Ferry tickets to NaxosNaxos is an island with rich history, remarkable monuments, traditional settlements, beautiful chapels, amazing beaches as well as a modern tourist infrastructure. In Naxos, the hotels and rooms to rent, which have got all the comforts, offer an excellent stay. The long beaches of Naxos are organized and offer a variety of water sports. Some of the most famous beaches of the island are Agia Anna, Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, Kastraki, Pirgaki, Apollonas, Psili Ammos and Amiti. All the beaches on the island have got crystal clear waters and you will definitely enjoy swimming. After the refreshing, crystal waters of Naxos, you can have fresh fish in a traditional tavern and taste all the local dishes. Lunch could turn into a feast and last until the next morning. In Naxos, locals love to sing and dance and fun always lasts all night. There are countless clubs and bars on the island and nightlife is intense and frantic. During your holidays in Naxos, walk the tiled alleys of Hora, shop local products and souvenirs from the stores and visit the attractions and the monuments of the land. Do not forget to visit the Archaeological Museum of Hora, the tower of Ipsilotera in Galini, the monastery of Faneromeni in Eggares but also the Venetian tower Belonia in Galanado. In almost all the villages in Naxos you will find beautiful little churches, traditional houses and amazing beaches. If you too want to spend unforgettable holidays in Naxos all you have to do is book your ferry tickets now.
The Naxos Port
You can easily and comfortably travel by ferry from Piraeus, Rafina, Lavrio and the surrounding islands to Naxos. You can also book your ferry tickets online via aktoploika.gr and then your journey will be more comfortable and carefree. The journey from Piraeus to Naxos lasts about 7 hours by ferry and only 4 hours by speed ferry. The journey from Rafina to Naxos lasts 7 hours. The journey from Lavrio to Naxos by speed ferry lasts 3 hours and 50 minutes. The port of Naxos which is also the island's Hora, is a modern port but also a touristic resort where visitors find exactly what they need for their holidays. On your way off the boat you will see Portara, the ancient gate dedicated to Apollo as well as the Castle of the island and you will surely be impressed.
Connection With Other Islands
Naxos has a ferry connection with the following ports: Piraeus (Athens), Rafina, Thessaloniki, Amorgos, Anafi, Astypalaia, Donoussa, Folegandros, Ikaria, Ios, Iraklia, Heraklion (Crete), Kalymnos, Kastelorizo, Kimolos, Kos, Koufonisia, Milos, Mykonos, Nisyros, Paros, Rhodes, Samos, Santorini, Schinousa, Sikinos, Syros, Thriassia, Tilos, Fournoi.
Ferry Tickets
You can now book ferry tickets online for Naxos via Aktoploika.gr. If you plan to travel during July and August, it's best if you have booked several days or weeks earlier to avoid hitches. You should also know that round-trip/return ferry tickets come with a considerable discount.
Transportation
Right outside the port, there is the bus stop from where buses depart for all the areas and the beaches of the island. The bus itineraries are regular and if you do not have your own vehicle or you do not plan on renting a car or motorbike from the various rental agencies on the island, your transportation will be easy and comfortable. Apart from the cars and motorbikes, you can also rent a bicycle. There are taxis on the island and outside the port as well for an easier and more comfortable travel, although they cost more than the buses. Whichever means of transportation you choose in Naxos, you will have no trouble at all.
Naxos' geographic terrain (narrow plains, small plateaus, sharp hills) is reflected in the transportation as well, as in some cases a conventional vehicle may find it difficult to arrive in its destination, there is traffic or total isolation (you may find yourself in the middle of a terrible traffic and a few minutes later be left totally alone in the middle of a country road), while roads in some settlements are too narrow, or have become walkways, so cross them by a car or a scooter is totally impossible. The most indicated way to move in Naxos is surely the local buses, which connect Hora, the Airport, Plaka, Apiranthos, Apollonas, Pyrgaki and the settlements between them. 17 modern buses make transportation easy, while they have a C8 intercom system, so, if you happen to arrive in the station just on departure time, the stationmaster or the tickets collector can ask the driver, to extend the bus' departure for a couple of minutes.
