Naxos to Santorini Ferry

Naxos to Santorini Ferry

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.

Monthly Schedule Overview

Here is a month-by-month overview of ferry service from Naxos to Santorini:

Month	Available	Avg. Ferries/Day
January	Not yet published	–
February	Yes	1.0
March	Yes	1.2 (1–2)
April	Yes	3.1 (2–4)
May	Yes	5.3 (4–7)
June	Yes	6.7 (6–8)
July	Yes	6.7 (3–8)
August	Yes	7.0 (6–8)
September	Yes	6.0 (5–8)
October	Yes	4.5 (4–6)
November	Not yet published	–
December	Not yet published	–

Naxos to Santorini — 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	6	10:35, 12:20, 12:50, 14:00, 16:35, 19:35
Fri 7 Aug	8	00:45, 10:35, 12:20, 12:50, 14:00, 16:35, 19:35, 23:45
Sat 8 Aug	7	10:35, 12:20, 12:50, 14:00, 16:35, 19:35, 23:45
Sun 9 Aug	6	10:35, 12:20, 12:50, 14:00, 16:35, 19:35
Mon 10 Aug	8	00:45, 10:35, 12:20, 12:50, 14:00, 16:35, 19:35, 23:45
Tue 11 Aug	6	10:35, 12:20, 12:50, 14:00, 16:35, 19:35
Wed 12 Aug	8	00:45, 10:35, 12:20, 12:50, 14:00, 16:35, 19:35, 23:45
Thu 13 Aug	6	10:35, 12:20, 12:50, 14:00, 16:35, 19:35
Fri 14 Aug	8	00:45, 10:35, 12:20, 12:50, 14:00, 16:35, 19:35, 23:45
Sat 15 Aug	7	10:35, 12:20, 12:50, 14:00, 16:35, 19:35, 23:45
Sun 16 Aug	6	10:35, 12:20, 12:50, 14:00, 16:35, 19:35
Mon 17 Aug	8	00:45, 10:35, 12:20, 12:50, 14:00, 16:35, 19:35, 23:45
Tue 18 Aug	6	10:35, 12:20, 12:50, 14:00, 16:35, 19:35
Wed 19 Aug	8	00:45, 10:35, 12:20, 12:50, 14:00, 16:35, 19:35, 23:45

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Ferry Companies

The Naxos–Santorini route is served by 2 companies:

• SeaJets – approximately 1 hour 5 minutes
• Blue Star Ferries – approximately 2 hours

Tips for the Naxos–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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do ferries run from Naxos to Santorini?

1 to 8 ferries per day depending on the season. Sailings are scheduled into the winter, with timetables published through 18 October 2026.

Are there ferries from Naxos to Santorini today?

Yes – 6 sailings today. See the 14-day timetable above for departure times.

How many ferries run from Naxos to Santorini this week?

Around 49 sailings over the next 7 days (typically 6 per day, 7 on weekends).

What time is the first ferry from Naxos to Santorini?

The first departure is usually 00:45.

How long is the ferry from Naxos to Santorini?

The fastest crossing takes approximately 1 hour 5 minutes, while the slowest takes around 2 hours 55 minutes. Journey times depend on the ferry type and company.

How much does the Naxos to Santorini ferry cost?

Ticket prices start from €32 per person for a standard seat. Prices can go up to €60 depending on the company, seat class, and time of year.

Which ferry companies operate the Naxos–Santorini route?

The route is served by SeaJets, Blue Star Ferries.

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.