Naxos · Getting there
Naxos sits in the middle of the Cyclades, so it is easy to reach and an easy place to hop on from. Most people arrive by sea at the harbour of Chora, and the first thing they see is the marble gate of the Portara on its islet. If you are short of time, the small airport just south of town has flights from Athens all year.
By plane
3 km south of Chora, near Agios Prokopios
Small planes from Athens all year, about 45 minutes, several times a day in summer. There are no direct flights from abroad, so connect in Athens.
Into town: Chora and the beaches of Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna are 5–15 minutes away by taxi. Many hotels will pick you up if you ask.
By ferry
Ferries from Piraeus, the port of Athens, about 40 minutes from the city centre by metro.
Piraeus (Athens) Chora, Naxos
High-speed boats take about 3.5–4 hours, conventional ferries 5–6 hours with more room on deck. Most stop at Paros first.
Rafina (near Athens airport) Chora, Naxos
The handier port if you land at Athens airport, about 20 minutes away by taxi.
Island hopping
Chora Paros
Chora Mykonos
Chora Ios & Santorini
High-speed boats run on south to Ios and Santorini, and some go on to Crete.
Chora The Small Cyclades
The little ferry Express Skopelitis and faster boats link Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonisia and Donoussa, then Amorgos.
Chora Amorgos
When you land
Rent a car for the mountain villages
Buses run from the port to the beaches and the main villages, but a car lets you reach Halki, Apiranthos and the north at your own pace. Book one ahead in July and August.
Walk to dinner from the port
The harbour, the old town and the Kastro are all within a few minutes' walk of the ferry, so if you stay in Chora you hardly need wheels on the first night.
The meltemi blows in August
The north wind can be strong in July and August. It cools the evenings, but it can make the high-speed boats bumpy, so take a big ferry if you get seasick.
Times and frequencies are typical for the summer season and change every year. Check the current timetable before you book.
Rooms with a view, picked for how they feel, not for star ratings.
See where to stay