The ferry from Aegiali on Amorgos to Naxos is one of the key routes in the Cyclades, used both by locals and island hoppers who want an easy link between a quiet island and a busy hub. This line is operated mainly by Blue Star Ferries and Small Cyclades Lines, giving you a mix of faster conventional ferries and slower local boats on different days. The crossing from Aegiali to Naxos usually takes between about 2 hours 5 minutes and 5 hours 5 minutes, with fast Blue Star services scheduled at around 2 hours 10 minutes and slower Small Cyclades Lines sailings taking about 5 hours 5 minutes. On average, recent summaries give a typical Aegiali–Naxos journey time of around 2 hours 9 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes across all sailings. In summer there are ferries on this route on most days of the week, often up to 6 days weekly, while in winter it can drop to about 1 weekly connection. Ticket prices for foot passengers are very affordable, usually from around €10.50 to €11.50 for a simple economy seat, with higher prices for cabins or premium seating. This route is ideal if you want to end or start your Amorgos stay in Naxos, or connect from Aegiali into the wider Cyclades network via Naxos without going through Piraeus first.
Key information for the Aegiali (Amorgos) to Naxos ferry
1. Ferry duration
The Aegiali to Naxos ferry usually takes between about 2 hours 5 minutes and 5 hours 5 minutes. Ferryscanner notes that the fastest ferry can reach Naxos in just 2 hours 10 minutes and that the longest crossing is about 5 hours 5 minutes, with an average journey time of around 2 hours 9 minutes. Direct Ferries also mentions typical Aegiali–Naxos trip times of around 5 hours, with the fastest Blue Star Ferries sailings at approximately 2 hours. For planning, you should assume around 2 hours 10 minutes on a fast Blue Star ferry and up to 5 hours if you choose a slower Small Cyclades Lines departure.
2. Ferry companies
This route is operated by 2 companies: Blue Star Ferries and Small Cyclades Lines (Express Skopelitis). Ferryscanner confirms that Aegiali–Naxos is served by both Blue Star Ferries and Small Cyclades Lines, with ferries running 6 days a week in high season. Netferry’s operator overview also lists 7 weekly Blue Star sailings from Naxos to Aegiali, showing how frequently this line runs in summer.
3. Fast vs slow ferry
On this route you can choose between faster Blue Star Ferries and slower Small Cyclades Lines sailings. Blue Star Naxos and similar conventional ferries usually do the Aegiali–Naxos leg in about 2 hours 5 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes, offering more comfort and a quicker trip at a slightly higher price. Small Cyclades Lines services take longer, around 5 hours 5 minutes, but provide a more local, scenic experience and may suit travellers who enjoy slower travel and do not mind the extra time at sea.
4. Best time to travel
The best time to travel from Aegiali to Naxos is between June and September, when there are more frequent sailings and calmer weather. Ferryscanner indicates that from June to September there are about 6 weekly Aegiali–Naxos crossings, while from October to May this usually drops to around 1 weekly departure. In the shoulder and winter months, you should check live timetables early and plan your Amorgos stay around the available sailing days.
5. Sea conditions and wind
This route crosses central Cycladic waters where the Meltemi wind can blow strongly, especially in July and August. Larger Blue Star ferries are fairly stable in these conditions, while the smaller Express Skopelitis can feel more lively when seas are choppy. It is wise to check the weather forecast before you travel, bring seasickness tablets if you are sensitive and allow some flexibility around your sailing date in case high winds cause timetable modifications.
6. Port guide
Aegiali port is a relaxed bay on Amorgos with a sandy beach, tavernas, cafés and mini markets along the waterfront, and many guesthouses within walking distance of the ferry quay. Buses and taxis connect Aegiali with Chora and Katapola if you are staying elsewhere on the island. In Naxos, ferries arrive at the main port in Naxos Town (Chora), right next to the old town, the Portara, bus station, car rentals and a wide choice of accommodation and restaurants.
7. Car rental advice
Blue Star Ferries ships on this line can carry vehicles, while the smaller Express Skopelitis focuses mainly on foot passengers and has very limited car capacity. Ferries Greece notes that ticket prices from Aegiali to Naxos start from €10.50 for a deck passenger, with extra charges for vehicles and reserved seating. Because Naxos has many car rental offices near the port and Amorgos is easy to explore with local rentals, many travellers prefer to hire cars separately on each island rather than taking a vehicle on this specific crossing.
