any case, you should check each company’s timetable before your journey to be sure about the available crossings.

Ferries from Santorini take around 1 hour and 10 minutes to 2 hours and 40 minutes to get to Naxos. The Santorini-to-Naxos ferry time depends on the chosen ferry, its itinerary, and, of course, the weather conditions. During bad weather, sailings take longer. Moreover, in-between stops at other islands also increase the duration of the journey, especially when many passengers board and disembark, making the procedures more time-consuming.

Travelers are advised to arrive at Athinios Port one hour before the scheduled departure of their ferry. However, it’s important to remember that the Santorini Ferry Port is small and typically overcrowded, while the steep and challenging road to the port is often congested. Therefore, you should plan your ride to the port wisely to be there on time. Additionally, if you haven’t reserved your Santorini ferry ticket online and opted for web check-in, allow extra time at the port, as there are sometimes waiting lines at the travel agencies on site.

The Santorini-to-Naxos Ferry Prices and Fares

Santorini-to-Naxos ferry ticket prices vary depending on the chosen ferry, route, and ticket category. In general, economy-class tickets for the journey from Santorini to Naxos cost approximately €31,50/$35,50 to €59,70/$67,20. On the other hand, if you book a cabin or travel with your vehicle, you’ll pay a considerably higher fare. Kids aged 5 to 10 pay lower fares, while younger children travel for free. Discounted prices apply to passengers with disabilities as well.

Tip to Know: Online reservations are advised to ensure availability and pay lower fares. Moreover, most ferry companies allow web check-in. You should use the service to save time at the Santorini Ferry Port.

Ferry Companies with Routes from Santorini to Naxos

Routes and Fares of Ferry Companies from Athinios to Naxos

Ferry routes from Santorini to Naxos vary depending on the time of the year. Thus, although 7-8 sailings connect the two islands during the high tourist season, the number of routes is significantly lower during the winter. Moreover, each company sets a different timetable each year. Still, the ferry schedule typically stays unchanged from year to year.

In any case, you should check the current timetable at the time of writing to see the available options:

Hellenic Seaways Ferries from Athinios to Naxos

Seajets Ferries from Santorini to Naxos

Blue Star Ferries from Santorini to Naxos

A Flight or a Ferry from Santorini to Naxos?

Are you wondering whether to fly or sail from Santorini to Naxos? Both islands have airports. Therefore, travelers can choose to reach their destination either by ferry or by plane. So, which option is best for you?

A flight from Santorini to Naxos is the most popular transit option for travelers who prioritize comfort during their journey. Indeed, air travel is considered a more relaxed way to get around, especially when taking into account the often overcrowded ferries during the high tourist season and the small, hectic Athinios Port, where boarding and disembarking can be tedious and time-consuming. That being said, unfortunately, there isn’t a direct flight from Santorini to Naxos. As a result, flying from JTR Airport to Naxos can be both tiring and lengthy.

On the other hand, ferry journeys are widely preferred by travelers as they are the most affordable way to travel from Athinios to Naxos. Moreover, passengers don’t have to worry about luggage restrictions as they do on air journeys and can generally bring bulky baggage onboard. Traveling with your car? Almost all ferries can carry vehicles, so you can bring yours onboard by paying the relevant fare. Last but not least, sea travel is considered a unique mode of transit, offering passengers breathtaking sea views and a scenic ride under the warm sun, with fresh sea air all around.

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