Paros to Naxos Ferry: How the Crossing Works

Paros and Naxos sit so close together that the ferry between them is one of the easiest hops in the Cyclades. Direct boats run every day of the year, with extra sailings in summer, and the quickest crossings take about 25 minutes. Planning mostly comes down to picking a boat you like and checking the timetable for your date, which is especially worth doing from October to March.

How long is the ferry from Paros to Naxos?

The high-speed boats cover the gap in roughly 25 to 30 minutes, and conventional ferries take about the same. Some sailings call at another island before Naxos and take longer, so check the duration before you buy.

Which ferry companies run from Paros to Naxos?

Blue Star Ferries runs the big conventional ships on this route. They carry cars and have restaurants, cafes and bars on board. A standard seat on deck or in the indoor lounge isn't assigned, so board in good time to find one. On a crossing this short, the conventional ferry is the one to choose: you can sit out on deck and take in the Aegean the whole way over.

Seajets runs the high-speed boats, including the Worldchampion Jet and Champions League Jet 2, the quickest vessels on the route. High-speed boats have numbered seats, so even a low-priced ticket comes with a comfortable air-type seat. Golden Star Ferries and Fast Ferries also sail the route.

Luggage rules on these ferries are relaxed. Many companies allow roughly 40 kg or half a cubic meter per traveler, with no cap on the number of bags. Boats have a designated area for suitcases, and many travelers also keep bags beside them in the lounge or seating area. Keep your wallet and phone on you when you head out on deck.

How often do ferries run from Paros to Naxos?

Expect several departures a day year-round. In high season extra sailings are added, with at least eight boats leaving Paros daily. Outside summer there are fewer, and schedules can thin out further on weekends and holidays.

Each boat keeps its own pattern. Frequency changes with the season, so check the timetable for your exact date. The larger ferry operators publish their new timetables around the end of December, while smaller ones follow between January and March.

How much is the ferry from Paros to Naxos?

Conventional ferries are the budget option. High-speed boats usually cost more, and they can shorten the trip, with Seajets crossings between Paros and Naxos taking about 25 to 30 minutes. Fares also vary with the time of day and the seat class, and they tend to be higher when you buy on the day. Business and VIP seats are available too.

Some travelers, such as students, children, large families and people with disabilities, may qualify for discounts, and policies differ by company. A car or motorbike needs its own vehicle ticket. Check with your rental company before you buy one, since many don't allow their vehicles on ferries.

Do you need to book the Paros to Naxos ferry in advance?

For July and August, yes. Greek ferries can sell out in those months, and around holidays like Easter, so book ahead to be sure of a place. In May, June and September you'll have more flexibility, though booking early still gives you a wider choice of departure times and ships.

Where does the ferry leave from in Paros and arrive in Naxos?

Boats to Naxos leave from Parikia Port, the main port of Paros, in the island's capital on the west coast. It's a fairly small port, so your ferry is easy to spot. The terminal building has ticket offices, waiting areas and restrooms. The bus station sits just meters away, immediately to the right as you leave the port, and taxis and rental vehicles are easy to find.

Get to the port at least an hour before departure, since traffic around it gets heavy in high season. Drivers need that hour to park and load, and they can't go back to the garage during the crossing. The car ferry to Antiparos leaves from Pounda, 8.5 km (about 5 miles) from Parikia, which is a different harbor from the one for Naxos.

In Naxos, the boat docks at the main port in Naxos Town (Chora), on the island's west side near the Portara. The town center is a few minutes' walk away, and the bus station is just outside the port. A taxi rank sits at the port exit, though taxis can be scarce in high season and you may have to wait. If your hotel is in Naxos Town, you can walk. Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna are about 3.7 miles (6 km) and 4.3 miles (7 km) from the port, an easy trip by bus or taxi.

What happens if the Paros to Naxos ferry is canceled for wind?

Strong winds can cancel sailings, and itineraries may change in bad weather, so check the status of your boat before you head to the port. If yours is canceled, switch to another sailing that day or move to the next one. With several boats a day on this route, there's usually another option. If you have a flight out of Naxos or a hotel booking you can't move, leave a day of buffer before it.