The Naxos to Schinoussa ferry is a short but very scenic crossing that links the busy main port of Naxos Town with the tiny harbour of Mersini on Schinoussa. All passenger ferries for this route leave from the main ferry port in Naxos Chora, which is right next to the old town and the famous Portara monument, and they arrive at the sheltered bay of Mersini, the small port of Schinoussa on the south east side of the island. Several companies usually serve this line, including Blue Star Ferries, Small Cyclades Lines with the local boat Express Skopelitis, and in some seasons high speed operators such as Seajets. Depending on the vessel and how many island stops it makes, the sailing time is usually around one hour to about one hour and fifty minutes, so it is a relaxed hop that still leaves plenty of time to explore either island on the same day. In high season there are often daily departures, with most daytime ferries leaving Naxos late morning or early afternoon and reaching Schinoussa early afternoon, while on some days there may also be overnight or very early hours ferries that stop at Schinoussa on longer routes through the Small Cyclades. As timetables can change from week to week, travellers should always check live schedules on Ferryhopper just before booking to see exact departure and arrival times for their travel dates.
The Naxos to Schinoussa ferry operates all year, but the pattern is very different between summer and the quieter months. From June to September there are usually many more crossings each week, often up to twelve weekly sailings in total, shared between the big conventional ferries and the local Small Cyclades boat, which makes the route ideal for flexible island hopping and even a simple day trip from Naxos if the times match. Outside the peak season, from around October to May, there are still ferries linking Naxos and Schinoussa, but they run less often, sometimes only once on certain days, so visitors in spring, autumn or winter need to plan around the limited options and allow extra time in case of bad weather in the Aegean. The Express Skopelitis is famous for serving the Small Cyclades almost every day in the warmer months, calling at Iraklia, Schinoussa and Koufonisia on its way between Naxos and Amorgos, but because it is a smaller local ferry it may stay in port during strong winds, while the larger Blue Star vessels are usually more stable in rougher seas. For this reason many regular travellers use Naxos as a hub and then choose a slower but steadier conventional ferry when seas are choppy, and a faster boat when the weather is calm and they want to minimise travel time
Is the Naxos to Schinoussa ferry a good option for a day trip
Many travellers use the Naxos to Schinoussa ferry for a simple day trip, especially in summer when there are more sailings. The most practical plan is usually to take a late morning or early afternoon departure from Naxos and return on the same boat a few hours later, as the Express Skopelitis and other local ferries often call at Schinoussa on multi island routes through the Small Cyclades. However, because exact times change by season and by weekday, you should only commit to a day trip after you have checked the current timetable on Ferryhopper and confirmed both the outbound and return sailings for the same date.
How rough is the sea on the Naxos to Schinoussa ferry and which boat is best
The Naxos to Schinoussa ferry crosses a fairly open stretch of the Aegean and can feel choppy when the meltemi wind blows, especially on smaller vessels like the Express Skopelitis. If you are prone to seasickness and travelling on a windy day, many regular visitors prefer a larger conventional ship such as the Blue Star vessels when they are scheduled on this route, as they sit higher in the water and feel more stable, even though they may be a little slower than a high speed craft. On calm days the small local boat is very atmospheric and gives a close view of the Small Cyclades islands, but you should still bring water, sunscreen and a light jacket as most people like to sit outside on deck.
Can I take my car on the Naxos to Schinoussa ferry or is it foot passengers only
On the Naxos to Schinoussa ferry some sailings allow vehicles and others are mainly aimed at foot passengers. Conventional ferries that include Naxos and Schinoussa on longer routes generally accept cars and motorbikes, similar to other Cyclades crossings, and this can be useful if you plan to explore more of Naxos or combine Schinoussa with Amorgos and Donousa on a longer trip. By contrast, the small local boat typically has very limited vehicle space and focuses on linking residents and visitors between the islands, so many people simply walk on with their luggage and then use the simple local transport or walk around once they reach Schinoussa.
How far in advance should I book the Naxos to Schinoussa ferry in summer
For the Naxos to Schinoussa ferry it is wise to book early for sailings in July and August and around Greek public holidays, because even though the route is short there are only so many seats and vehicle spots on each departure. Ticket prices on this line are usually low compared with longer routes, with simple deck seats starting from around six euro for foot passengers, but popular summer dates can sell out, especially when there are fewer crossings on a particular day. Using Ferryhopper to compare all companies on the Naxos to Schinoussa ferry and to keep an eye on offers and live availability will help you find the timetable that fits best with your flights and hotel bookings.
What happens if the Naxos to Schinoussa ferry is cancelled due to bad weather
In strong winds or storms the Naxos to Schinoussa ferry can be delayed or cancelled, which is more common in winter and early spring, and can also happen on very windy summer days. Smaller ships like the Express Skopelitis are more likely to stay in harbour in rough conditions, while larger ferries may still run but can change their schedule, so it is important to check for updates on the day of departure and keep some flexibility in your plans. If the Naxos to Schinoussa ferry is cancelled, the ferry company will usually move you to the next available sailing or offer a change or refund according to its policy, and you can manage many of these changes directly through Ferryhopper using your booking code.