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 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.

Next 14 days

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Heraklia to Naxos ferry

• Air conditioning inside Greek ferries can be set very cold, especially in summer – keep a light layer in your day bag even in hot weather.
• 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.
• On routes served by high-speed catamarans, all seats are assigned – choose seats towards the centre of the vessel for the smoothest ride in choppy conditions.
• 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.