Travelling from Mykonos to Naxos: Complete Ferry & Travel Guide

Exploring the Greek islands is one of Europe's most enchanting travel experiences, and the journey from Mykonos to Naxos represents one of the most popular island-hopping routes in the Cyclades. Located just 36.4 km apart (22.6 miles), these two stunning Aegean destinations are conveniently connected by regular ferry services. While flights between these islands aren't directly available, the efficient ferry connections make this a quick and scenic journey. 

In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about travelling from Mykonos to Naxos, focusing on ferry options, port information, and how to make the most of your visit to Naxos. Whether you're planning a day trip or a longer stay, this guide provides all the essential information for a smooth journey.

How to get from Mykonos to Naxos: Ferries

The ferry is the primary and most convenient way to travel between Mykonos and Naxos. With the islands separated by just 19.7 nautical miles, the journey is quick and offers spectacular views of the Aegean Sea.

Ferry services operate year-round with increased frequency during the summer tourist season. You can expect around 4 sailings daily, with approximately 29 departures weekly and 116 monthly. The average crossing time is about 1 hour and 5 minutes, making it perfect for those looking to maximise their time in the Greek islands.

The fastest ferry service is operated by SeaJets, with a journey time of just 35 minutes. This high-speed option typically costs around £149, though prices can vary depending on the season, how far in advance you book, and whether you're travelling with a vehicle.

For those who prefer a more leisurely crossing with more time to enjoy the views, conventional ferries take up to 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete the journey. These may offer a more economical option compared to the high-speed services.

Ferry departures from Mykonos to Naxos start as early as 09:45 in the morning, with the last departure at 18:20, giving travellers flexibility in planning their journey.

Taking the ferry from Mykonos to Naxos

Ferries sail from Mykonos to Naxos in around 1 hour and 5 minutes with about 4 sailings a day. The fastest ferry sails in around 35 minutes and is provided by SeaJets. Ferry prices can range depending on operator, whether it is a conventional or fast ferry and time of year. The fastest service operated by SeaJets costs approximately £149.

Departures start as early as 09:45, with the last departure from Mykonos to Naxos at 18:20. With 29 weekly sailings and 116 monthly connections, you'll have plenty of options to choose from when planning your trip.

Ferry Operators

SeaJets is the primary high-speed ferry operator on the Mykonos to Naxos ferry route, offering the quickest crossing time of 35 minutes. Their modern fleet includes comfortable seating, snack bars, and outdoor deck areas where you can enjoy the magnificent views of the Cycladic islands.

Onboard most ferries, you'll find comfortable seating areas, cafes serving snacks and beverages, and outdoor deck space to enjoy the sea breeze and panoramic views. Many vessels also offer Wi-Fi, though connection quality can vary while at sea.

During peak summer months (July and August), we recommend booking your ferry tickets in advance as services can fill up quickly with tourists island-hopping around the Cyclades. The shoulder seasons of May, June, September, and October offer more availability while still providing pleasant weather for travel.

Navigating the Ports

Departure Port (Mykonos)

Mykonos has two ports: the Old Port (Mykonos Town) and the New Port at Tourlos, located about 2 km north of Mykonos Town. Most ferry services to Naxos depart from the New Port.

To reach the New Port, you can take a local bus from Mykonos Town (the main bus terminal is at Fabrika Square), with services running approximately every 30 minutes during peak season. Taxis are readily available but can be expensive during high season. If you're staying in Mykonos Town, the port is within walking distance for those travelling light.

The port facilities include a waiting area, ticket offices (though we recommend booking in advance), cafes, ATMs, and basic shops. Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before departure to allow time for boarding procedures.

Arrival Port (Naxos)

The main port of Naxos is conveniently located in Naxos Town (Chora), making it easy to access the island's main hub upon arrival. The port area is within walking distance of numerous hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

From the port, you can easily walk to Naxos Town's main attractions, including the iconic Portara (Apollo's Temple) which stands prominently at the harbour entrance. For destinations further afield, local buses depart from the main station about 500 metres from the port, serving major beaches and villages across the island.

Taxis are available at the port, and car or scooter rental agencies can be found within walking distance if you plan to explore the island independently. The port area offers numerous facilities including cafes, restaurants, travel agencies, ATMs, and shops.

Day Trip Possibilities

A day trip from Mykonos to Naxos is entirely feasible and can be a great way to experience the highlights of Naxos without changing accommodation. With the earliest ferry departing Mykonos at 09:45 and arriving in Naxos around 10:20-10:50 (depending on the service), you can enjoy a substantial day on the island.

