What to expect when visiting Santorini
Santorini is home to one of Greece’s most iconic trademarks — whitewashed buildings overlooking cliffs. They blend beautifully with the island’s rugged landscape, which was shaped by a massive volcanic eruption hundreds of years ago. Not-so-fun fact: Santorini sits on a still very active volcano, whose crater is hidden under the sea.
Volcanic-sand beaches dot the coasts of Santorini. Some black, some red, others even multi-coloured. They all open up to alluring turquoise waters that will make you want to take a dip. Do yourself a favour and spend at least one sunset in Oia. It will be one of the most picturesque views you’ll ever see!
2 ways to get from Naxos to Santorini
There are two ways to travel the distance of 105 km (65 miles) from Naxos to Santorini: by ferry (1h10m-2h10m) and day trip (12-13 hours). The journey takes between 1h10m - 13h and the quickest way is by ferry. The lowest priced tickets start from €28 ($33) for the ferry.Naxos to Santorini by Ferry
Taking a ferry is the only way to get from Naxos to Santorini. You can choose between high-speed and regular ferries. Prices start from €30.50 ($36), including the bus fare from Santorini Port to the city centre. Total travel time can take 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the ferry.
The ferries from Naxos to Santorini are available all year. During summer, the commute can get really busy, and it is highly recommended that you book your ferry ticket online in advance.
If you’re travelling in winter, there are fewer ferry trips, and the schedules are irregular. You won’t have to worry about ticket availability though, as very few people choose to travel this route during this time.
Below, we explained the journey in two steps:
Step 1: Naxos to Santorini by Ferry
There are now only 2 ferry companies operating the Naxos to Santorini route: Seajets and Blue Star. Golden Star Ferries also used to ply this route, but they stopped their ferry trips from Naxos to Santorini.
With Seajets, travel time is just a little over an hour but prepare for a slightly bumpy ride with this ferry. Meanwhile, Blue Star Ferries take about 2.5 hours. This option is advisable if you’re prone to motion sickness and prefer a steady ferry ride to Santorini.
Both ferries are trusted companies, so you can just choose based on your desired speed and budget.
Ferry fares from Naxos to Santorini start from €28 ($30.50).
Ferry options from Naxos to Santorini
Tickets can sell out fast. Thus, if you’re travelling during the busy season, it’s best to book your tickets online at least a few days prior to your trip.
Ferry from Naxos to Santorini in Winter
Ferries run less frequently among the Cyclades islands in winter (November to March). There is always at least one ferry sailing from Naxos to Santorini though, normally operated by Blue Star.
Don’t be surprised if you are not able to buy a ticket online months in advance. As this is the off-peak season, very few passengers are taking this route anyway. You won’t have a hard time buying your ticket at the port. However, try to arrive there at least 30 minutes before the ferry’s departure.
If the schedules are not available online, you can always ask your hotel for assistance.
Step 2: Santorini Harbour to Fira by Bus or Taxi
From Santorini Harbour, you can either take a 30-minute bus or a 20-minute taxi to Fira, the island’s capital. This town is where tourists usually stay.
It’s definitely cheaper to take the bus. A ticket to Fira Bus Stop costs only €2.50 ($2.70). Buses are usually at the port in time for ferry arrivals, but they are not enough to accommodate all passengers.
If you miss the bus, you can either wait a few hours for the next bus trip or just take a taxi. Rates for a taxi to Fira start from €29 ($32).
Are you bound for Oia, Imerovigli or other towns? If you want a direct transfer, you have no other choice but to take a taxi. Buses from the port can only go as far as Fira. From Fira Bus Stop though, you can find a bus heading to almost every town in Santorini.
Naxos to Santorini by Day Trip
Do you plan on spending just a day in Santorini? In summer, you can also join day trips from Naxos to Santorini. The tour normally takes 12-13 hours, including roundtrip transfers and a bus tour around the volcanic island.
Roundtrip transfers between the two islands are included in the package, but the guided tour starts only when you board the tour bus in Santorini. This means you’ll have to find your own way to the ferry from Naxos Port, unless you avail the optional pick-up service from your hotel.
Also, keep in mind that while the tour takes 12 to 13 hours, the ferry transfers from Naxos to Santorini and back already take a total of 6 hours. That gives you just 6-7 hours to explore Santorini’s volcanic landscape. Not enough time if you ask us!
If you still want to book this day trip, you can do so via GetYourGuide or Greeka. Rates per person start from €75 ($88).
Frequently Asked Questions about Naxos to Santorini
What is the distance from Naxos to Santorini?
The distance from Naxos to Santorini is 105 km (65 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Naxos to Santorini?
The fastest way to get from Naxos to Santorini is by ferry and takes 1h10m-2h10m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Naxos to Santorini?
The cheapest way to get from Naxos to Santorini is by ferry with ticket costs starting from €28 ($33).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Naxos to Santorini. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