Naxos Guide
The biggest island of Cyclades stands in the heart of the Aegean, with unique corners of natural beauty, rich culture, amazing culinary tradition, and beautiful beaches.
Endless coasts, traditional trails that connect the villages of the hinterland, mountaineering routes on the highest mountains of Cyclades, paths for mountain biking, but also a paradise for water sports, with organized centers for windsurfing, kitesurfing, canoeing, diving, Naxos can satisfy every traveler.
The island's trademark, "Portara" is located on the islet of Palaces, in front of the port. This is the marble portal of an ancient temple that was dedicated to Apollo. On the islet, according to the Greek mythology, Theseus abandoned Ariadne.
It's also worth to visit the Temple of Demeter, that is dating in 530 BC, near the village Sagri and is connected with the cultivation of cereals in the region. In the ancient marble quarry, near the village Apollo,there is the famous Kuros of Apollo, 11 m height statue, but also many relics of unfinished statues and architectural members.
The Castle of Naxos, built by the Venetian Marco Sanudo, was the center of the power of the island at the time of the Latin empire. Oriented towards the interior of the island, the castle had three major gateways: Paraporti to the north, Trani Gate to the south and a third gate to the Southeast, which is not saved anymore. Inside the Castle, in the cathedral square, visit the Archaeological Museum of Naxos, with rich collection of Cycladic figurines.
The hinterland of the island is filled with beautiful traditional villages, each hiding unique beauties. Don't forget to visit Halki, the old commercial center of the whole island, with the famous Vallindra and the famous Fish Gallery * Olive and the neighboring Kaloxylo, a tiny village full of neoclassical evergreen gardens and the famous Church of the Holy Trinity with a marble altar made by the craftsmen of Tinos.
Headquarters of the Latin hegemony of the Aegean, Naxos has strong influences from the Venetians. An important part of the Venetian heritage of the island, are the numerous towers, built in natural fortresses points. They were either houses of wealthy landowners, or cloister seats. Around each tower, according to the feudal model, there were areas of land that belonged to the owners of the tower. Today preserved and worth visiting, are the Della Rocca-Barozzi Tower in the Castle of Chora, where the Folklore Museum is housed and the Venetian tower of Crispi-Glezu or Aperathitissa in the castle of Chora, where now the Byzantine Museum of Naxos is housed.
The Bazeos Tower or Monastery of the Holy Cross in Sagri, built around 1600, and every summer it hosts the Naxos Festival, with theatrical performances, musical concerts and art exhibitions.
Towers, monasteries as well as numerous Byzantine churches are ideal opportunities for hiking and exploring.
Naxos self-sufficiency in agricultural and husbandry products and the enthusiasm of the locals have turned the island into a gourmet paradise. The developed animal husbandry offers exceptional meats and special cheeses. Taste ksinomizithra, sour cheese, male, and, of course, the Naxian gruyere. The famous Naxos potatoes, the local oil, and the famous liqueurs, with top the liqueur with the lime, is one of the flavors that you must taste.
Don't miss, the festivals of the island, where you will have the opportunity to listen to the local folk instrumentalists for whom Naxos is famous.
Naxos' "musts"
- Mikri Vigla beach has a unique beauty and crystal clear water. What separates it from the other beaches is a big sand-hill that divides it in two parts.
- Rina Cave is one of the most untapped places in Naxos and that's a key-factor for its unspoiled beauty. Access is feasible only by boats, that start from Piso Livadi port.
- Kalantos beach is isolated, civilization and organized tourism are absent, but it's a place that will definitely leave you with your mouth open: crystal water and dream scenery similar to a deserted island promise to offer you the most beautiful memories in your vacation.
- Naxos has many local products, but the most famous are "graviera" and "arseniko" two kinds of cheese available only here.
- Try "kitro", the island's local drink, and buy some on your way home.
Don't forget
In Naxos, as in most of the Aegean islands, the wind is blowing permanently. Ask the locals about the wind's direction and which beaches to avoid accordingly.
If you have small kids with you, be sure you know the length and the schedule of the daily cruise you're about to go to. Some of them last until the night and their program changes, depending on the weather or the passengers' will.
If you want to rent a car, book one before you get there, especially if you plan to visit the island on July or August.
Happy Holidays in Naxos!!!