For a successful day trip, we recommend taking the earliest morning ferry and returning on the last evening service (18:20). This gives you approximately 7-8 hours to explore Naxos, which is enough time to see the main attractions in Naxos Town and perhaps visit one of the nearby beaches.

A sample day trip itinerary might look like this:

- 09:45: Depart Mykonos on the morning ferry
- 10:30: Arrive in Naxos and begin with a visit to the Portara
- 11:00-13:00: Explore the charming streets of Naxos Old Town (Chora) and visit the Venetian Castle
- 13:00-14:30: Enjoy lunch at a traditional taverna in the old market
- 14:30-16:30: Take a local bus to Agios Prokopios or Agia Anna beach for a few hours of relaxation
- 16:30-17:30: Return to Naxos Town for some shopping or a pre-departure drink
- 18:20: Catch the evening ferry back to Mykonos

While a day trip is possible, we recommend staying at least one night in Naxos if your schedule allows. This gives you the opportunity to explore more of this diverse island, including its mountain villages and more distant beaches that aren't accessible on a time-limited day trip.

Things to Do in Naxos

Naxos offers a perfect blend of historical sites, beautiful beaches, mountain villages, and local culture. Here are the top attractions to consider during your visit:

Portara (Temple of Apollo)

This massive marble gate stands on the islet of Palatia at the entrance to Naxos harbour. Dating back to the 6th century BC, it's the island's most iconic landmark and offers spectacular sunset views. Open 24 hours and free to visit.

Naxos Old Town (Chora)

The labyrinthine streets of the old town lead up to the Venetian Castle (Kastro) at the summit. Explore the medieval architecture, discover hidden churches, and enjoy the atmospheric cafes and boutiques along the way. The Archaeological Museum inside the castle complex houses artefacts spanning from the Late Neolithic period to Early Christian times.

Beaches

Naxos boasts some of the finest beaches in the Cyclades. Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna are easily accessible from town and offer golden sands and crystal-clear waters. For a more secluded experience, head to Plaka, Mikri Vigla (popular with windsurfers), or the remote Aliko Beach with its cedar forest.

Mountain Villages

The interior of Naxos is dotted with traditional villages that offer a glimpse into authentic Greek island life. Apiranthos, known as the marble village, features stone-paved streets and distinctive architecture. Halki, once the island's commercial centre, is home to the Vallindras Distillery where you can sample kitron, the local citrus liqueur.

Temple of Demeter

Located near the village of Sangri, this 6th century BC marble temple dedicated to the goddess of harvest showcases classical Greek architecture in a rural setting. The adjacent museum explains the site's significance and houses artefacts discovered during excavations.

Neighbourhood Guide

Naxos Town (Chora) is divided into several distinctive areas:

The Waterfront Promenade is lined with restaurants and cafes offering sea views and is perfect for evening strolls.

The Old Market area features narrow streets filled with shops, tavernas, and bars, creating a lively atmosphere, especially in the evening.

The Kastro (Castle) district at the top of the town houses museums, cultural venues, and upscale restaurants with panoramic views.

For beaches, the western coast from Agios Georgios (walking distance from town) extending south through Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Plaka forms the main tourist corridor with numerous accommodation options, beach bars, and water sports facilities.

Weather in Naxos

Naxos enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and mild, wetter winters. The tourist season generally runs from May through October, with July and August being the hottest and busiest months.

Summer (June-September): Temperatures typically range from 25-30°C (77-86°F) during the day, rarely dropping below 20°C (68°F) at night. Rainfall is extremely rare, and the famous Meltemi winds provide natural cooling during the hottest days, particularly in July and August.

Spring and Autumn (April-May, October-November): These shoulder seasons offer pleasant temperatures between 18-25°C (64-77°F) and fewer crowds. Spring brings wildflowers across the island, while autumn sees warmer sea temperatures for swimming.

Winter (December-March): Temperatures range from 10-15°C (50-59°F) with increased rainfall. Many tourist facilities close during this period, though the island remains inhabited and functional year-round.

The weather rarely affects ferry operations during summer, but the strong Meltemi winds that typically blow from the north in July and August can occasionally cause delays or cancellations, particularly for smaller vessels. If you're travelling during these months, it's wise to build some flexibility into your schedule.

Cost of Visiting Naxos

Naxos is generally considered more affordable than its glamorous neighbour Mykonos, offering good value for money while still providing excellent amenities and experiences.

Budget travellers can get by on £50-70 per day, including modest accommodation in rooms to let, self-catering or inexpensive taverna meals, and public transportation.

