Naxos is another jewel of the Cyclades, ideal for idyllic holidays. While in Naxos, you can’t miss Portara, the imposing ‘great door’ made out of marble, which is a remnant of the ancient Temple of Apollo in antiquity. Naxos is also known for its wonderful beaches, with beautiful turquoise waters like Agia Anna and Agios Prokopios. Thanks to its strategic place, there are many islands near Naxos that are easily accessible for day trips or weekend getaways.
Here’s a list of the islands close to Naxos and what to see there:
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9 Islands to Visit Close to Naxos
Paros
If you’re thinking of the best Greek islands near Naxos to visit, then you can’t ignore the beauty of Cycladic Paros. From the beautiful windmills in Paroikia to the picturesque and quite romantic Naoussa with its old port, Paros is the perfect destination.
Explore the white-washed dwellings in Naoussa, with the colorful bougainvillea, and spend the evening trying out the delicious local cuisine for dinner. By night, enjoy a cocktail at Naoussa’s cosmopolitan nightlife scene.
For a daily excursion, head to the picturesque village of Lefkes. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring Kolymbithres beach, organized yet relatively untouched, with rocky surroundings and shallow clean waters.
Alternatively, head to Paros Park in Naoussa, where you will find countless hiking trails, but also an open-air cinema, or learn the history of the island at the Archaeological Museum in Paroikia. Another sight to visit is the Monastery of Panagia Ekatondapiliani if you’re interested in tradition.
Check out: The best things to do in Paros.
How to get there from Naxos:
The trip from Naxos to Paros only lasts up to 1 hour, as the islands are only 11 nautical miles away. It is operated by these ferry companies: Blue Star Ferries, Seajets, and Golden Star Ferries. You can find ferries all year round, but during summer, there are 6 daily crossings. Ticket prices can start as low as 5.50 Euros and reach up to 43.20 Euros, depending on the ferry type.
You can book your tickets or find more information on Ferryhopper.
Amorgos
Another island near Naxos worth visiting is Amorgos, the island of the “Big Blue” as the name of Luc Besson suggests. The Windmills in Chora and narrow alleyways decorated with blue windowpanes and bougainvilleas are unforgettable.
To explore more of its hospitality, visit the villages of Lagkada, Tholaria, and Potato, just above the mountain behind Aegiali. All of them offer countless possibilities to eat or enjoy your day with the panoramic view over Amorgos’s wild coastline. South of Amorgos, you can find a lesser-known but most impressive shipwreck.
The island is perfect for hiking and there are 7 marked routes you can follow to explore more of its natural landscape and traditional beauty.
Check out: The best things to do in Amorgos.
How to get there from Naxos:
Amorgos is 35 nautical miles away from Naxos, but the island’s port is very well connected. You can find up to 10 weekly crossings from Naxos to Amorgos, operated by Seajets, Blue Star Ferries, and Small Cyclades Lines. The journey can last anywhere between 1 hour and 4 hours depending on the ferry company and vessel type. Prices usually start from 11 Euros.
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your tickets.
Donousa
In the northern part of the Small Cyclades, the islet of Donousa lies just 16 km away from Naxos. Although lesser-known, it is worth exploring and perfect for isolated travelers.
The village of Stavros with its beautiful sandy beach is a must-visit, as well as Mersini village and the church of Agia Sofia. Alternatively, head to Kedros Beach, a stunning beach, part sandy and part pebbly, which is accessible easily and has a beach bar.
For nature lovers and active outdoor enthusiasts, this is the perfect getaway. In Donousa, you can hike the 5 designated paths, ranging between 1 km in length to 4,40 km. You can also hike your way to Livadi Beach!
Check here: Things to do in Donousa.
How to get there from Naxos:
Donousa is an island close to Naxos, only 15 nautical miles away. The ferry trip to Donousa from Naxos can last from 1 hour to 4 hours. There are 7 weekly crossings, serviced by Seajets (1-hour trip), Blue Star Ferries (1h 10min), and Small Cyclades Lines (4 hours). Ticket prices start from 6.70 Euros up to 33.5 Euros.
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your tickets.
Schoinousa
Schoinousa, or the island of the sun, is also a part of the Small Cyclades islands near Naxos. Although the island is tiny; it has a distinct character that wins visitors over. It also has countless options to eat traditional Aegean cuisine with locally produced products.
The two villages of Chora and Messaria are amidst green hills and valleys, picturesque and unparalleled in beauty. Visit the most important church of the islands, Panagia Akathi in Chora considered the protector of the island.
You can choose from 18 beaches on the island, most of which are sandy with crystal clear waters. Among the top beaches are Psili Ammos, Gerolimnionas, Tsigouri, and Aligaria.
As for traditional delicacies, don’t forget to try out fava bean, a local specialty and great staple food for many dishes.
How to get there from Naxos:
The trip from Naxos to Schoinousa lasts about 1.5-2 hours. The crossing is serviced by Blue Star Ferries 3 times per week, and daily with vessel Express Scopelitis of the Small Cyclades Lines. Ticket prices start very low, at about 6.50 Euros.
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your tickets.
Iraklia
Between Ios and Naxos lies a most photogenic island of the Small Cyclades, with the unparalleled natural beauty of turquoise waters and wild landscapes.
Perfect for trekking and hiking, Iraklia has a lot to see including the Church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) and the Cave of St. John with stalactites and stalagmites that take your breath away. Other sights to visit are the Church of Agios Georgios in Agios Georgios village and the Chapel of Prophet Elias in Panagia.
