Ferry from Naxos to Anafi is a quieter, long distance Cycladic route that links the busy hub of Naxos Town with the small, remote island of Anafi in journey times that usually range from about 3 hours 45 minutes to around 4 hours 20 minutes on conventional ferries. The route is operated mainly by Blue Star Ferries within the Anek Superfast and Blue Star network, with around 2 weekly crossings in the summer months, generally between June and September, and very limited or no direct services outside this period. Ferries depart from the main port of Naxos in Naxos Town and arrive at the small port of Anafi, with ticket prices for foot passengers starting from about €23.50 to €31.50 and higher fares for vehicles, making this a relatively affordable but infrequent way to reach one of the least visited Cycladic islands. Because of the limited schedule and night time departures, this route is best used as a planned one way leg in a longer island hopping itinerary rather than for flexible or last minute travel.
Key information for the Naxos to Anafi ferry route
Ferry duration
The Naxos to Anafi ferry duration is usually given as between about 3 hours 45 minutes and 4 hours 20 minutes, with many sources quoting an average journey time around 4 hours 5 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes. Some timetable aggregators mention longer times of around 7 hours 11 minutes or even 12 hours 5 minutes, but these typically include indirect routings or longer itineraries, so for the standard direct Blue Star connection you should plan for about 4 hours.
Ferry companies
The direct Naxos to Anafi route is currently operated by Blue Star Ferries under the Anek Superfast and Blue Star Ferries brand, and it is generally listed as a conventional ferry route with no high speed services. Other companies such as Maistros Santorini and Saos Ferries serve Anafi via Santorini or other ports, but for the direct connection between Naxos and Anafi the key operator is Blue Star Ferries.
Fast vs slow ferry
There is no real fast versus slow choice on this route, because it is served by conventional Blue Star Ferries vessels that provide a standard journey time of around 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes. Some indirect options that route via Santorini or include long waits can extend the total travel time significantly, but these are not separate high speed ferries on the direct Naxos to Anafi leg.
Best time to travel
Direct ferries from Naxos to Anafi are normally available only during the summer months, with schedule summaries indicating that the route runs mainly from June to September. Within this period, there are usually about 2 weekly crossings, often at night around 00:35 departure from Naxos, so travellers need to plan their itinerary around these specific days.
Sea conditions and wind
The Naxos to Anafi crossing passes through an open stretch of the Aegean and is affected by the Meltemi, the strong summer north wind that can create rough seas and occasionally delay or cancel services. Because this is a night crossing in many cases, choppy conditions can be more noticeable, so it is wise to bring seasickness remedies if you are sensitive and to allow some flexibility in case of weather related changes.
Port guide
From Naxos, ferries to Anafi depart from the main port in Naxos Town, which is the same harbour used for other Cycladic routes and is close to the old town, harbourfront cafes and Saint George Beach. In Anafi, ferries arrive at the island’s small port, sometimes referred to simply as Anafi port, where there is a small cluster of buildings, a limited number of accommodation options and road access up to the main village by bus, taxi or pre arranged hotel transfer.
Car rental advice
Blue Star Ferries allows vehicles on the Naxos to Anafi route, and price examples from route guides show that a one way fare in summer for a car with one person can be around €83.50, compared with about €23.50 for a single foot passenger. However, given the small size and limited road network of Anafi, many travellers prefer to travel as foot passengers and then rely on local transport, walking and possibly small rentals on the island rather than paying higher ferry fares for vehicles.
Foot passenger tips
For foot passengers, the key challenge on the Naxos to Anafi route is timing, because there are only about 2 weekly crossings and they often depart around half past midnight, so you may have a late evening wait at Naxos port. It is sensible to arrive at the port at least 45 minutes before departure, bring water, snacks and something warm for the night crossing, and be prepared for a simple but comfortable ride on a conventional ferry with indoor lounges and deck areas.
Is this route worth it?
For travellers who value quiet, remote islands and a more traditional atmosphere, the Naxos to Anafi ferry route is very much worth including, as Anafi is known for its low key tourism, simple accommodation and peaceful beaches, with far fewer visitors than many other Cycladic islands. Because there are only a couple of ferries per week, visiting Anafi requires more planning, but many visitors describe the island as a highlight precisely because it feels so untouched compared with busier destinations.
Alternative route if cancelled
If your Naxos to Anafi ferry is cancelled, the most realistic alternative is usually to travel via Santorini, taking a ferry from Naxos to Thira and then another ferry from Athinios port in Santorini to Anafi. Santorini to Anafi ferries, often operated by Blue Star Ferries and Maistros Santorini, run several times per week with journey times around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 29 minutes, so this indirect route can be practical if the direct Naxos to Anafi service is disrupted.
Reverse route internal links
The reverse route from Anafi to Naxos is also operated by Blue Star Ferries within the Anek Superfast network, with about 2 weekly sailings and a typical duration of around 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes. Departures from Anafi are often scheduled for late night or early morning, connecting onwards to Naxos and other Cycladic islands such as Ios, Paros, Syros and Santorini as part of longer itineraries.
Frequently asked questions about the Naxos to Anafi ferry route
How long does the Naxos to Anafi ferry take?
Most ferry guides state that the Naxos to Anafi ferry takes between about 3 hours 45 minutes and 4 hours 20 minutes, with a commonly quoted average of around 4 hours 5 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes. Some platforms list much longer durations, such as 7 hours 11 minutes or 12 hours 5 minutes, but these usually include indirect routings or long waits rather than the standard direct crossing.
How often does the Naxos to Anafi ferry run?
The direct Naxos to Anafi ferry generally runs about 2 times per week during the summer season, with services often on specific days such as Tuesday and Saturday. Outside the main months of June to September there may be no direct sailings, so travellers must route via other islands such as Santorini or Piraeus.
Can I do a day trip from Naxos to Anafi by ferry?
Ferry guides explicitly state that you cannot make a day trip on the Naxos to Anafi route, because the shortest one way journey is around 4 hours 10 minutes and there is no same day return ferry. This route is therefore suited only to multi day stays on Anafi rather than short excursions.
Is it better to go from Naxos to Anafi directly or via Santorini?
If your dates match the direct Naxos to Anafi ferry, this is usually the simplest option, as it takes about 4 hours and avoids changing boats. However, if the direct ferry does not run on your chosen day, travelling from Naxos to Santorini and then from Santorini to Anafi can be a practical alternative, especially given the frequent Naxos to Thira services and regular Santorini to Anafi connections.
Do I need to book the Naxos to Anafi ferry in advance?
Because there are only around 2 weekly crossings and limited capacity, it is strongly recommended to book the Naxos to Anafi ferry in advance, particularly in July and August. Booking early helps ensure you secure a place on the specific day that fits your itinerary, as last minute changes can be difficult when there are so few sailings.