Mid-range travellers should budget £70-150 daily for comfortable hotels, regular restaurant meals, and some activities or car rental.

Luxury travellers can expect to spend £150+ per day for high-end accommodations, fine dining, and premium experiences.

Some typical costs include:

- Simple taverna meal: £10-15 per person
- Coffee in a cafe: £2-3
- Local beer: £3-5
- Bus ticket to beaches: £2-3 one-way
- Daily car rental: from £25 in low season to £50+ in high season
- Budget hotel room: £40-70
- Mid-range hotel: £70-150
- Luxury accommodation: £150+

To save money, consider visiting during shoulder season (May-June or September-October), staying in accommodations away from the waterfront, and exploring local tavernas away from the main tourist areas.

Best Time to Visit Naxos

The ideal time to visit Naxos depends on your preferences and priorities:

Peak Season (July-August): This is when Naxos is at its liveliest, with all attractions, restaurants, and beach facilities fully operational. The weather is consistently hot and dry, perfect for beach activities. However, this is also when the island is most crowded and prices are at their highest. Ferry services run at maximum frequency during this period, with multiple daily connections to Mykonos.

Shoulder Season (May-June and September-October): These months offer an excellent balance of good weather, reduced crowds, and lower prices. The sea is warm enough for swimming, especially in September and early October when it retains summer heat. Many consider late September to be the perfect time to visit, with summer conditions but fewer tourists. Ferry connections remain good, though with slightly reduced frequency compared to peak season.

Off-Season (November-April): For those interested in culture, hiking, and authentic local life rather than beach activities, the off-season can be rewarding. The landscape is green after winter rains, and you'll experience a more authentic side of island life. However, many tourist facilities close, and ferry connections are reduced to a few weekly services.

For the best balance of weather, affordability, and atmosphere, we recommend late May to early June or mid-September to early October for your visit to Naxos.

Accommodation Options in Naxos

Finding the perfect place to stay in Naxos is easy with options for every budget and travel style. Naxos Town (Chora) offers the most convenient base with numerous accommodations within walking distance of the port and main attractions.

For budget travellers, guesthouses and small family-run hotels in Naxos Town typically start from around £40 per night. Solo adventurers might enjoy the sociable atmosphere of beachside hostels along St. George Beach.

Couples seeking romance will find charming boutique hotels in the atmospheric Old Town area, with prices ranging from £70-150 per night depending on season. Many feature rooftop terraces with stunning sea views.

Families are well-catered for with apartment rentals and family-friendly hotels, particularly in the Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna beach areas, typically ranging from £80-200 per night for family units.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Naxos offers several camping sites near beaches like Plaka and Mikri Vigla, perfect for those arriving with camping gear from the ferry. Campervan parking is also available at designated areas.

Getting Around Naxos

Once you disembark from your ferry journey from Mykonos, navigating Naxos is straightforward with several transportation options.

The island has a reliable bus network connecting Naxos Town with major beaches and villages. Buses run frequently during summer months with fares typically between £1.50-3 depending on distance. The main bus station is conveniently located near the port.

Taxis are readily available at the port and in Naxos Town, with set rates to popular destinations. For example, a taxi from the port to Agios Prokopios costs approximately £15.

Renting a vehicle gives you maximum flexibility to explore Naxos's diverse landscapes. Car rentals start from around £30 per day, while scooters and ATVs offer a more adventurous option from £15-25 daily. Several rental agencies operate near the ferry terminal for convenient pickup upon arrival.

Walking is perfect for exploring Naxos Town, with most attractions, restaurants, and shops within a pleasant stroll from the port. The waterfront promenade makes for an especially scenic walk.

Plan Your Island-Hopping Adventure Today

The Mykonos to Naxos ferry route offers an ideal way to experience two distinctive Greek island gems. With a journey time of just 35 minutes on the fastest services operated by SeaJets, or a leisurely 1 hour 30 minutes on standard ferries, this short sea crossing seamlessly connects these neighbouring Cycladic islands.

With 4 daily departures and 29 weekly sailings, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your perfect island-hopping itinerary. Whether you choose a morning departure at 09:45 to maximise your first day on Naxos, or prefer an afternoon sailing after enjoying Mykonos, the regular schedule accommodates all preferences.

Remember that while flights between islands might seem convenient, they often require connections through Athens, making the direct ferry service not only more scenic but typically more time-efficient for this 36.4 km route.

Book your Mykonos to Naxos ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak summer months when the 116 monthly sailings can fill quickly with fellow travellers eager to discover the authentic charm of Naxos after experiencing the cosmopolitan allure of Mykonos.