8. Foot passenger tips
As a foot passenger you should arrive at Aegiali port about 45 to 60 minutes before departure, especially in high summer. Ferryscanner notes that the first Aegiali–Naxos ferry of the day usually leaves at 08:00 and the last at 19:50, depending on the season and operator, so you can choose between an early morning or an afternoon sailing. On Blue Star ferries it is worth reserving a seat, while on Express Skopelitis you will often spend time on deck enjoying the views as you make several island stops along the way.
9. Is this route worth it?
The Aegiali to Naxos ferry is very worthwhile if you want to connect Amorgos with one of the main transport hubs in the Cyclades. In just over 2 hours on a fast sailing you can move from peaceful Aegiali to Naxos Town, where you have onward ferries to many other islands and easy access to flights and mainland routes. With low ticket prices and frequent summer departures, it is a highly practical route for both simple two island trips and more complex island hopping itineraries.
10. Alternative route if cancelled
If your Aegiali–Naxos ferry is cancelled, the main alternatives involve travelling from the other Amorgos port or routing via another island. One option is to go by bus or taxi from Aegiali to Katapola and then use one of the very frequent Katapola–Naxos ferries, which include both Blue Star Ferries and Seajets with fast crossings of about 1 hour 10 minutes. Another possibility, especially outside peak season, is to route via Donoussa or Koufonissi using Express Skopelitis and then connect onwards to Naxos from there.
11. Reverse route internal links
There is also a reverse Naxos to Aegiali route, which is heavily used at the start of Amorgos holidays. Direct Ferries and Aferry state that Naxos–Aegiali crossings are operated by Blue Star Ferries and Small Cyclades Lines with fastest travel times of about 2 hours 5 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes and average times around 2 hours 7 minutes. On many timetables Blue Star Naxos runs overnight or late evening Naxos–Aegiali sailings, while Express Skopelitis provides afternoon departures around 14:00, so it is worth checking both directions together when planning your itinerary.
How long does the Aegiali (Amorgos) to Naxos ferry actually take?
The Aegiali to Naxos ferry usually takes between about 2 hours 5 minutes and 5 hours 5 minutes. Fast Blue Star Ferries crossings take around 2 hours to 2 hours 10 minutes, while slower Small Cyclades Lines sailings are scheduled at about 5 hours 5 minutes. Ferryscanner reports an average journey time for this route of around 2 hours 9 minutes across all sailings.
How often does the Aegiali (Amorgos) to Naxos ferry run in summer?
In high season there are usually ferries from Aegiali to Naxos on most days of the week. Ferryscanner mentions that from June to September there are about 6 weekly crossings on the Aegiali–Naxos route, while ZasFerries notes that Naxos–Aegiali is the most popular route to Aegiali with up to 8 weekly sailings. From October to May the service often drops to around 1 weekly departure, so you should check live timetables early if you travel outside summer.
What time does the Aegiali (Amorgos) to Naxos ferry usually depart?
Schedules show that the first ferry from Aegiali to Naxos typically leaves around 08:00 in the morning and the last around 19:50, though exact times vary by operator and season. For example, Blue Star Ferries often runs early morning or late night departures, while Small Cyclades Lines tends to have mid afternoon sailings. You should always check the specific times for your travel date and aim to be at Aegiali port at least 45 to 60 minutes before departure.
Can I do a day trip on the Aegiali (Amorgos) to Naxos ferry?
A true same day return day trip is generally not possible from Aegiali to Naxos. Ferryscanner explicitly notes that you will not be able to make a day trip on this route, because the shortest one way journey is about 2 hours 10 minutes and there is no return ferry that brings you back to Aegiali on the same day. If you want to visit Naxos from Amorgos, it is better to stay at least one night there and use the ferry as a one way transfer in each direction.
Can I take a car on the Aegiali (Amorgos) to Naxos ferry?
Blue Star Ferries ships on this route can carry cars and motorbikes, while Small Cyclades Lines primarily carries foot passengers and has very limited vehicle capacity. Ferries Greece states that Aegiali–Naxos ticket prices start from €10.50 for a deck passenger, with additional charges for vehicles and reserved seats. Because Naxos has many rental offices near the port and Amorgos is easy to explore with local rentals, many travellers simply travel as foot passengers and hire cars separately on each island instead of bringing a vehicle on this crossing.