The Santorini to Naxos ferry operates daily year-round with several departures a day in summer (7 on our 12 August 2026 sample). The crossing takes 1h 10m to 2h 35m, with tickets from €31.
After Santorini's volcanic drama, Naxos offers a complete contrast: long golden beaches, green mountain valleys, working villages and some of the best local food in the Cyclades. The two islands are about 43 nautical miles apart, and the ferry runs north past Ios, so this is one of the most natural hops in any island itinerary. Many people fly into Santorini, spend a few nights on the caldera, then move to Naxos for beach time at a gentler pace and price.
The two ports could hardly be more different. Athinios on Santorini is a cramped harbour at the foot of a cliff, reached by a switchback road that jams when ships are due. Naxos Chora, by contrast, is a proper harbour town: you walk off the boat onto a seafront lined with cafés, with the Portara gateway on one side and the old Kastro above.
The practical choice is between Blue Star Ferries, which is cheaper at about €31.50, takes around 2 hours and carries cars, and the Seajets catamarans, which are faster but cost roughly twice as much. Sort out your ride down to Athinios before the day, because taxis and buses there fill up in summer, and leave plenty of time for the port road.
