Ferry from Heraklia (Iraklia) to Naxos (Chora)

Iraklia is the smallest and quietest of the inhabited Lesser Cyclades, a single-street harbour with a handful of rooms to let and none of the crowds that build up on its bigger neighbour. Naxos, by contrast, is the hub of the group -- a proper town with banks, a hospital, an airport and a harbour that never really goes quiet in season. The short hop between the two is as much a lifeline for islanders as it is a route for visitors, which is part of why it keeps running reliably through the warmer months even though the boats involved are modest in size.

Because this is a local run rather than a mainline crossing, the number of sailings stays fairly constant through the season rather than swelling dramatically in August the way routes out of Piraeus do. Check the schedule box above for the latest confirmed dates and departure times before you travel, since operators file their timetables in stages and small-boat schedules can shift with notice.

Heraklia to Naxos Ferry Fares

Weekly Heraklia 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 dock, 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.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Heraklia to Naxos between 5 November 2026 and 18 November 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Heraklia to Naxos ferry

• On a short crossing, the outside deck is usually the most enjoyable spot – find a seat or a clear section of railing before the vessel gets crowded.
• If you booked through a third-party agent, you may still need to collect a physical ticket at the port – check your booking confirmation carefully.
• Two-berth cabins with a porthole cost more but are worth the premium for overnight crossings – a few hours of genuine sleep transforms how you arrive.
• 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

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