Naxos is among the top Cycladic islands. It combines wonderful beaches and a stunning tradition of Aegean beauty in each picturesque village and stone-paved alley. Its magnificent landscape is wild, with steep cliffs and awe-inspiring views.
It’s also very conveniently located for island-hopping experiences. Naxos is close to Paros, Koufonisia, and even Santorini. The latter is perhaps the most popular island in the Cyclades to visit, with volcanic “moonscapes,” stunning beaches, and a most renowned sunset view.
If you want to explore both Naxos and Santorini, here’s all you need to know on how to get from Naxos to Santorini:
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If you are looking to visit Santorini from Naxos as a day trip, I recommend this Full-Day Boat Trip to Santorini that includes return ferry tickets and a bus tour in Santorini.
Getting from Naxos to Santorini
Hop on a ferry from Naxos to Santorini
The easiest and cheapest way to get to Santorini from Naxos is by ferry. This is not only a cheap but also a convenient option, available throughout the year without fuss. The two islands are separated by 43 nautical miles only.
You can find daily crossings throughout the year from Naxos to Santorini. The ferry companies operating this route are Seajets, Golden Star Ferries, and Blue Star Ferries.
The trip has an average duration of 1 hour and 52 minutes, but this depends on the ferry type and weather. With Seajets and Golden Star Ferries, it can take up to 1 hour and 20 minutes, while with Blue Star Ferries it might take up to 2 hours. The earliest ferry departs at 10.40 am and the latest at 23:55.
For a single ticket, prices range from 20€ to 79€. This always depends on ferry type, availability, seasonality, and seat selections.
Find further details on ferry schedules and book your tickets here.
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Go on a sailing cruise
Opt for an island-hopping experience by going on organized sailing tours that usually depart from Athens and move around the islands, where you can catch the rest of the trip. Take the route from Naxos and explore the Cycladic beauty of Santorini.
The distance from Naxos to Santorini allows a full-day sailing cruise. You can also explore other islands such as Paros, Ios, Mykonos, Folegandros, and the Small Cyclades.
This is the ideal option for island-hopping enthusiasts and sailing enthusiasts.
How to get around Santorini
Santorini has a lot to offer, and you surely need to settle your transportation method before you get there. In some cases, getting there might be tricky, thanks to the island’s natural wild beauty and morphology.
Don’t worry, though. Your options are more than enough.
Hire a Car/Motorcycle
The most convenient option to consider is renting a car to move around Santorini. You can find many agencies that offer vehicles there, but because of vast demand during high season, consider booking it in advance.
I recommend booking a car through Discover Cars where you can compare all rental car agencies’ prices, and you can cancel or modify your booking for free. They also guarantee the best price. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Extra tips: Driving in Santorini is not an easy task for inexperienced drivers, in the sense that the road network of this steep, mountainous landscape can be tricky and scary for some. The roads are narrow and not always well-preserved, but for an average driver with some driving experience on his hands, that wouldn’t be a problem.
Grab a taxi
In Santorini, you will find local taxis as another option to go places. Know in advance that taxis do not have a “meter” since this is an island and the routes are limited. There is a fixed price, which you had better ask in advance.
For example, the fixed price from the port to Fira is about 15-20 Euros and the drive lasts about 20 minutes. The airport is about 10 minutes away from Fira.
Find local taxis around the port and in central places.
Hop on the Local Bus
The most affordable option would be hopping on the local bus (KTEL) in Santorini. Bus fares for simple rides to various destinations cost only 2 to 2.5 Euros. The central hub of departures is located in Fira. The buses are available throughout the year.
Some of the most known routes include Fira to Oia, Fira to Imerovigli, Perissa to Fira, Fira to Kamari, Aiport to Fira, Fira to Akrotiri, and all of these vice versa.
You will generally have access to the most central and important locations on the island, but keep in mind that some places are inaccessible if you don’t have your own vehicle.
FAQ About Your Trip From Naxos to Santorini
You can either fly to Naxos Airport (JNX) from Athens or hop on a ferry from Piraeus. Flying to Naxos takes 44 minutes approximately. The ferry trip lasts 4 and a half to 5 hours approximately but it is cheaper.
For Santorini, the optimal stay would be 3 to 5 days to get a good glimpse of the island. In this period, you can visit the landmarks, enjoy its views, taste the traditional cuisine, and watch the sunset.
You can either hire a car or a motorcycle, grab a taxi, or simply take the local bus. There are local bus lines (KTEL) on a daily basis that get you to and from various destinations.
Ferry tickets vary and begin from 22 Euros from the port of Lavrio to the port of Naxos, but the trip is 8 hours long. Usually, the fastest routes begin at 30 Euros from the Port of Piraeus and vary according to the season.
Santorini is a very popular island that attracts tourists all year round. However, to enjoy the island unbothered choose a visit from September to October or even from April to May.