5 Things to daydream of on your ferry to Naxos

Planning to visit Naxos? If so, you’re in for a treat. If not, don’t fret — it’s far from too late to book your ferry ticket! Naxos is an idyllic vacation destination well into September and October, long after summer begins to fade into autumn.

Our research proves Naxos is a popular island for Greeks and international travelers alike. As we write this, hundreds of passengers are either days away or currently aboard a ferry to its stunning shores. But how much do you know about the island? Are you the type to have a map of Naxos handy at all times, or go with the flow?

Either way, we hope this guide finds you before you arrive. To stir some intrigue, to spark inspiration, and maybe even teach you a thing or two about the gem of the Cyclades.

1. The myths, the legends

The best spot for musing. Source: iStock

To kick off our daydreaming adventure, let’s head up to your ferry’s deck. (If you’re taking a high-speed boat from Seajets fleet, a big window will suffice!)

What better sight than the blue horizon of the Aegean for reflecting on the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology? At the heart of these legends stands Zeus, son of the Titans and ruler of Olympus. Your destination, Naxos, is home to the cave of Mt. Zas, where Zeus is said to have been raised. Here he nurtured his son Dionysus, the god of wine, before entrusting him to the nymphs of Mount Nysa and later to his wife Ariadne. Whether you plan to hike Naxos’s wild landscapes or simply wander its cobblestone streets, you’ll do so alongside the echoes of Greece’s most enduring myths.

2. The vibrant history

The Potara was once the entrance to a temple to Apollo. Source: iStock

Next, let’s head downstairs and grab a coffee or juice from the snack bar. You’ll need your brain power for this one. (Can’t find it? Ask an attendant! All ferries, from the colossal Blue Star to the slick Highspeed 4, are equipped with snacks to purchase).

As a highly strategic location for natal warfare, Naxos changed many hands during its vibrant and turmoil-filled history. (These days, you can easily reach Naxos from Mykonos, Paros, Rafina, Patmos, and Piraeus.) As the largest of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea, Naxos has been inhabited since the Neolithic era and was a center of Early Cycladic civilization. Naxos prospered under archaic Greece, was briefly dominated by Athens, and later came under Roman and Byzantine rule. After the Fourth Crusade, it became the seat of the Duchy of the Archipelago under Venetian control until Ottoman conquest in the 16th century. Today, its layered history remains visible in Cycladic temples, Venetian fortresses, Byzantine churches, and enduring mythic associations.

3. The charming accommodations

The chora of Naxos is right on the seaside. Source: iStock

For this chapter of our ferry adventure, let’s take a stroll. Perhaps today you find yourself on a Blue Star Naxos vessel. Spanning 124.20 x 18.9 in meters, the ferry is roughly half the size of an American football field! That’s plenty of space to stroll past the 1.4k passengers that fit aboard.

By now, you probably already know where to stay in Naxos. Since it’s such a large island, there are plenty of different types of accomodation to be found. Visitors seeking something more economical like a budget guesthouse or studio tend to stick to central areas like Chora and Agia Anna. These will also be your best bet for last minute housing. Those looking for something a bit higher-end, like a boutique or luxury villa, head to Stelida Hills, Plaka, or nearby the more remote beaches like Alyko or Kedros. Passengers vacationing with small children, or simply seeking something more in the middle of the two options, tend to select the seaside village of Agios Prokopios.

4. The local cuisine

Nearly everything you eat on Naxos is produced within the island. Source: iStock

Let’s head back to our seats. (Or maybe you booked a cabin? Nice!)

If you know little else of Naxos, we hope you know of its world-class cuisine. The island’s stews, pies, grilled meats, and fresh fish come alongside cheese, honey, olive oil, wine, which are all sourced locally. Naxos is largely self-sufficient, known for its PDO-protected cheeses like graviera, arseniko, and xinomyzithra, crafted by generations of cheesemakers using traditional techniques. Its potatoes and thyme-rich honey are equally renowned, with Naxian potatoes holding PGI status for their firm texture and flavor. Taverns also pour Kitron, a citron liqueur unique to Naxos and distilled for over a century. Locally raised lamb, goat, pork, rooster, and rabbit come from free-range livestock grazing the island’s pastures. Yum.

5. The sprawling beaches

Mikri Vigla beach is only one of the dozens of incredible shores lining Naxos. Source: iStock

We’re almost at the port! Are you ready to disembark? Do a double-check to ensure you have all your belongings. Our ferry company partners have Lost and Found departments that you can get in contact with directly if you forget something, but it’s best to avoid that scenario.

Naxos is home to some of the most diverse and stunning beaches in the Cyclades, ranging from long stretches of golden sand to secluded, untouched coves. Along the southwest coast, beaches like Plaka, Agios Prokopios, Mikri Vigla, and Glyfada are known for their soft sand, turquoise waters, and calm conditions ideal for swimming and relaxation. Many beaches are well-organized with sunbeds, cafés, and water sports, while others remain wild and undeveloped, perfect for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. On the island’s eastern side, more remote beaches retain a rugged, pristine character, offering crystal-clear waters, cedar forests, and peaceful hiking spots. With over 30 distinct beaches, Naxos caters to every traveler, from families and adventurers to those chasing quiet seclusion.

Book your ferry to Naxos

Missed the boat? It’s not too late to head to this incredible island. Browse available ferries on Ferryscanner today.