Ferry Route
Duration
1h
From
€6.00
Frequency
3-4 times per week
passengers
From
€12
2 × €6
Powered by Touristas Booking System
0h
Fastest crossing
0x
Daily departures
0+
Ferry operators
The Donousa to Naxos ferry is one of the Cyclades' most popular connections, operating 3-4 times per week with journey times from 1h to 1h 48m and tickets from €6.00. The route is served by Blue Star Ferries, Small Cyclades Lines, with vehicle transport available on conventional ferries. Service runs year-round.
Naxos is celebrated for its long sandy beaches, the ancient Portara gateway, lush mountainous interior with traditional villages, and outstanding local cuisine. Whether you're drawn by the beaches, the local cuisine, or the authentic Cycladic atmosphere, Naxos rewards visitors who make the crossing.
Insider Tip: The Donousa to Naxos crossing is one of the Aegean's most scenic routes. Grab a seat on the outdoor deck for unbeatable sea views. Traveling mid-week usually means emptier ferries and a more relaxed arrival. In peak season, book at least 2–3 weeks in advance to secure your preferred departure time.
Ferry Companies
Conventional ferry
From
€6.00
Duration
1h
Conventional ferry
From
€6.00
Duration
1h
Schedule
Availability
| Month | Frequency | Duration | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3 days per week | 1h 48m | €6 |
| February | 3 days per week | 1h 48m | €6 |
| March | 3 days per week | 1h 48m | €6 |
| April | 3 days per week | 1h | €7 |
| May | 3 days per week | 1h | €7 |
| June | 4 days per week | 1h | €8 |
| July | 4 days per week | 1h | €8 |
| August | 4 days per week | 1h | €8 |
| September | 4 days per week | 1h | €8 |
| October | 3 days per week | 1h | €7 |
| November | 3 days per week | 1h 48m | €6 |
| December | 3 days per week | 1h 48m | €6 |
Pricing
| Passengers | Donousa → Naxos | Naxos → Donousa |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Adult | €6.00 | €6.00 |
| 2 Adults | €12 | €12 |
| 2 Adults + Car | €30 | €30 |
| Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) | €18 | €18 |
Operators
The Donousa to Naxos route is served by Blue Star Ferries, Small Cyclades Lines. Here's a detailed breakdown of each operator's offering:
Blue Star Ferries is Greece's largest and most established conventional ferry operator, part of the Attica Group. With a modern fleet of large conventional vessels, Blue Star serves the most demanding Cyclades routes year-round, offering a complete onboard experience comparable to a short cruise.
Fleet: Large conventional ferries (Blue Star Delos, Blue Star Paros, Blue Star Naxos, Diagoras) — carrying up to 2,400 passengers and 600 vehicles
Small Cyclades Lines is the lifeline ferry service for the Small Cyclades islands of Naxos, Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonisia, and Donousa. Without this operator, the Small Cyclades would be practically inaccessible to most visitors.
Fleet: Small conventional ferries (Express Skopelitis) — perfectly sized for the intimate Small Cyclades harbours
| Operator | Ferry Type | Duration | Price From | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Star Ferries | Conventional | 1h – 1h 48m | €6.00 | ✅ Yes |
| Small Cyclades Lines | Conventional | 1h – 1h 48m | €6.00 | ✅ Yes |
Our recommendation: For the fastest crossing, choose a high-speed service. For more comfort, space, and the option to take your vehicle, go conventional. Both options are reliable — the right choice depends on your priorities.
More routes
On Board
Ferries on the Donousa to Naxos route offer comfortable travel with a full range of onboard amenities. Here's what to expect from each operator:
Blue Star Ferries is Greece's largest and most established conventional ferry operator, part of the Attica Group. With a modern fleet of large conventional vessels, Blue Star serves the most demanding Cyclades routes year-round, offering a complete onboard experience comparable to a short cruise.
Fleet on this route: Large conventional ferries (Blue Star Delos, Blue Star Paros, Blue Star Naxos, Diagoras) — carrying up to 2,400 passengers and 600 vehicles
Seat & Cabin Classes: Deck Class: Open-air deck seating (cheapest). Economy Seats: Numbered airplane-style seats indoors. Business Class Seats: Premium reclining seats in quieter lounge. 4-Bed Cabin: Shared inside cabin. 2-Bed Cabin: Semi-private inside cabin. Exterior Cabin: Cabin with porthole window. Deluxe Cabin: Premium cabin with exterior window and en-suite bathroom.
Luggage Policy: Up to 50 kg of luggage per passenger, free of charge. No formal check-in required — store bags in designated luggage racks near your cabin or seat. Bicycles accepted for an additional fee (€5–8).
Pets: Pets accepted free when included in booking. Animals under 10 kg may stay with their owner in a carrier in designated pet-friendly areas. Larger pets are accommodated in kennels on the open deck or in dedicated pet cabins. Pets must wear a leash and muzzle on open decks. Valid health certificate and EU pet passport required.
Vehicles: All Blue Star vessels have vehicle garages accepting cars, motorcycles, campervans, and buses. Cars from €75–130 depending on route and season. Motorbikes from €20–35. Arrive at the port 60–90 minutes before departure for vehicle boarding — vehicle lanes are in a separate area from passenger embarkation.
Small Cyclades Lines is the lifeline ferry service for the Small Cyclades islands of Naxos, Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonisia, and Donousa. Without this operator, the Small Cyclades would be practically inaccessible to most visitors.
Fleet on this route: Small conventional ferries (Express Skopelitis) — perfectly sized for the intimate Small Cyclades harbours
Seat & Cabin Classes: Deck/Open Seating: The Express Skopelitis is a small boat with open deck seating — bring a jacket for the sea breeze! Basic indoor seating also available.
