Naxos is one of the most beautiful and diverse Greek islands, boasting a rich ancient history, stunning beaches, charming villages, and a variety of activities. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday, a cultural exploration, or an adventurous escape, Naxos has something for everyone. But how do you get to this amazing island and how do you move around once you are there? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and give you some tips and recommendations for your Naxos travel.
How to get to Naxos by plane
The easiest and fastest way to get to Naxos is by plane. Naxos has a small airport that operates domestic flights from Athens and other Greek islands. The flight from Athens takes about 45 minutes and costs around 50-100 euros depending on the season and availability. You can book your flights online through the websites of the airlines that fly to Naxos, such as
Sky Express
,
Olympic Air
, or
Aegean Airlines
.
The airport is located about 3 km from Naxos Town (also known as Hora), the main town and port of the island. You can take a taxi from the airport to your accommodation for about 10-15 euros, or you can rent a car or a scooter from one of the many rental agencies at the airport. Alternatively, you can use the public bus that runs between the airport and Naxos Town every hour for 2 euros per person.
How to get to Naxos by ferry
Another option to get to Naxos is by ferry. Naxos is well connected by sea with Athens and many other islands of the Cyclades, such as Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Milos, and more. The ferry from Athens (Piraeus port) takes about 3.5-6 hours depending on the type of ferry and costs around 30-60 euros per person. You can book your ferry tickets online through the websites of the ferry companies that serve Naxos, such as
Blue Star Ferries
,
SeaJets
, or
Hellenic Seaways
.
The port of Naxos is located in Naxos Town, where you can find many hotels, restaurants, shops, and car rental agencies. You can also take a taxi or a bus from the port to your destination on the island. The bus station is right next to the port and offers frequent connections to most of the popular beaches and villages of Naxos for 1-3 euros per person.
How to get to Naxos by cruise ship
A third option to get to Naxos is by cruise ship. Naxos is sometimes included in the itineraries of cruise ships that visit the Greek islands, especially those that focus on the Cyclades. Cruise ships usually dock at the port of Naxos for a few hours, giving you enough time to explore the main attractions of Naxos Town, such as the
Portara
, the ancient gate of an unfinished temple dedicated to Apollo, the
Kastro
, the medieval castle built by the Venetians, and the
Archaeological Museum
, which displays artifacts from various periods of Naxos history.
If you want to see more of the island during your cruise stopover, you can join one of the organized tours that are offered by local travel agencies or by your cruise company. These tours usually include visits to some of the most scenic villages and beaches of Naxos, such as
Apiranthos
, a picturesque mountain village with traditional architecture,
Halki
, a former capital of Naxos with a Byzantine church and a distillery of local liqueur, and
Agios Prokopios
, one of the best sandy beaches on the island.
How to get around Naxos island
Naxos is a large and diverse island that offers many options for getting around. The most convenient and flexible way to explore Naxos is by renting a car or a scooter, which will allow you to access all the hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path places of the island. You can rent a car or a scooter from one of the many rental agencies that are located in Naxos Town, the airport, or the port, for about 20-40 euros per day depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
Another way to get around Naxos is by using the public bus, which covers most of the main routes and destinations on the island. The bus is cheap, reliable, and frequent, especially during the high season (July-August). You can buy your bus tickets from the bus station or from kiosks and shops near the bus stops for 1-3 euros per person. You can also check the bus timetables and routes online at
Naxos Destinations
.
A third way to get around Naxos is by taking a taxi, which is convenient and fast, but also more expensive than the other options. You can find taxis at the airport, the port, or in Naxos Town, or you can call one by phone at +30 22850 22444 or +30 22850 24829. The taxi fare depends on the distance and the time of the day, but it usually ranges from 10 to 40 euros per ride.
A fourth way to get around Naxos is by joining a tour or an excursion, which will take you to some of the most interesting and beautiful places on the island. You can book a tour or an excursion online through websites like
GetYourGuide
or
Viator
, or you can find them at local travel agencies in Naxos Town or at your hotel. Some of the most popular tours and excursions include sailing trips, hiking tours, wine tasting tours, cooking classes, and cultural tours.
Conclusion
Naxos is a wonderful island that deserves more than a few days of your time. It has something for everyone, whether you are into history, culture, nature, or adventure. Getting to Naxos and getting around the island is easy and enjoyable, as you have many options to choose from. We hope that this blog post has helped you plan your Naxos travel and that you will have an unforgettable experience on this amazing island!
