Most people who visit Greece for the first time are probably going to want to visit the beautiful Cyclades Islands, home to the sugar cubed blue and white buildings and and the famed sunsets of Santorini. As you plan your trip you will be researching all the things to do in Naxos and where to stay in Santorini. But how do you get from Naxos to Santorini and indeed onto other Greek islands or vice versa?
Essentially you have 4 options;
Ferry – Naxos to Santorini ferry
The fast ferry from Naxos to Santorini takes only an hour and 2O minutes. The slower ( but more fun) Blue Star takes 2 hours. It’s also possible to take any indirect route stopping at Mykonos, Paros or Ios.
We love to travel on the slower Blue Star Ferries. They are the biggest Ferries in the Cyclades and are basically cruise ships with restaurants, bars and even a gift shop on board. They can take up to 2500 passengers and many cars, trucks and scooters. You can pay a little extra for a cabin and sleep the journey away, book a comfy seat in 3 different categories or hang out on the deck with the other sun-worshipers and breath in the sea air.
Other operators are Seajets and Hellenic Seaways.
You can book online at Ferryhopper – representing 40 ferry companies and with indirect routes as well, or you can buy a ticket in Naxos at the port.
If you are traveling in July, August or during one of the many religious festivals or public holidays it pays to book ahead.
Fly Naxos to Santorni
Unfortunately this is not so straight forward. There are no direct flights to Santorini from any of the other Cycladic Islands so you have to fly back to Athens (about 40 minutes) and then get another flight to Santorini. The flight from Athens to Santorini takes about 50 minutes and is usually serviced by Olympic Airlines/Aegean, and Sky Express.
If you book early enough flights in Greece can sometimes be cheaper than the ferries but it will take longer – perhaps around 4 hours with transit time. This may, however, be a very good option for people who are prone to sea-sickness.
The scenery as you fly over the Greek islands is quite wonderful so make sure to book a window seat!
Sail – Naxos to Santorini by yacht
For decades visitors to Greece have been enjoying the magical experience of sailing around the islands either under their own steam in a private charter or hiring a skippered yacht. Either way the ability to explore uncharted waters, empty beaches and coves, ancient caves and ruins and largely design your own itinerary remains a popular way to enjoy the Greek Islands.
It is possible to sail from Naxos to Santorini in less than a day and you could spend a few days exploring other islands along the way such as Ios, Mykonos, Paros, Folegandros and the Small Cyclades.
These are our pick of some of the best ways to sail the Cyclades islands that includes both Naxos and Santorini
Greece Sailing Adventures: Cyclades Islands
10 day Greek Island Hopper sailing
8 day Sail Mykonos to Santorini including Naxos
Private transfer – Naxos to Santorini by Helicopter
Arrive on Santorini like a rockstar!
If you have deep pockets and are keen to get to Santorini quickly then a private helicopter transfer is the way to do it.
Flying in over the Greek Islands in your private helicopter will be an experience you will never forget and if its a special occasion this is one experience you will not regret investing in.
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