Checked offer from Ios to Naxos: Ferry, about 1h 20min, from €23. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 4, 2026): Blue Star Ferries; main departure point: Ios Port.
One option to get from Ios to Naxos
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 4, 2026 for a departure on November 25, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Star Ferries | Ferry | Ios Port | €23 | 1 |
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Practical tips
In July and August, popular Cyclades sailings can sell out. Reserve your ticket online as soon as your dates are fixed, so you are not left stuck on Ios with limited alternatives.
Some island-to-island links do not run every day, especially outside peak season. Confirm that a sailing exists on your date before building the rest of your itinerary around it.
Wind can delay or cancel sailings in the Aegean. If you have a flight or a long ferry afterwards, leave a full day of margin rather than relying on a tight connection.
If your trip to Ios starts in Athens, check whether your ferry leaves from Piraeus, Rafina or Lavrio. Going to the wrong port is a costly mistake, so read your ticket carefully.
Ios port is small and gets busy when boats arrive. Be there well before departure with your ticket ready, and confirm the boarding side with the crew or the ticket office.
The journey experience
Ios to Naxos is one of the easiest hops in the Cyclades, and for independent travellers the answer is simple: take the ferry. There is no need to weigh coach, train or flight against it here, because the sea is the natural way to link these two islands. The comparison table on this page shows the current duration and price range at a glance.
The crossing is a short, comfortable sea leg between two neighbouring islands. You board at Ios port (Ormos), find a seat inside or on deck, and step off in Naxos Town, close to cafés, guesthouses and the bus stops for the beaches. Conventional ferries and high-speed boats serve the Cyclades, so the type of vessel can vary depending on the day and the season. Check which company operates your chosen sailing before you book, as the boat, the schedule and the fare can differ.
The main challenge in the Cyclades is that timetables change with the season and some island-to-island links run only on certain days of the week. Before you plan your onward trip, check the departure days for your dates and book ahead in summer, when popular sailings fill up. Strong winds can also disrupt sailings, so avoid tight connections with a flight or a long-distance ferry on the same day. Booking online gives you instant confirmation and peace of mind.
Frequently asked questions — Ios → Naxos
Ferry tickets from Ios to Naxos start from €23, and typical fares go up to €24. Prices can vary with the operator, the type of boat and the season, so compare the available sailings for your date and book online to secure your seat.
The crossing takes roughly 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes, depending on the vessel and the sailing. It is a short hop by Cyclades standards, which makes it easy to fit into an island-hopping itinerary without losing a whole day.
The ferry is the option listed for this route and the natural choice for independent travellers. It links the two islands directly by sea, lets you travel without a car, and arrives in Naxos Town, where you can easily find accommodation and local buses.
Ferries to Naxos leave from the port of Ios, known as Ormos, on the western side of the island. It is the island's main harbour and the place to go for your boarding. Always check the details on your ticket before heading there.
This route is listed as a ferry crossing between the two islands, so you should check your booking for the exact sailing. Depending on the day and the operator, the itinerary shown at booking tells you whether the trip is a single boat or includes a stop.
Why visit Naxos?
- ✓ Climb to the Portara, the monumental marble gateway of an unfinished Temple of Apollo, at sunset
- ✓ Wander the maze-like alleys of Chora and the Venetian Kastro, with its old Catholic mansions
- ✓ Relax on Plaka, Agios Prokopios and Mikri Vigla beaches, and try windsurfing or kitesurfing
- ✓ Hike up Mount Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades, and visit the Cave of Zeus
- ✓ Explore the mountain villages of Apeiranthos and Halki, and the ancient kouros statues in Melanes
When to visit Naxos?
MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE
Late May to early October — warm, sunny and dry, with calm seas; July–August is busiest and windiest
What to do in Naxos?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Naxos?
Plan 4 to 5 days to see Naxos properly. With 2 days, stick to Chora (Portara, old Kastro), a beach like Agios Prokopios or Plaka, and one drive to Apeiranthos. With 4 to 5 days, add Halki, the Temple of Demeter, the Kouros statues, Mount Zas hike and the quieter southern beaches. Rent a car or scooter on arrival, as buses are infrequent outside Chora and the main beaches.
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