Ferry from Naxos (Chora) to Ios

The Naxos to Ios ferry is one of the most rewarding short hops in the Cyclades. These two islands sit close together in the southern Aegean, and the crossing puts you at the door of Ios’s legendary beaches and whitewashed Chora in well under two hours. Ferries run from March to October, making it a practical link whether you’re island-hopping in the height of summer or travelling in the quieter shoulder months.

At peak summer you can count on up to 5 ferries a day, giving you real flexibility to plan your day around the crossing rather than the other way around. Earlier in the season — March and April — services are sparser, typically 1 to 2 departures daily, so it’s worth checking the schedule before you commit to your onward plans.

Naxos to Ios Ferry Fares

Weekly Naxos to Ios 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

Can you rent a car in Ios?

Yes. The port sits about 2km from Chora, with rental desks at both. A car isn't essential for the Chora to Mylopotas stretch, which is walkable and bus-served, but it's worth having to reach quieter spots like Manganari beach, roughly 19km to the south. Check current rates at Discover Cars.

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 Naxos to Ios between 15 October 2026 and 28 October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Naxos to Ios ferry

• Expect a short walk into town – Naxos port sits right at the edge of Chora, with shops, cafés and the Portara landmark only a few minutes away, so you will not need a taxi if your accommodation is central.
• Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure and confirm your departure gate on the day, since Naxos is one of the busiest Cycladic ports, with several operators and vessels often docked at once.
• If you are catching the Express Skopelitis local ferry to the Small Cyclades, it usually berths away from the main quay used by Blue Star and the high-speed ferries, so check where it is tied up when you arrive.
• Aircraft-style reserved seats cost a little more than deck class and are worth it on longer crossings if cabins are beyond your budget.
• In Ios, the whitewashed Chora draws visitors with its narrow footpaths, windmills, and the climb to the Church of Panagia Gremiotissa for sweeping views across the Aegean. The island's beaches are among the finest in the Cyclades – Mylopotas, Manganari, and Magganari are the most celebrated – while Homer's reputed tomb lies on the northern hillside.

Plan a journey

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