Santorini to Naxos Ferry
Santorini to Naxos — At a Glance
- Season: Year-round, with reduced service in winter.
- Frequency: Typically 1 ferry per day in winter, increasing to multiple daily departures (9 per day) in summer.
- Sailing days: Daily service.
- Journey time: 1 hour 10 minutes to 2 hours.
- Operators: Seajets, Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways.
- Tickets from: €32 per person.
The Santorini to Naxos ferry is one of the most rewarding short hops in the Cyclades, whisking you from the volcanic drama of Santorini’s caldera to the lush, sprawling greenery of Naxos in under two hours. It runs year-round, so whether you are visiting in the height of summer or looking for a quieter autumn crossing, you have options.
Throughout the year there are 6 ferries per day on average. In summer (June–August), this increases to 9 per day, while winter sees around 1 per day.
Monthly Schedule Overview
Here is a month-by-month overview of ferry service from Santorini to Naxos:
| Month | Available | Avg. Ferries/Day |
|---|---|---|
| January | No | – |
| February | Yes | 1.0 |
| March | Yes | 1.2 (1–2) |
| April | Yes | 3.0 (2–4) |
| May | Yes | 6.0 (4–9) |
| June | Yes | 8.7 (8–9) |
| July | Yes | 9.0 |
| August | Yes | 9.0 |
| September | Yes | 8.0 (6–9) |
| October | Yes | 4.7 (4–6) |
| November | Yes | 1.0 |
| December | No | – |
Ferry Companies
Three operators share the Santorini–Naxos route, giving you a choice of departure times and crossing styles:
- Seajets (high-speed)
- Blue Star Ferries (high-speed)
- Hellenic Seaways (high-speed)
Tips for the Santorini–Naxos Ferry
- Wind on open deck is a reliable form of air conditioning in summer – many Greeks head straight to the deck rather than the air-conditioned saloon.
- Wheeled suitcases are harder to manage on steep gangways and across uneven quaysides than backpacks; a soft-sided bag with carry handles is a practical compromise.
- Lightning storms are possible in spring and autumn; they are usually short-lived and rarely affect ferry operations, but can cause brief delays at loading.
- Most ferries have a small play area or supervised children’s zone on larger vessels; ask crew on boarding if you are travelling with very young children.
- 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 Santorini to Naxos?
Service runs daily throughout the year. In winter, expect roughly one departure per day; in summer the schedule ramps up to as many as 9 per day, so you have plenty of flexibility in peak season.
How long is the ferry from Santorini to Naxos?
The crossing takes between 1 hour 10 minutes and 2 hours depending on which ferry you choose. The fastest services cut the journey to just over an hour, while slower crossings take closer to two hours.
How much does the Santorini to Naxos ferry cost?
Ticket prices start from €32 per person for a standard seat. Prices vary by operator, season, and how far in advance you book.
Which ferry companies operate the Santorini–Naxos route?
The route is served by Seajets, Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways.