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Crete to Naxos

Crete to Naxos - how to get to this central Cycladic island and all about the island, known for its sandy beaches, ancient history, wonderful food and hospitality. Explore the Old Town of Chora, laze on natural beaches or hike and mountain climb. Visit the iconic 'Portara' or gate which sits on a small island opposite Chora, and visit lesser known castles and ruins dotted about the island.

Getting From Crete to Naxos

About Naxos

Q&A Athens to Crete to Naxos

Personalised Itinerary

Crete to Naxos Ferries

Getting to Crete

About Naxos

Naxos Νάξος is a beautiful island 50 by 30 km, located to the north of Crete in the Aegean Sea. It is the largest of the Cylcadic islands and the capital is Naxos Νάξος or Chora.

Naxos is known for its stunning whitewashed buildings, ancient sites, mountains and sandy beaches.

Visit the beaches of the island:

Plaka Beach
Agios Prokopios Beach
Micri Vigla Beach
Agia Anna Beach
and many more

Explore the magical ancient and historic sites of Naxos:

Temple of Apollo - The Portara (pictured above)
Temple of Demeter
Kouros of Apollonas
Kastro in the Old Town
Kalamitsia Monastery
and many more

Discover these magical nature spots on Naxos:

Zas Mountain
Cedar Forest of Alyko
Mount Zeus
and many more

Getting from Crete to Naxos

The journey from Crete to Naxos by ferry takes approx. 5 hours, depending on connections, as the distance from Heraklion to Naxos is about 300 km. Your travel options are below.

Ferries depart from Heraklion to Thira regularly and this journey is approx. 2 hours.
Ferries depart from Thira to Naxos regularly and the journey duration is approx. 1-2 hours.
Flights depart from Heraklion HER and Chania CHQ to Naxos JNX and flight time is 50 minutes.
Flights are available from Santorini JTR to Naxos JNX and flight time is 45 minutes.

Book your Ferries from Crete to Naxos Here

Book your Flights from Crete to Naxos Here

Accommodation

The ferries arrive into Chora, so this is a convenient location for the first night or so. Our tip is to stay within the Old Town. If you want to relax, try one of the many beach side places and to experience the island's culture, head into the mountains and stay at a mountain village.

Venetiko Apartments - stay in Chora and soak up the atmosphere, enjoy cafes and tavernas, the markets and stroll to the town beaches. Explore the Old Town of Naxos.

"Charming studio in the old town near shops a fabulous bakery and restaurants. The owner had given a lot of thought to this spacious studio. Exceptionally clean and well-equipped. The owner gave us home made jam and wine. Great patio area to read and eat. Really super."

Check Rates & Availability at Venetiko Apartments

Saint George Hotel - within the old town of Chora this is a lovely traditional hotel close to everything in town. Close to the beach, the bus stop, a 5 minute drive from the airport, and free parking is provided. Ask for a room with a sea view. Maria will make you welcome. A small gem.

"Loved the location! My balcony looked out to the bay as did my shower window. Close to old town and restaurants without being too close to touristy area."

Check Rates & Availability at Saint George Hotel

Plaza Beach Hotel - this hotel is located 6 km away from town on Plaka Beach. It is really close to the beach yet in a quiet area. With a pool, free parking, an airport shuttle and 2 restaurants, you can relax in comfort here.

"Perfect location. Closed to the Plaka beach. Across road is the beach. Lovely pool area, enough green places for sunbeds and sunshades. As Plaka beach is so close, we liked better the sea. Clean yellow sand, beautiful water, nice colours. The hotel is perfect for relaxing - quiet, clean, cosy, beautiful, with a trim garden."

Check Rates & Availability at Plaza Beach Hotel

Kyma Apartments - sitting a little back from Agios Prokopios Beach - are delightful traditional apartments with character. Receive a Greek family welcome. Fully-equipped apartments to self-cater. Quiet spot away from the hubbub but close to the beach.

"Paradise in Naxos! Everything was more than perfect: beautiful terrasse with Bougainvillias, grape vines, lemon trees, and a view of the sea (at a distance), the sounds of bird chirping, sheeps’ cries just to name a few. Kyriakos was an attentive, informative and generous host. I highly recommend these apartments if you are seeking a home away from home."

Check Rates & Availability at Kyma Apartments

Traditional House Kaloxilos - this is a charming fully-equipped holiday home with terrace, patio and garden. It is located just outside the mountain village of Kaloxilos Καλόξυλος. In the village are cafes, an olive press and a folklore museum. This is a very central location from which to explore all the island's beaches, natural places and villages.

“Absolute peace in nature. Although out in the country it was at a point of hub for the surrounding villages and beaches.”

Check Rates & Availability at Traditional House Kaloxilos

Q&A From Athens to Crete to Naxos

Yiasas, I will be arriving into Athens around 21 September and return to Athens on 3 October, and I want to visit Crete and Naxos. In Crete I would most likely hire a car and depart via ferry from Heraklion. In Naxos, I might just take local buses.

Crete to Naxos
Yiasas Carla!

Your trip to Greece sounds exciting and it is my pleasure to offer a personalised itinerary.

