Island Hopping Around Naxos
Exploring the Cyclades
Naxos is not only a destination in itself but also the perfect starting point for exploring nearby Cycladic islands. With frequent ferry connections and day-trip options, visitors can easily combine their stay in Naxos with excursions to Paros, Koufonisi, Mykonos & Delos. Each offers its own character and charm.
Suggested Schedule
Day 1 – Paros
Day 2 – Koufonisi
Day 3 – Mykonos & Delos (combined trip)
This plan gives a mix of traditional villages, sandy beaches, and world-famous archaeological treasures while allowing for travel time between islands.
Ferry Schedules (Summer Months)
Here are approximate ferry times during high season (June-September) for the key routes from Naxos:
| Route | First Departure from Naxos | Last Departure to Naxos | Travel Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naxos → Paros | ~ 09:30 AM | ~ 10:30–11:00 PM | 25 ‒ 50 minutes depending on ferry type |
| Naxos → Koufonisi | ~ 11:55 AM | ~ 02:45 PM | 35 minutes to ~2h 35m depending on operator and route |
| Naxos → Mykonos | ~ 09:00 AM | ~ 06:20 PM | Fastest ~ 35 min; average ~ 1h 6m; slower ferries ~1h30m |
What to Do & What to See
Day 1: Paros
Rent a car or scooter in Paros to explore more than just the port towns. Drive north toward Kolymbithres Beach, Monastiri, and inland villages like Lefkes for panoramic hilltop views. In the evening, enjoy dinner in Naoussa facing the sea.
Day 2: Koufonisi
Start your morning in Koufonisi with a swim at Pori or Italida Beach. Walk through Ano Koufonisi village, sample local food, and in the afternoon perhaps take a small boat ride to hidden coves to avoid the more crowded spots.
Day 3: Mykonos & Delos
Depart early from Naxos to Mykonos. From Mykonos Town, take a morning ferry to Delos (archaeological site) to explore ruins, mosaics, and temples. Return around midday, then spend the afternoon in Mykonos—see the iconic windmills, wander Little Venice, enjoy a seaside dinner before heading back to Naxos.
Practical Tips
Book ferry tickets in advance, especially for the Naxos-Mykonos & Mykonos-Delos legs, as they get busy during high season.
When exploring Paros, having a car or scooter gives you mobility, especially to reach northern beaches and villages.
For Mykonos→Delos tours, aim for ferries departing in the morning (~ 9:00-10:00) to allow enough time on Delos and return journeys.
Always verify the ferry schedule for your travel dates using Ferryhopper or Ferryscanner; timetables can shift due to weather or operational updates.