Ferry from Heraklion (Crete) to Naxos (Chora)

Heraklion and Naxos sit on opposite sides of open water, and this crossing is one of the more direct ways to move between Crete and the Cyclades without routing back through Piraeus first. It is not a route with dozens of daily departures competing for your custom -- check the schedule box above for the latest confirmed dates and you will usually find a single well-timed sailing rather than a choice of several.

Because there is only the one crossing to work with, it tends to anchor the rest of the day's plans rather than fit around them. Build your Heraklion morning or your Naxos arrival around it, and the rest of the itinerary falls into place.

Heraklion to Naxos Ferry Fares

Weekly Heraklion to Naxos Ferry Schedule

The repeating pattern behind the dated timetable, without dates. Each row is one scheduled departure and the days it runs.

Hiring a car

Is it worth hiring a car on Naxos?

Yes, it is worth it. Naxos is the largest Cycladic island, and its best beaches and mountain villages, Apollonas, Halki, the Tragaea, are 30 to 45 minutes' drive from Naxos Town. Rental desks sit right at the ferry quay, a one-minute walk from the bus terminal. Buses cover the main coast road, but a car gets you into the interior. Compare local suppliers at Discover Cars.

Can you rent a car in Heraklion?

Yes. Heraklion's ferry port sits about 1km from the centre, an easy walk or short taxi ride, and several rental firms have desks right at the harbour or nearby in town. The city itself is compact enough on foot, but a car pays off once you want to reach Knossos, the south coast or the Lasithi plateau, where buses run less often. Check rates at Discover Cars.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Heraklion to Naxos between 5 September 2026 and 18 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Heraklion to Naxos ferry

• Arrive at Heraklion port at least 45 minutes before departure if you already hold an e-ticket – if you are travelling with a car, allow 60 to 90 minutes, as vehicles queue and board separately from foot passengers.
• Buy your ferry ticket online in advance rather than at the port – ticket kiosks at Heraklion only open a few hours before each departure, and Santorini's high-speed services sell out in summer.
• For the Santorini day-boats, SeaJets asks passengers to be at the terminal 30 minutes before sailing – expect heavy congestion and longer check-in queues on summer mornings.
• Evening arrivals into a lit island harbour are particularly beautiful; consider timing a crossing to arrive at dusk if the schedule allows.
• Once you arrive in Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades, the giant marble Portara gateway standing on a small islet at the entrance to the harbour is an unmissable landmark. The island offers the full range of Greek island experiences: long sandy beaches, mountain villages, ancient ruins, and a fertile interior producing excellent local cheeses and wines.

Plan a journey

Search for a connection between any two Greek ports, including journeys that need a change.