Some suggestions below, of course all up to you and only provided for your interest. Information pages are included below.

Accommodation
We have made suggestions for accommodation below.

September
This is a perfect month to visit Greece, as the weather is still warm but not crazily hot and the water temperatures are great for swimming, yet most of the hordes of tourists have departed. More space for you and easier to explore. We would recommend booking in early, however, for your accommodation in September, especially in Athens.

Athens
In Athens we suggest staying in the old quarter of Plaka right at the base of the Acropolis. Use this as a base to explore the city and beyond, and be surrounded by history and architecture at every turn. There are pedestrianised streets and relative calm. Athens is a big, bustly city, so it is best to pre-book your taxis.

Crete
It is a large island 260 by 60 km with 3 mountain ranges, 4 major towns and hundreds of beaches. There is a lot to see and choose from. The highlights of Crete are the ancient Minoan culture and layered history as well as unique geography and folk music.

Crete to Naxos Transport
From Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) there are many sailings per day even in late September you will easily find a ferry. Then from Thira to Naxos there should be plenty of ferries for this journey, even on a Sunday. This is a short 1.5 or 2 hour journey. It may not possible to see online to confirm this yet. Yes, it is frustrating as the ferry companies do not publish their schedules ahead of time. If you are concerned, email Sea Jets on info[@]seajets.gr to ask them about next September sailings.

Naxos
Yes, you could get around Naxos on public transport - see info here - always check the latest timetables upon arrival, go down to the bus stop in the middle of Chora (town) and work out your next few days. There are buses to take all around to beaches and into the hills. Also there are plenty of day tours to choose from, like a day of sailing or a half day of local cooking (see below).

Acropolis of Athens by night

Crete to Naxos

Your Personalised Itinerary

Crete to Naxos - Your personalised itinerary

Crete to Naxos

Day 1 - Sat 21 Sep
Arrive Athens
Take a pre-booked taxi to your hotel in Plaka
Explore Plaka and Anafiotika on foot
Dinner in a Plaka taverna
Stay in Plaka
Stay at the Zillers Boutique Hotel

Day 2 - Sun 22 Sep
Walk up to the Acropolis on foot from Plaka - see the Parthenon, including the beautiful statues of Caryatids of the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike
Walk back down to the Athens Agora - see the green heart of the city - Stoa of Attalos, the Temple of Hephaestus, and the picturesque Holy Church of the Apostles from 11th century
Lunch in Plaka
Afternoon visit to the Acropolis Museum
Pre-book ‘Skip the Line’ tickets to the museum and take a 1.5 hour guided tour
Or take a short tour with a guide - choose other tours here
Stay in Plaka
Stay at the Zillers Boutique Hotel

Day 3 - Mon 23 Sep
Athens
Stay in Plaka
Stay at the Zillers Boutique Hotel

Day 4 - Tues 24 Sep
Take a pre-booked taxi from your hotel in Plaka to Athens Airport
Flight to Chania in Crete 1 hour
Fly Olympic Airlines or Aegean Airlines Chania code is CHQ
Take a pre-booked taxi to Chania Old Town
Enjoy the narrow streets of the Old Town and dining by the harbour
Stay at Alcanea Boutique Hotel

Day 5 - Wed 25 Sep
Day Tour to Samaria Gorge or Elafonisi Beach
Stay in Chania Old Town
Stay at Alcanea Boutique Hotel

Day 6 - Thurs 26 Sep
Pick up hire car in Chania town
Drive to Georgioupolis Beach 43 km
Day at the Beach
Stay in Georgioupolis
Stay at Georgioupolis Beach Hotel in village

Day 7 - Fri 27 Sep
Drive from Georgioupolis to Rethymnon 24 km
Explore the Old Town and have a seafood lunch by the harbour
Stay in Rethymnon Old Town
Stay at Casa dei Delfini

Day 8 - Sat 28 Sep
Rethymnon to Knossos 81 km
Allow 2 hours to visit the archaeological site
Also visit town for lunch and to see the museum
Stay near Heraklion
Stay in Archanes Village
Stay at the Villa Arhontiko

Samaria Gorge in Chania Crete

Day 9 - Sun 29 Sep
Drop off hire car at Heraklion port
Ferry from Heraklion to Thira to Naxos
From Heraklion to Thira ferries run up to 5 times daily and duration is 2 hours
From Thira to Naxos ferries run at least 4 times daily and duration is 1.5 hours to 2 hours
Stay in Thira or Naxos
Stay at Venetiko Apartments

Day 10 - Mon 30 Sep
Perhaps a full day sailing tour (10 hours) with swimming, snorkelling and exploring caves and bays, on gorgeous yacht 'Annabella'
In Naxos
Stay at Venetiko Apartments

Day 11 - Tues 1 Oct
Perhaps a local cooking class in Potamia Village at Basiliko Family Tavern (4 hours) relax and feast afterwards, to enjoy your efforts
In Naxos
Stay at Venetiko Apartments

Day 12 - Wed 2 Oct
In Naxos
Stay at Venetiko Apartments

Day 13 - Thurs 3 Oct
Depart Naxos to Athens and beyond