The Mykonos to Naxos ferry is one of the quickest island hops in the Cyclades, a crossing of around 35 to 75 minutes from Mykonos New Port at Tourlos to Naxos, run by SeaJets, Fast Ferries and Hellenic Seaways. This guide covers the times, the prices, the ports, the operators, booking and tips.
Naxos is an easy and rewarding day trip or island hop from the Mykonos travel guide, and pairs with the Mykonos vs Naxos guide. The sections below cover the journey in full.
How long does the Mykonos to Naxos ferry take?
The Mykonos to Naxos ferry takes around 35 minutes on the fastest high-speed boats and about 1 hour 15 minutes on the conventional ferries, with an average of roughly an hour. It is one of the shortest and easiest crossings in the Cyclades, making Naxos a quick and convenient hop from Mykonos.
The crossing from Mykonos to Naxos is short and straightforward, one of the quickest island hops in the Cyclades thanks to the islands’ closeness. The fastest high-speed catamarans cover the route in as little as 35 minutes, while the conventional car ferries take around 1 hour 15 minutes, and some services that call at other islands along the way take a little longer, so the average journey is roughly an hour. This brevity makes Naxos very easy to reach from Mykonos, whether as a day trip or as the next stop on an island-hopping itinerary, and means you spend minimal time travelling and maximum time enjoying the islands. The speed and frequency of the route are a big part of why the two islands are so often combined, set out alongside the guides to Mykonos to Santorini and day trips. Several companies run the route.
Which ferries run from Mykonos to Naxos?
The Mykonos to Naxos route is served by several operators, including SeaJets and Hellenic Seaways with high-speed catamarans, and Fast Ferries with conventional car ferries. In the summer high season there are around 47 crossings a week, dropping to only about 5 a week in winter, so frequency is excellent in summer.
A good choice of ferry companies operates the popular Mykonos to Naxos route, giving plenty of frequency and options in summer. The high-speed catamarans, run by operators such as SeaJets and Hellenic Seaways, make the fastest crossings of around 35 to 50 minutes, while Fast Ferries runs conventional car ferries that take a little over an hour but cost less and carry vehicles. Between them they provide frequent service in the high season, with around 47 crossings a week from June to September, so you can usually find a convenient departure, whereas outside summer this drops sharply to only about 5 a week, making the route far less convenient in the off-season. The earliest boats from Mykonos generally leave mid-morning and the last in the early evening. With several operators and frequent summer sailings, the route is reliable and flexible, set out alongside the guide to the ports. The fares are reasonable.
How much does the Mykonos to Naxos ferry cost?
The Mykonos to Naxos ferry costs from around 34 to 58 euros for a standard one-way ticket, with business and VIP lounge seats priced higher, from around 65 to 80 euros. Prices vary by operator, boat speed and season, and the conventional ferries are generally cheaper than the fast catamarans.
The fare for the short hop to Naxos is moderate and good value given the convenience. A standard economy one-way ticket typically costs from around 34 to 58 euros, depending on the operator, the speed of the boat and the time of year, with the conventional car ferries generally cheaper than the faster high-speed catamarans. For more comfort, business-lounge seats are usually priced from around 65 euros and VIP-lounge seats from around 80 euros, offering quieter, more spacious seating for the crossing. Prices rise in the peak of July and August and for the fastest services, so booking ahead helps secure both a place and a better fare. Because the journey is short, there are no cabins on this route, just airline-style seating and open decks. Comparing operators and classes when booking lets you balance speed, comfort and cost, set out alongside the guide to Mykonos on a budget. The ports are simple to navigate.
Which ports do the ferries use?
Ferries to Naxos leave from Mykonos New Port at Tourlos, about 2.5 km north of Mykonos Town, not the Old Port. They arrive at the main port of Naxos in Chora, the island’s capital, right beside the town. Arrive at Mykonos New Port about 45 minutes before departure in summer.
Knowing the ports avoids confusion on travel day. Departures from Mykonos leave from the New Port at Tourlos, the large modern port about 2.5 kilometres north of Mykonos Town where the big ferries and cruise ships dock, rather than the small Old Port beside the town, so make sure you go to the right place. In the busy summer season the port can get crowded, so it is wise to arrive about 45 minutes before departure to allow for boarding. On the other end, the ferries dock at the main port of Naxos, conveniently located right in Chora, the island’s lively capital, so you step off the boat practically in the heart of town, close to the waterfront, the old town and the famous Portara gateway. This makes arriving on Naxos easy and immediate, with no long transfer needed. Planning the correct port and arrival time keeps the journey smooth, set out alongside the guide to Mykonos vs Naxos. A few tips help the trip.