Luggage Policy: Limited luggage space on the small vessels — bring a compact bag rather than a large suitcase. Backpackers are the typical clientele.
Pets: Pets generally accepted with documentation. The small vessel size means pets travel in more intimate proximity to other passengers — check with the operator.
Vehicles: Very limited vehicle capacity (a few motorcycles maximum) — the Small Cyclades are best explored on foot or by rental scooter.
All ferries on this route have clean restrooms, luggage storage areas, and food and beverage service. In peak season (July–August), we recommend reserving a specific seat or cabin class rather than traveling on an open deck ticket.
Travel Tips
Port of Donousa is the island's main settlement and port in one — a tiny, intimate harbour on the north coast of this easternmost Small Cyclades island. Ferries from Naxos, Amorgos, and Koufonisia call here 3–4 times weekly. The entire island (population ~170) is walkable in a few hours. Arrive 30 minutes before departure. No buses — accommodation owners meet arrivals. Donousa is perfect for travellers seeking genuine isolation and some of the best snorkelling spots in the Cyclades.
Naxos port is steps from the town center — you can walk directly to shops, restaurants, and hotels from the dock. KTEL buses to Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka, Halki, and Apeiranthos depart from the station 100m from the port. Taxis to Plaka beach take 10 minutes (€10). Car rentals available immediately at the port. The Portara ruins are a 5-minute walk along the causeway — a perfect first stop after arrival. Naxos Town (Chora) has supermarkets and a lively market street.
Book 4–6 weeks ahead for July–August departures, especially for cabins and vehicle spaces — these sell out first. Economy seats remain available longer. Off-season (November–March) you can usually book a week ahead. Use Ferryhopper.com for instant price comparison across operators.
Naxos is celebrated for its long sandy beaches, the ancient Portara gateway, lush mountainous interior with traditional villages, and outstanding local cuisine. Don't miss exploring the main town (Chora), the local beaches, and the traditional tavernas. For a full guide to Naxos's top attractions, restaurants, and hidden gems, visit our Naxos island guide.
Island Hopping
After arriving in Naxos, extend your Cycladic adventure with these popular onward ferry connections:
3-Island Express (4–5 days): Spend 1–2 days in Naxos, then ferry to Paros for 1 day, and continue to Ios for 1–2 days before returning to Athens. Total: a perfect Cyclades sampler that packs in three distinct island personalities.
Use our ferry search engine to find the best schedules and prices for your multi-island itinerary, or browse our island hopping guides for curated route inspiration.
Things to Do
Discover the top tours, excursions, and experiences waiting for you in Naxos.
Explore Naxos's most beautiful coastlines by boat or guided tour.
Discover the history, architecture, and local traditions of Naxos.
Taste the authentic flavours of Naxos with local food and wine experiences.
Where to Stay
From boutique hotels to traditional villas — find the perfect accommodation for your Naxos stay.
Island Guides
Discover the best beaches, hotels, restaurants, and activities on the islands of this route.
Beaches, hotels, restaurants & things to do
Beaches, hotels, restaurants & things to do
💡 Pro tip: Read our Naxos guide before your trip to discover hidden gems. Don't forget to organize your stay early by checking our curated Hotels in Naxos and securing your mobility through Naxos Car Rentals directly at the port or airport fees-free.
Route Map
FAQ
The ferry from Donousa to Naxos takes between 1h and 1h 48m, depending on the vessel type and operator. High-speed catamarans offer the fastest crossing at approximately 1h, while conventional ferries take up to 1h 48m but offer more spacious travel with outdoor decks, cafeterias, and cabin options. Journey times may be slightly longer in winter due to sea conditions.
Ferry tickets from Donousa to Naxos start from €6.00 for a standard economy seat in low season. Prices vary by operator, seat class, and time of year — peak season (July–August) fares are typically 25–35% higher. Business class seats and private cabins cost more. Families can save by booking a 4-berth cabin. Use Ferryhopper to compare all available fares in real time.
Ferries operate 3-4 times per week during the main season (Jan - Dec). In peak summer (July–August), there may be multiple daily sailings. Service can be reduced or suspended during winter months on some routes. The route is served by Blue Star Ferries, Small Cyclades Lines. Check the latest schedules on Ferryhopper for exact departure times.
Yes — conventional ferries on this route have vehicle garages and can carry cars, motorcycles, campervans, and even buses. Vehicle spaces are limited and sell out fast in summer, so book at least 4–6 weeks ahead if you're traveling July–August. High-speed catamarans on this route generally do not carry vehicles. Arrive at the port at least 60–90 minutes before departure when traveling with a vehicle.
The best time to visit Naxos is late May through early October. June and September offer the ideal balance: warm swimming weather, lower prices than peak season, fewer crowds, and the best ferry connections. July–August is peak season — the most lively but also the most crowded and expensive. May is an excellent shoulder month with pleasant weather and very few tourists. Naxos is known for its long sandy beaches, the ancient Portara gateway, lush mountainous interior with traditional villages, and outstanding local cuisine.
The route is served by Blue Star Ferries, Small Cyclades Lines. For the fastest crossing, choose a high-speed service (typically Seajets or Golden Star). For most comfort or if you're traveling with a vehicle, choose a conventional ferry (Blue Star Ferries or similar). For the best price, compare all options on Ferryhopper — prices can vary significantly by departure time and booking lead time.
The easiest way to book is through Ferryhopper — the leading Greek ferry booking platform. Simply enter your departure port, destination, and travel date to see all available sailings, compare prices across operators, and book securely online. Tickets are delivered by email and can be used on your phone. You can also book directly on each operator's website, but Ferryhopper shows all options in one place for easy comparison.
