Ferry from Naxos (Chora) to Santorini (Athinios)

The Naxos to Santorini ferry is one of the most travelled routes in the Cyclades, linking the lush, mountainous beaches of Naxos with the dramatic caldera cliffs of Santorini. The crossing is short enough to fit comfortably into a day of island-hopping, and the service runs year-round — though you will find far more options available if you travel between spring and early autumn. Our Santorini ferry port guide covers what to expect on arrival, including how to get up to Fira.

On average, five ferries a day make the crossing, but that figure tells only part of the story. In summer (June–August) you can choose from up to eight departures daily, giving real flexibility over when you travel. Come winter, the timetable thins to around one service a day, so it pays to plan ahead if you are visiting outside the main season.

Naxos to Santorini Ferry Fares

Weekly Naxos to Santorini Ferry Schedule

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

Things to do when you arrive: Best Santorini tours on Viator

Hiring a car

Is it worth hiring a car on Santorini?

Yes. The ferry port at Athinios sits about 7.5km below Fira up a steep, winding road; the bus takes about 25 minutes and a taxi costs many times the fare. A car lets you reach Oia, Akrotiri and the red and black beaches at your own pace without waiting for infrequent buses; rental desks operate near the port, and you can compare prices across local suppliers 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 Santorini between 5 September 2026 and 18 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Naxos to Santorini 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.
• Disembarkation on large ferries can take 10–20 minutes after docking; do not panic if it seems slow – vehicles disembark first.
• In Santorini, the clifftop villages of Oia and Fira offer the famous caldera views over the submerged volcanic crater, best seen at sunset from Oia's castle. The 214 steps down to Amoudi Bay lead to some of the best seafood tavernas on the island, and local wine tours offer a taste of Assyrtiko, the volcanic-soil white grape unique to the island.

Plan a journey

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