Getting to Paros
Naxos to Paros Ferry
One of the shortest crossings in the Cyclades, frequent, cheap, and easy to fit into a multi-island itinerary. Here is what to expect.
Last updated July 2026 · By Routey Editorial
Quick Answer
Duration
~30–45 min
Price
~€15–€35
Frequency (summer)
Several daily
Ports
Naxos Town ↔ Parikia
Naxos and Paros are neighbors, and the ferry crossing between them is one of the shortest inter-island hops anywhere in the Cyclades. This makes the pair a natural combination: close enough to visit both without losing a full day to transit, but different enough in character (Naxos larger and more mountainous, Paros more compact and social) that splitting a week between them works well.
Why Paros and Naxos Pair Well for a Week
Splitting a week between Paros and Naxos is one of the more efficient Cyclades itineraries, because the crossing is short enough that you do not lose a travel day getting between them. A common pattern is 3–4 nights on each island, with the short ferry hop in between costing you an afternoon at most rather than a full day.
The islands complement each other. Naxos has a bigger interior, mountain villages, and some of the best sandy beaches in the Cyclades (Plaka, Agios Prokopios). Paros has Naoussa's harbor nightlife, Parikia's old town, and a denser concentration of things to do within a smaller area. Neither island overshadows the other, which is part of why this route shows up often in Cyclades itinerary planning.
If you are building a longer multi-island trip, Naxos–Paros is also a convenient midpoint, both islands connect onward to Mykonos, Santorini, and Ios, so you are not boxed into a single route.
Operators & Vessel Types
Blue Star Ferries
Conventional / large ferryLarger, more stable vessels. Slightly longer crossing than the high-speed catamarans but a smoother ride in wind, and generally the cheapest option on this route. Runs multiple times daily in summer.
High-speed catamarans (SeaJets, Golden Star and similar operators)
High-speedCut the crossing down toward the shorter end of the range. More frequent departures in peak season, but fares run higher than the conventional ferries and they are more likely to be affected by strong meltemi winds in July–August.
Book through the operators directly or a comparison site like Ferryhopper, which aggregates schedules across operators and is the easiest way to see all sailings for a given day at a glance. Always confirm the departure port and time close to your travel date, schedules shift between shoulder season and peak summer.
Arriving in Paros? Skip the planning.
Routey self-guided tours give you a curated route through Paros the moment you step off the ferry, stop narratives and riddles included. From €20.99.
Day-Tripping Between Paros and Naxos
Because the crossing is short and (in summer) frequent, a day trip in either direction is realistic. From Paros, an early sailing gets you into Naxos Town by mid-morning, giving most of a day to explore the old town, visit the Portara (the giant marble doorway at the harbor entrance), or head to a beach, before catching an evening ferry back.
A few practical notes for day-trippers:
- Confirm the last return sailing before you leave, in shoulder season there may only be one or two crossings a day.
- Buy your return ticket in advance during July–August, popular sailings can sell out.
- Strong meltemi winds (common in July–August) can delay or cancel high-speed catamaran sailings more than the larger conventional ferries. Build in a buffer if you have a flight to catch afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ferry from Naxos to Paros?
Roughly 30–45 minutes depending on the vessel and whether it is a direct sailing. It is one of the shortest inter-island crossings in the Cyclades, comparable to Paros–Antiparos in relative brevity even though it is a different island pair. Always check the specific sailing, some routes make an intermediate stop that adds time.
How much does the Naxos to Paros ferry cost?
Expect roughly €15–€35 per person one-way, depending on the operator, vessel speed, and how far ahead you book. Conventional ferries (Blue Star) tend to be cheaper than high-speed catamarans. Prices rise in July and August, book earlier for the best fares.
How many ferries run between Naxos and Paros per day?
In peak summer, this is one of the most frequent routes in the Cyclades, often several sailings a day, sometimes closer to hourly during the busiest weeks. Frequency drops noticeably in shoulder season (May, June, September, October) and drops further still in winter. Always check current schedules on the operators' sites or Ferryhopper before booking.
Can you day-trip from Paros to Naxos?
Yes, easily. With a crossing this short and frequent, a return day trip is very doable, leave Paros in the morning, spend the day in Naxos Town or on Naxos's beaches, and catch an evening ferry back. Just confirm the last return sailing time before you commit, especially outside peak summer when frequency drops.
Which port do Naxos–Paros ferries use?
On the Paros side, ferries arrive at Parikia, the main port and largest town. On the Naxos side, they arrive at Naxos Town (Chora). Both ports are central and walkable to town, no separate transfer needed if you are staying near either old town.
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