Port information & tips for Naxos Island (Cyclades)
Naxos is the largest and most fertile island of the Cyclades and impresses with a stunning blend of ancient history and authentic Greek lifestyle. The port is picturesquely located directly below the bright white Chora, where winding alleys, Venetian architecture, and the crystal-clear Aegean Sea create an incomparable backdrop. Absolute highlights in the immediate vicinity include the imposing Portara gate of the ancient Temple of Apollo on the Palatia peninsula, as well as the historic Kastro district with its medieval fortress. Ships dock at the central quay of Naxos Town (Chora), whose prime location allows visitors to easily explore the lively waterfront and the charming city center in just a few steps on foot.
Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades islands, is primarily known as a ferry port and a call for smaller cruise ships. The main port is located in Chora, the island's capital, and is easily accessible thanks to good local connections.
Airplane
Naxos Island National Airport (JNX) is located only about 3 to 4 kilometers from the port. Upon arrival, you can easily reach the terminal by taxi in about 5 to 12 minutes, with costs ranging between 4 and 15 Euro. Alternatively, a bus service is available from Naxos Camping (approx. 500 meters from the airport), which takes you to the port in around 12 minutes for 1 to 2 Euro. For travelers from the DACH region, direct flights to Naxos are rare; connecting flights via Athens (ATH) are often required, which can mean a total travel time of over 10 hours.
Ferry
As a Cycladic island, Naxos is excellently integrated into the Greek ferry network and serves as a central hub. Daily ferry connections exist to the Piraeus port in Athens as well as to numerous other Cycladic islands such as Santorini, Paros, and Mykonos. The crossing from Piraeus to Naxos takes between 3 hours 25 minutes and 5 hours 20 minutes, depending on the ferry company and ship type. Tickets are available from several providers, and early booking, especially during high season, is recommended.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the often necessary flight connections via Athens and the subsequent ferry crossing to Naxos, arriving at least one day before your scheduled embarkation is strongly recommended. This allows for a relaxed start to your cruise without the stress of tight connection times. Numerous hotels in Naxos Town (Chora) are located in the immediate vicinity of the port and provide an ideal base to explore the charming island capital before departure.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades islands, is primarily known as a ferry port and a call for smaller cruise ships. The main port is located in Chora, the island's capital, and is easily accessible thanks to good local connections.
Airplane
Naxos Island National Airport (JNX) is located only about 3 to 4 kilometers from the port. Upon arrival, you can easily reach the terminal by taxi in about 5 to 12 minutes, with costs ranging between 4 and 15 Euro. Alternatively, a bus service is available from Naxos Camping (approx. 500 meters from the airport), which takes you to the port in around 12 minutes for 1 to 2 Euro. For travelers from the DACH region, direct flights to Naxos are rare; connecting flights via Athens (ATH) are often required, which can mean a total travel time of over 10 hours.
Ferry
As a Cycladic island, Naxos is excellently integrated into the Greek ferry network and serves as a central hub. Daily ferry connections exist to the Piraeus port in Athens as well as to numerous other Cycladic islands such as Santorini, Paros, and Mykonos. The crossing from Piraeus to Naxos takes between 3 hours 25 minutes and 5 hours 20 minutes, depending on the ferry company and ship type. Tickets are available from several providers, and early booking, especially during high season, is recommended.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the often necessary flight connections via Athens and the subsequent ferry crossing to Naxos, arriving at least one day before your scheduled embarkation is strongly recommended. This allows for a relaxed start to your cruise without the stress of tight connection times. Numerous hotels in Naxos Town (Chora) are located in the immediate vicinity of the port and provide an ideal base to explore the charming island capital before departure.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Naxos is located directly on the edge of the charming island capital, Chora, providing travelers with direct access to the most important sights of the Cycladic island.
On Foot
The city center as well as the historic old town with its Venetian Kastro can be reached in just a few minutes on foot. The famous Portara temple gate is also quickly and easily accessible via a short walk along the harbor promenade.
KTEL Buses
The stop for the local KTEL buses is located directly at the harbor exit and offers regular connections to the popular beaches and mountain villages. The buses are a reliable option for exploring destinations such as Agios Prokopios or the island's interior with ease.
Taxi
The official taxi rank is located directly at the harbor square next to the bus station. From here, individual destinations on the island can be reached flexibly, and travelers benefit from direct onward travel to more remote bays.
To make the most of your day on Naxos, we recommend exploring the picturesque island capital in combination with the ancient treasures right at the harbor and a visit to one of the fine sandy beaches.
The Portara and the Temple of Apollo
The monumental marble gate perches majestically on the Palatia peninsula directly in front of the harbor and, thanks to its exposed location, offers the perfect vantage point for incomparable souvenir photos over the Aegean Sea.
Chora and the Kastro District
The winding alleys of the old town lead up to the medieval Venetian castle ruins and at the same time invite you to enjoy a relaxed stroll through small boutiques and traditional taverns in a historical atmosphere.
Agios Prokopios Beach
This multi-award-winning stretch of coastline impresses with its crystal-clear, turquoise water and, thanks to the short transfer time from the harbor, is an ideal destination for a relaxing afternoon under the Greek sun.
Agios Prokopios Beach
The stunning beach of Agios Prokopios is easily accessible in about fifteen minutes by taxi or the regularly scheduled local bus and captivates visitors with its crystal-clear, turquoise water and fine, golden sand. Thanks to the excellent infrastructure featuring superb beach clubs, comfortable loungers, and a variety of charming tavernas directly on the coast, you can enjoy a perfectly relaxed day of swimming at the highest level. It is best to visit this stretch of coastline in the morning to take advantage of the peaceful atmosphere and the best choice of spots, and plan your return journey to the port for a stress-free check-in approximately ninety minutes before departure.
The return journey to the Port of Naxos is particularly relaxed and safe thanks to the central location of the pier directly in Chora.
Local buses (KTEL)
KTEL buses take you from popular beaches such as Agios Prokopios or Plaka directly back to the central bus terminal at the port square. The final stop is in the immediate vicinity of the pier and allows for a straightforward transition to the ship.
Taxi
The main taxi stand is located directly at the port entrance next to the ferry terminal and the bus station. In addition, further vehicles are available at Plateia Protodikiou as well as in front of larger hotels, ensuring a quick return to the port.
On foot
From the old town (Kastro) or the Temple of Apollo, the path leads directly across the flat waterfront promenade back to the pier. The striking Portara serves as an ideal orientation aid and the path is safe and easy to find thanks to the lively pedestrian zone.
