Naxos is one of the most beautiful and diverse Greek islands, offering a mix of ancient history, stunning beaches, charming villages and delicious cuisine. But how much does it cost to visit Naxos and what are some tips to save money on your trip? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and help you plan your budget for your Naxos holiday.
How to get to Naxos
Naxos is easily reachable by plane or ferry from Athens and other islands of the Aegean Sea. The cheapest way to get to Naxos is by ferry, which takes about 5-6 hours from Piraeus port in Athens and costs around 30-40 euros per person for a standard ticket. You can also take a high-speed ferry, which takes about 3-4 hours and costs around 50-60 euros per person. Alternatively, you can fly to Naxos from Athens International Airport, which takes about 45 minutes and costs around 80-100 euros per person for a one-way ticket. You can also fly to Naxos from other islands, such as Santorini, Mykonos and Paros, but the prices and availability may vary depending on the season and demand.
Some tips to save money on getting to Naxos are:
- Book your ferry tickets online in advance to get the best deals and avoid surcharges.
- Travel during off-season (October-May) or mid-season (June and September) to find lower fares and less crowded ferries.
- Compare different ferry companies and routes to find the cheapest and most convenient option for you.
-
Use a travel agent or a website like
Greeka
or
Santorini Dave
to book your ferry tickets and get discounts on hotels and tours. - If you fly to Naxos, book your flights as early as possible to get the best prices and availability.
-
Use a website like
Skyscanner
or
Kayak
to compare different airlines and dates to find the cheapest flights. - Consider flying to a nearby island, such as Santorini or Mykonos, and then taking a short ferry ride to Naxos, which may be cheaper than flying directly to Naxos.
How much does accommodation cost in Naxos
Naxos has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels and guesthouses to luxury hotels and villas. The average price of accommodation in Naxos is around 50-60 euros per night for a double room in a mid-range hotel or apartment. However, the prices can vary significantly depending on the location, season, quality and amenities of the accommodation. For example, you can find a basic room in a hostel or guesthouse for as low as 20-30 euros per night, while a deluxe room in a 5-star hotel or villa can cost up to 200-300 euros per night or more.
Some tips to save money on accommodation in Naxos are:
- Book your accommodation online in advance to get the best deals and availability.
- Travel during off-season or mid-season to find lower rates and more availability.
-
Compare different booking platforms, such as
Booking.com
,
Airbnb
,
Hotels.com
, etc., to find the best prices and offers for your preferred accommodation. -
Use a website like
Tripadvisor
or
Lonely Planet
to read reviews and ratings of different accommodation options in Naxos. - Stay in a central location, such as Hora (the main town) or Agios Prokopios (the most popular beach), where you can find more amenities and transportation options, and save money on taxis and car rentals.
- Stay in a self-catering apartment or villa, where you can cook your own meals and save money on eating out.
- Look for accommodation that offers free breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking, etc., to save money on extra costs.
How much does food and drink cost in Naxos
Naxos is famous for its delicious and authentic cuisine, which is based on fresh local ingredients, such as cheese, meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, honey and olive oil. You can find a variety of restaurants, taverns, cafes and bars in Naxos, catering to different tastes and budgets. The average price of a meal in Naxos is around 10-15 euros per person for a main course and a drink in a mid-range restaurant or tavern. However, the prices can vary depending on the type, quality and location of the restaurant. For example, you can find a cheap meal in a fast-food place or a bakery for as low as 5 euros per person, while a gourmet meal in a fine-dining restaurant can cost up to 50 euros per person or more.
Some tips to save money on food and drink in Naxos are:
- Eat like a local and try the traditional dishes of Naxos, such as rosto (pork cooked in tomato sauce), kalogeros (lamb baked with cheese and eggplant), gouna (sun-dried mackerel), patoudo (stuffed lamb), graviera (hard cheese), arseniko (spicy cheese), kitron (citrus liqueur), etc.
- Eat at local taverns and family-run restaurants, where you can find authentic and affordable food and friendly service.
- Avoid touristy and overpriced restaurants near the main attractions and beaches, and look for hidden gems in the backstreets and villages.
- Share your dishes with your travel companions or order meze (small plates) instead of full meals, to sample different dishes and save money.
- Look for restaurants that offer free appetizers, such as bread, olives, cheese, etc., or complimentary desserts or drinks after your meal.
- Drink tap water instead of bottled water, which is safe and free in Naxos.
- Drink local wine or beer instead of imported or hard drinks, which are cheaper and more authentic.
- Buy snacks, drinks and groceries from supermarkets or local markets, where you can find fresh and cheap products.
How much does transportation cost in Naxos
Naxos has a good public transportation system, consisting of buses that connect the main town with the beaches and villages around the island. The bus fare is around 1-3 euros per person for a one-way ticket, depending on the distance. You can buy your bus tickets from the bus station in Hora or from kiosks near the bus stops. You can also rent a car, a scooter or a bicycle to explore the island at your own pace. The average price of renting a car in Naxos is around 30-40 euros per day for a small car with basic insurance. The average price of renting a scooter or a bicycle is around 10-15 euros per day. You can also take taxis to get around the island, but they are more expensive and less available than buses. The taxi fare is around 1-2 euros per kilometer, plus a base fare of around 3-4 euros.
Some tips to save money on transportation in Naxos are:
- Use public buses as much as possible to get around the island, as they are cheap and reliable.
- Buy your bus tickets in advance or use a prepaid card to get discounts on multiple trips.
- Check the bus timetables and plan your trips accordingly to avoid waiting times or missing buses.
- Rent a car, a scooter or a bicycle only if you want to explore remote areas or have more flexibility and freedom.
- Compare different rental companies and platforms to find the best deals and offers for your preferred vehicle.
- Book your rental vehicle online in advance to get lower rates and availability.
- Choose a small and fuel-efficient vehicle to save money on gas and parking.
- Drive carefully and follow the traffic rules to avoid fines or accidents.
- Avoid taking taxis unless necessary or urgent, as they are expensive and scarce.
- Negotiate the taxi fare before getting in or ask for a receipt after getting out.
How much does entertainment cost in Naxos
Naxos has plenty
