Heraklion To Naxos Ferry Crossing In 2026
🚢 Heraklion → Naxos — this week
7 sailings over the next 7 days · usually 1/day
Tomorrow (Fri 7 Aug): 1 ferries — first at 08:00
Heraklion to Naxos Ferry
Heraklion to Naxos -- At a Glance
- Season: Timetables are currently published through 31 October 2026.
- Frequency: Typically 1 ferry per day during the season.
- Sailing days: Daily service.
- Journey time: 3 hours to 3 hours 5 minutes.
- Operators: SeaJets.
- Tickets from: €100 per person.
- Book tickets: Check prices at Ferryscanner
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.
Monthly Schedule Overview
Here is a month-by-month overview of ferry service from Heraklion to Naxos:
| Month | Available | Avg. Ferries/Day |
|---|---|---|
| January | Not yet published | – |
| February | Not yet published | – |
| March | Not yet published | – |
| April | Not yet published | – |
| May | Not yet published | – |
| June | Not yet published | – |
| July | Yes | 1.0 |
| August | Yes | 1.0 |
| September | Yes | 1.0 |
| October | Yes | 1.0 |
| November | Not yet published | – |
| December | Not yet published | – |
Book ferry port and airport transfers here: Welcome Pickups →
Heraklion to Naxos — next 14 days
Actual sailing dates and departure times for the next two weeks (last updated 2026-08-06):
| Date | Sailings | Departure times |
|---|---|---|
| Thu 6 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Fri 7 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Sat 8 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Sun 9 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Mon 10 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Tue 11 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Wed 12 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Thu 13 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Fri 14 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Sat 15 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Sun 16 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Mon 17 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Tue 18 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Wed 19 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
Check availability & book on Ferryscanner →
Ferry Companies
The Heraklion–Naxos route is served by 1 company:
- SeaJets – approximately 3 hours
Tips for the Heraklion–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.
Useful Resources for Your Greek Island Trip
- Find accommodation in Greece – hotels, apartments and villas on Booking.com
- Book tours and activities in Greece via Viator
- Find guided experiences and day trips via GetYourGuide
- Compare car hire prices in Greece via DiscoverCars
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do ferries run from Heraklion to Naxos?
Typically 1 ferry per day during the season. Timetables are currently published through 31 October 2026.
Are there ferries from Heraklion to Naxos today?
Yes – 1 sailing today. See the 14-day timetable above for departure times.
How many ferries run from Heraklion to Naxos this week?
Around 7 sailings over the next 7 days (typically 1 per day).
What time is the first ferry from Heraklion to Naxos?
The first departure is usually 08:00.
How long is the ferry from Heraklion to Naxos?
The fastest crossing takes approximately 3 hours, while the slowest takes around 3 hours 5 minutes. Journey times depend on the ferry type and company.
How much does the Heraklion to Naxos ferry cost?
Ticket prices start from €100 per person for a standard seat.
Which ferry companies operate the Heraklion–Naxos route?
The route is served by SeaJets.
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.