What tips help for the Mykonos to Naxos ferry?
Book tickets online in advance for summer, go to the correct New Port at Tourlos and arrive about 45 minutes early, and choose a fast catamaran for the shortest crossing. Keep luggage manageable, carry your booking and ID, and take seasickness precautions, as fast ferries can be bumpy in strong wind.
A few simple tips make the Mykonos to Naxos crossing easy. Book your ferry tickets online in advance, especially in the busy summer months, to secure your preferred time and avoid sold-out sailings, and choose a high-speed catamaran if you want the shortest possible crossing or a conventional ferry if you prefer to save money. On the day, head to the correct port, the New Port at Tourlos rather than the Old Port, and arrive about 45 minutes before departure to allow for the crowds and boarding. Pack so your luggage is easy to handle, as you may carry it on and off yourself, and keep your booking confirmation and ID to hand. If you are prone to seasickness, take precautions, as the fast ferries can be bumpy when the meltemi wind whips up the sea. With these steps, the short hop to Naxos is a breeze, set out alongside the guides to Mykonos weather and getting to Mykonos. Naxos is well worth visiting.
Why visit Naxos from Mykonos?
Naxos is well worth visiting from Mykonos for its long sandy beaches, authentic Greek-island atmosphere, mountain villages, ancient sites and the iconic Portara gateway, all at far lower prices than Mykonos. The short, frequent ferry makes it an easy day trip or a relaxed, affordable contrast on an island-hopping trip.
Naxos makes a rewarding addition to a Mykonos trip, offering a very different and more affordable experience just a short ferry ride away. The largest of the Cyclades, Naxos is known for its long, beautiful sandy beaches such as Plaka and Agios Prokopios, ideal for relaxed swimming and families, and for its authentic, unspoilt character, with traditional mountain villages, a fertile green interior, ancient ruins and a genuine Greek-island feel that contrasts with Mykonos’s glamour. Its landmark is the Portara, a giant marble doorway from an unfinished ancient temple standing on an islet by the port, famous for sunset. Crucially, Naxos is far cheaper than Mykonos, so it offers excellent value for food, accommodation and activities. Whether as a day trip to sample its beaches and town or as a longer, calmer stop on an island-hopping route, Naxos rewards the easy hop from Mykonos, set out alongside the guides to day trips and a Mykonos itinerary. The questions below cover the points travellers ask most.
Can you do Naxos as a day trip from Mykonos?
Yes, you can do Naxos as a day trip from Mykonos thanks to the short, frequent ferry of around 35 minutes to an hour. Take an early boat, spend the day exploring Naxos Town, the Portara and a beach, and return on an evening ferry, though staying a night or two lets you see far more.
Naxos works well as a day trip from Mykonos, and the short, frequent crossing makes it practical, though a longer stay rewards you more. Because the fastest ferries take only around 35 minutes and there are frequent sailings in summer, you can catch an early-morning boat from Mykonos New Port, enjoy a full day on Naxos, and return on an evening ferry, making a satisfying day out. With a day, the natural plan is to explore Naxos Town, the lively capital right by the port, wandering its old town and Venetian castle, walking out to the iconic Portara, the giant marble gateway on the islet by the harbour, and spending time on one of the beautiful sandy beaches such as Agios Prokopios or Plaka, a short bus or taxi ride away, perhaps with a relaxed lunch of good-value local food. That said, Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades with a rich interior of mountain villages, ancient sites and long beaches, so a single day only scratches the surface, and staying a night or two lets you experience its authentic character and value far more fully. Either way, the easy ferry makes Naxos a rewarding addition to a Mykonos trip, set out alongside the guides to Mykonos vs Naxos and day trips. The short hop opens up a very different island.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Mykonos to Naxos ferry take?
The Mykonos to Naxos ferry takes around 35 minutes on the fastest high-speed boats and about 1 hour 15 minutes on the conventional ferries, with an average of roughly an hour. It is one of the shortest and easiest crossings in the Cyclades, making Naxos a quick and convenient hop from Mykonos.
How much does the Mykonos to Naxos ferry cost?
The Mykonos to Naxos ferry costs from around 34 to 58 euros for a standard one-way ticket, with business and VIP lounge seats priced higher, from around 65 to 80 euros. Prices vary by operator, boat speed and season, and the conventional ferries are generally cheaper than the fast catamarans.
Which port does the Naxos ferry leave from in Mykonos?
Ferries to Naxos leave from Mykonos New Port at Tourlos, about 2.5 km north of town, not the Old Port. They arrive at the main port of Naxos in Chora, right beside the town. Arrive at Mykonos New Port about 45 minutes before departure in summer, as it can get crowded.