Visiting Naxos

[by Fiona]

We have been looking to take a holiday in Naxos but are having trouble deciding the best way to get there from the UK. We believe getting a flight from the UK to Athens and then a ferry to the island.

Has anyone any better suggestions or is this the best route to take and if so, is it much hassle? We are normally package tour travellers and are used to being herded from airport to resort so this would be a bit of a departure from the norm for us so are slightly wary of setting off under our own steam.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

[by Ine]

Hello Fiona

We visited Naxos last year and we booked a (charter)flight to
Mykonos and from Mykonos we went with the Blue Star Ferries to Naxos.
So that's also a possibility.

[by Keith]

Fiona, We have been DIY for a few years now. Last year we did Naxos and flew into Athens then on to Naxos with Olympic. Luggage checked through, no hassle. If you go by ferry, take the X96 bus from right outside arrivals at Athens down to the port of Piraeus. Fare only E2.90. Ferry ticket offices well marked, or ask, English is widely spoken and people are very helpful. Check ferries to Naxos at www.gtp.gr/RoutesForm.asp (departure port Piraeus). If you book a hotel ahead, they will usually meet you at the airport or sea port, but taxis are plentiful and very reasonable. If you arrive by boat with no hotel booked, there are usually plenty of hotel owners waiting to meet the boat and entice you to their hotel (with books of photos of hotel). Have fun.

[by blugosi]

Hey Fiona, here's a tip you may find useful.

Go to page www.openseas.gr, look in frame "Search for a new trip" on the top right, select From: ALL To: Naxos and look at the scehdules. The ports near the Athens International Airport are Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrion. You can reach all three by taxi from the Airport at a fare of 25-35 Euro at 45 minutes to one hour.
Look at the schedule more convenient to your arrival flight and book your tickets at one of the many agents you can find in the above web site.
For rooms, I don't think you need to book in advance for September but if it is for earlier you can either book something over the web (I would suggest Agios Prokopios and the nearby areas) or follow one of the travel agents who are waiting for every ship reaching the island.

Have fun!

[by Fiona]

Many thanks for all your tips and suggestions. As I thought, it doesn't look too difficult to get to Naxos and should make for an interesting trip.

As you may be aware, I am new to this forum and have found it to be extremely interesting, informative and fun. My husband and I absolutely love Greece and hope, one day, to retire out there away from the stresses and woes of England. At present we are trying to see as much as possible of all the beautiful areas to chose from before making a decision to up sticks and go. We have also converted our son to loving Greece as much as we do. At present he is in Rhodes and loving every minute but we think this is one island we may give a miss to as, being oldies, we think it might be just a wee bit too young for us.

Once again, thanks for all the help.

[by Marya]

Don't miss Rhodes, Fiona !!! It is not just for young people !!!