Its most famous beaches are Livadi Beach and Agios Georgios Beach, both sandy with bright turquoise waters.
How to get there from Naxos:
Iraklia island is very close to Naxos, at about 16 nautical miles. The route is operated by Blue Star Ferries, Seajets, and Small Cyclades Lines. The crossings operate up to 4 times each week with Blue Star Ferries, 1 crossing weekly with Seajets, and up to 7 with Small Cyclades Lines. The trip lasts for about 1 hour. Prices range from 5-13 Euros.
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your tickets.
Koufonisia
A favorite summer destination among travelers near Naxos is Koufonisia. The isolated island provides a haven for nature lovers to swim, hike, and become one with nature.
The island is most known for its untouched, unorganized stunning beaches, which are ideal for naturism and free camping. In Kato Koufonisi, you will find marvelous landscapes of indescribable charm and an ancient site where you can also find the chapel of the Virgin Mary.
To enjoy pristine nature, visit Glaronissi Islet, with caves and beaches to swim in. Find Xilobatis sea caves in Ano Koufonisi by boat, and enjoy an unforgettable day there.
If you like cycling, Koufonisia is the place to be, with many options to rent or even borrow bicycles to go around the tiny island. Explore Chora with its fresh fish taverns and traditional atmosphere, and shop for souvenirs like hand-painted ceramics with intricate designs.
If you are looking for a day trip from Naxos to Koufonisia, I recommend this Cruise to Koufonissia with BBQ Lunch. It includes swimming in the amazing beaches of Kato Koufonisi and free time to wander around Ano Koufonisi.
How to get there from Naxos:
During summer, you can find 2 to 3 daily crossings from Naxos to Koufonisia, serviced by Seajets, Blue Star Ferries, and Small Cyclades Lines. At 22 nautical miles distance, the trip lasts 35 minutes with Seajets, 2 hours and 5 minutes with Blue Star Ferries and 2 hours 35 mins with Small Cyclades Lines. Ticket prices start from 7 Euros and go as high as 35 Euros.
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your tickets.
Mykonos
Mykonos, the island of the winds, is a perfect getaway and yet another of the best Greek islands close to Naxos. After dusk, take an evening stroll in Mykonos Town’s narrow alleyways and visit Matogiania Street, where you will find various chic boutiques there to shop for souvenirs. If you are looking for a romantic evening, visit Little Venice, also known as Alefkandra, a seaside location with many bars and restaurants to enjoy the wonderful sunset.
If you’re into fun beach parties, choose Cavo Doro, Super Paradise, or Panormos. If you are looking for some privacy, choose Agia Anna instead. Alternatively, explore the beaches of Psarou and Platys Gialos, the former for its fame, the latter for its water sports facilities.
For bits and pieces of the history of Mykonos, start from the landmark; the wonderful windmills, or go sightseeing at the Church of Panagia Paraportiani. You can also find the Archaeological and Folklore Museum for more information about Myconian history. For panoramic views over the Aegean, head to Armenistis Lighthouse.
If you are interested in a day trip from Naxos to Mykonos and Delos I recommend this Delos and Mykonos Full-Day Boat Trip.
How to get there from Naxos:
Mykonos is only 22 nautical miles away from Naxos, so the crossing usually lasts from 35 minutes to 2 hours maximum. There are at least 7-8 daily crossings during summer, all serviced by high-speed ferries like Golden Star Ferries and Seajets. The ticket starts from 21 Euros and can go up to 63 Euros.
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your tickets.
Folegandros
The unknown gem of the Cyclades, Folegandros, is a wonderful destination for nature lovers and fans of traditional Cycladic islands. The white-painted, decorated but minimal Chora is ideal for evening strolls and romantic nights, with the Castle from the Medieval Ages lying imposingly like a crown in the “acropolis” of the town.
Visit the awe-inspiring Church of Panagia of Folegandros, or explore the rich history of the villages in Ano Meria. If you want to spend your day at the beach, don’t miss Katergo Beach, ideal for snorkeling, or Galifos Beach, ideal for nudism. For more relaxing beach days, opt for Agios Nikolaos beach.
Folegandros has many opportunities for alternative tourism activities, offering you scuba diving lessons and yoga sessions near nature. There’s also the opportunity to hike around the island and enjoy more on foot.
How to get there from Naxos:
Folegandros is another island near Naxos, although its distance is 67 km and about 4 hours away. The route is mostly serviced by Seajets with (1 daily crossing) and with Blue Star Ferries (1 crossing per week), which lasts about 3 hours and 20 minutes. According to season, availability, and vessel type, you may spend from 19 Euros up to 50 Euros for tickets.
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your tickets.
Sikinos
Sikinos, the last among the best Greek islands near Naxos on this list, is a small paradise. Less touristy and more alternative, it offers countless options for exploration, hiking, and appreciation of nature.
In Sikinos, you can get a glimpse of the rich history by visiting the Monastery of Episkopi in Chora, and the Folklore Museum. Other options include the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi with its breathtaking views and the Church of Panagia Pantanassa.
There are 4 main beaches to visit while on the island, including Agios Georgios Beach, Port Beach, Dialiskari, and Malta Beach. Most of them are unorganized and ideal for some privacy and tranquility.
You can also enjoy wine-tasting experiences in various local wineries or learn scuba diving if you’re more active and adventurous.
How to get there from Naxos:
The average duration of the trip is 2 hr 25 min with the 1 weekly service by Hellenic Seaways. The SeaJets ferry service once per week, lasts about 3 hours and 50 minutes.