Indulge in some island hopping. Take advantage of Naxos’ geographic location and discover a world of charm that awaits on several Greek islands that are accessible from Naxos.
Island hopping is a great way to discover a world of Greek-island charm. A hub in the circle of islands that surround the sacred island of Delos (known as the Cycladic islands), Naxos is a gateway to many popular Cycladic destinations.
Let’s hop to it!
What are the closest islands to get to from Naxos? There are several.
Let’s begin with the group of islands known as the Small Cyclades. Of these islands, the closest to Naxos is Iraklia, then comes Schinoussa, Koufonissia and a bit farther out is Donoussa.
The islands of the Small Cyclades:
The islands of the Small Cyclades may be reached — year-round — by the local ferry line, the Express Skopelitis daily, (except Sundays) and via Blue Star Ferries (www.bluestaferries.gr). Additional access to Koufonissia in the peak summer months is provided by additional sea transport companies, Hellenic Seaways (www.hellenicseaways.gr) and Sea Jets (www.seajets.gr). Days and times vary, so please check listings and or travel agent for specific details.
- From Naxos to Iraklia:
Blue Star Ferries: 1 hr (3x per week, year-round)
Express Skopelitis: 1 hr 30 min (daily, except Sundays, year-round) - From Naxos to Schinoussa:
Blue Star Ferries: 1 hr 15 min (year-round)
Express Skopelitis: 2 hrs min (year-round) - From Naxos to Koufonissi:
Blue Star Ferries: 2hrs (2x per week, year-round)
Express Skopelitis: 2 hrs 35min (daily, except Sundays, year-round)
Peak Season:
Hellenic Seaways (catamaran): 50 min
Sea Jets (hydrofoil): 35 min - From Naxos to Donoussa:
Blue Star Ferries: 1 hr 10 (3x per week, year-round)
Express Skopelitis: 3 hrs 55 min: (3x per week, year-round)
Island hopping to Other Cyladic Islands from Naxos:
Popular destinations of the Cyclades close by and accessible from Naxos include Amorgos, Ios, Paros, Mykonos and Santorini. The closest to get to by ferry and or catamaran is Paros. Access to Mykonos ranges from 25 minutes and 3.5 hours depending on sea transport schedule. Access to Santorini ranges from approx. 1 our to 6 hours, depending on sea transport schedule. Following is a quick guide to help you (based on peak season travel). Always check with your sea transport provider and/or travel agent for specific timetables and details.
- Naxos-Amorgos:
Blue Star Ferries: 2 h 55 min (year-round)
Express Skopelitis local ferry: 3hr 55 and up (depending on day and route) -(year-round)
Peak Season:
Hellenic Seaways (catamaran): 1 h 45 min
Sea Jets (hydrofoil): 1 h 15 min - Naxos-Ios:
Blue Star Ferries: 1 h 15 min
Peak Season:
Sea Jets (hydrofoil): 50 min /45 min - Naxos-Mykonos:
Peak Season:
Blue Star Ferries: 2hr 25min
Sea Jets (hydrofoil): 30min-1hr 30 (depending on route)
Cyclades Fast Ferries: 1 hr 25 - Naxos-Paros:
Blue Star Ferries: (45 min) (year-round)
Peak Season:
Hellenic Seaways (catamaran): 40 min
Sea Jets (hydrofoil): 25-35 min (depending on route) - Naxos-Santorini:
Blue Star Ferries: 2hr 15 (year-round)
Peak Season:
Sea Jets (hydrofoil): 1 hr 20 min- 1hr 35 (depending on route) - Also: Naxos-Patmos:
Peak Season:
Hellenic Seaways (catamaran): 3 hr 5 min - Also: Naxos-Crete (Iraklion):
Peak Season:
Sea Jets (hydrofoil): 3 hr 30 min
