Greece › Greek Ferries › Athens to Naxos
Updated: July 13, 2023
By Santorini Dave
See Also
- Where to Stay in Athens
- Best Hotels in Athens
- Best Hotels in Athens for Families
- Piraeus (Athens) Ferry Port Guide
The port of Piraeus is 30-minutes by taxi or train from downtown Athens. Ferries to Naxos depart from gates E6, E7, and E8. You can purchase tickets in Piraeus but I prefer to buy ferry tickets in advance.
Athens to Naxos – Ferry Essentials
- FerryHopper.com is the best way to buy ferry tickets for Athens to Naxos ferries. Also good for researching ferry timetables, costs, and schedules.
- Most ferries do not sell out. But for peace of mind, book tickets 2 to 3 months in advance.
- Most tickets (when booked through FerryHopper) are e-tickets which means you do not have to pick up a paper ticket before boarding.
- If a ticket purchased online doesn’t have a barcode that usually means you’ll need to pick up a real ticket when in Greece. This is most often done at the ferry port 30 to 45 minutes before departure. Don’t worry about pick up – it’s easy and effortless and usually very close to your actual ferry.
- Ferries will leave on-time from their first departure port in the morning (usually large ports like Piraeus, Heraklio, and Rhodes) but will be late arriving and departing from all onward ports (e.g. Naxos). Usually getting later as the day progresses.
- Most areas in Greece, including Athens and Naxos, have public transportation strikes throughout the year. These strikes can affect all forms of transit, including, buses, trains, ferries, flights, and taxis. During strikes no buses, no ferries, and only a handful of trains and flights will depart on time (or at all); taxis tend to be the least affected mode of transport. Though strikes can occur any time, there is always a huge strike on May 1. Avoid booking any ferries, flights, or trains that day.
Athens to Naxos Ferry Schedule
The SeaJets Worldchampion Jet is the fastest ferry from Athens to Naxos.
Walking off the Athens ferry in Naxos Town. Taxis are usually steps from the arriving ferries (off to the right). Buses are straight ahead.
Naxos is a large, centrally-located island that is a hub of ferry travel in the Cyclades. There are daily ferries from Athens to Naxos year-round, with frequency increasing in the summer months. The length of the ride varies depending on what boat you choose. Highspeed catamaran ferries can reach Naxos from Athens in 3 to 4 hours. Larger, Blue Star ferries take 5 to 6 hours. If you can spare the extra hour or two, I recommend taking the Blue Star; its large size makes it more stable on rough windy days, and you’ll be able to walk around on the outside decks to take in the sea view and air. (Highspeed catamarans require all passengers to stay inside.) Ferry tickets from Athens to Naxos cost €25 to €110, depending on the type of ferry and class of ticket.
Piraeus is the closest port to the Athens city center and is easily reached via Metro. If you will be spending any time in Athens before sailing to Naxos, this is the port you should choose. Piraeus is also the largest and busiest port in Greece, to get to your ferry. (See our Guide to Piraeus Ferry Port.)
The Blue Star ferry from Athens to Naxos at the Piraeus Port.
Example Piraeus to Naxos Ferry Schedule
Athens-Naxos ferry schedule and prices on ferryhopper.com
• Check prices for Piraeus-Naxos ferries.
VIP and Business Class seating has more room and a more relaxed vibe than standard seating.
Athens to Naxos Ferries from Rafina Port
Rafina is the closest port to the Athens airport. If you don’t plan to spend any time in Athens, Rafina port would be a good choice. At the height of the summer season, there are often many daily ferries sailing from Rafina port to Naxos.
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