Santorini to Naxos Ferry
Santorini (Athinios) → Naxos
Affiliate link: we may earn a commission if you book via Direct Ferries — at no extra cost to you.
- High-speed crossing
- ~1.5–2 h
- Conventional crossing
- ~3 h
- Frequency
- 1–3 daily in summer, reduced in winter
- Carries cars
- Yes (on the car ferry)
Crossing times and frequency are typical ranges and vary by season and operator. Check the operator or Direct Ferries for current sailings before booking.
Where it leaves from
Sailings depart from Athinios, Santorini's main ferry port on the west coast, cut into the volcanic cliff face. From there you head north across the Aegean to Naxos Town (Chora), where the ferry quay sits right in front of the old Venetian kastro — one of the more scenic arrivals in the Cyclades.
Types of service
The route has two distinct service types. High-speed catamarans (SeaJets) are the fastest option at 1.5 to 2 hours, carrying passengers only on most services. Conventional ferries operated by Blue Star take around 3 hours, are less affected by the meltemi summer winds, and carry cars and motorcycles — making them the practical choice if you have a vehicle. Both types see reduced frequency in the shoulder season (October–April), so check schedules carefully outside peak summer.
Operators
Blue Star Ferries operates the main conventional car-ferry service with large, stable vessels. SeaJets provides high-speed catamaran connections in summer. Some Blue Star sailings continue beyond Naxos to Paros, Piraeus or Ios, so double-check that your vessel terminates where you expect.
Naxos as an island-hopping hub
Naxos has the most ferry connections of any Cycladic island after Piraeus, making it a natural hub for island-hopping. From Naxos Town you can reach Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, Ios, Amorgos, Koufonisia and other smaller islands. The island itself rewards extra time: the inland villages of Halki and Apiranthos, the Portara marble gateway, and the beaches around Agios Prokopios rival anything in the Cyclades.
Ports & terminals
- Santorini (Athinios)View on map →
- NaxosView on map →
Port guides
Related ferry routes
Frequently asked questions
- How long does the ferry from Santorini to Naxos take?
- High-speed catamarans take around 1.5 to 2 hours; conventional Blue Star ferries take approximately 3 hours.
- Can I take a car from Santorini to Naxos?
- Yes — Blue Star Ferries carries vehicles on this route. Book car space well ahead in July and August.
- Is Naxos worth visiting from Santorini?
- Naxos is the largest and most varied of the Cyclades — it offers long sandy beaches, mountain villages and excellent local food, making it a great contrast to Santorini's drama.