How to Get to Naxos: Flights and Ferries

Naxos is unfortunately not connected to the rest of Europe by flights or ferries, but don’t be discouraged because there are various solutions to reach this wonderful island. Some of them allow you to leave in the morning and arrive in Naxos in time for a sunset aperitif (or the first dip in the sea if you can’t resist the temptation!).

Here’s how to get to Naxos by choosing between the quickest solution, the cheapest one, a combination of islands and a way to avoid the ferry.

Flight to Mykonos + ferry to Naxos

The nearest international airport to the island of Naxos is Mykonos, so the fastest way to get to Naxos, chosen by most tourists, is to take a flight to Mykonos and from there a ferry.

The journey time between Mykons and Naxos varies greatly depending on the type of ship and company chosen, usually between 40 minutes and 2 hours. The transfer between the airport and the port in Mykonos is also quite simple and quick, so this solution is recommended for those who want to arrive in comfort.

The disadvantage is that flights to Mykonos are often more expensive than those to other Greek resorts, especially during the high season (July and August).

Flight to Athens + ferry to Naxos

The cheapest way to reach Naxos is to take a flight to Athens, travel from the airport to the port of Piraeus or Rafina and from there take a ferry.

From Athens airport you can reach the port of Piraeus by metro, suburban train, or express bus. The duration of the transfer varies between one hour and one and a half hours (or more in case of traffic) depending on the chosen means of transport.

Reaching the port of Rafina is even easier because it is only 15 km from Athens airport. There is a direct bus, but if you are in a hurry given the short distance, you can also take a taxi.

The duration of the sea crossing from Athens to Naxos is much longer than the one from Mykonos: allow about five hours of sailing. The advantage over flying to Mykonos is that there is a wider offer of low-cost flights to Athens.

Flight to Santorini + ferry to Naxos

Another option to reach Naxos is to fly to Santorini and from there take a ferry. This solution saves you time compared to flying to Athens, but the journey between the airport and port is more complicated than on the island of Mykonos. Another disadvantage is that flights to Santorini are also a bit expensive, especially in the summer months.

Basically, it is not a particularly convenient solution in terms of time or money, but it can be interesting for those who want to visit two islands.

Flight with stopover

The only way to get to Naxos without taking a ferry is to fly to Athens and from there take a domestic flight to Naxos. This is a somewhat expensive solution, but it is the best for those who do not like long sea crossings.

Ferries to Naxos from Greece