Ferry from Naxos to Santorini (Athinios).

Naxos to Santorini is one of the shortest and most dependable crossings in the central Cyclades. It suits travellers who start with a few days on Naxos, the biggest island in the group, and then head south for the Santorini caldera. Blue Star runs every day of the year, and in summer the fast boats cover the distance in not much more than an hour.

The departure point could not be easier. The port of Naxos sits on the west coast in Chora, the main town, so from most town hotels you simply walk to the quay. At the other end, you land at Athinios, Santorini's working port on the south-west coast, about 7.5 km from Fira and 20 km from Oia.

In a wider trip, Naxos and Santorini make a natural pair: Naxos for beaches, mountain villages and good food at sensible prices, Santorini for the views. One easy plan is to reach Naxos from Paros or Mykonos, carry on to Santorini, and head home from there.

Two things are worth knowing before you book. First, the price gap is wide: a Blue Star seat costs roughly half of a Seajets ticket but takes about twice as long. Second, some Blue Star sailings run late at night and arrive in Santorini in the small hours, so check your arrival time and book your transfer from Athinios in advance.

In July and August the meltemi wind blows hard from the north and can make this crossing choppy. High-speed boats, which are smaller and lighter, feel it most and are the first to slow down or be held, while the large Blue Star ferries usually keep sailing. The port authority can suspend departures when the wind is too strong. If your boat is stopped, the operator will rebook you or refund the ticket; since Blue Star sails every day, it is usually the best fallback on a windy day.