Naxos: ferry vs plane and day trips?
 

Hi!

We are going to be in Naxos (coming from Santorini) this June and are staying there for 5 nights before heading back to Athens.

We would like to stay on Naxos and explore most of our time there but is there a day trip (possibly another island close by) you recommend? Must-see places, or activities?

And when we finally head back to Athens, what is best: the Blue Star ferry (5.5 hours I think) or a very short plane ride (with Olympian or Aegean)? I am very prone to seasickness and I fear the long boat ride.

Thanks!

The Blue Star ferry will be smooth sailing unless seas are very rough. When I've taken that ferry it was hard to sense any motion at all.

Flights from Naxos are with small twin engined turboprops operated by Olympic Air, now part of Aegean Airlines. I enjoy flying on those Dash 8-100 aircraft, and they are very safe. If you don't relish the thought of a ferry, the flight is what you should take. Book soon if travelling this summer, as these planes take only about 30 passengers and seats sell out quickly.

Paros and Ios are the closest islands to Naxos. You can check ferry schedules here to determinie if you'll have time for a daytrip to them: http://www.gtp.gr

The Blue Star ferry is very large and stable. It even has side-thrusting stabilizer engines to keep her from rocking side-to-side. If time isn't an issue and money is then go with the ferry. Otherwise, fly.

So the flight available is too late in the evening for us. Ferry it is!

About the ferries (Blue Star), should we book in advance? And which class to chose? There are so many options!

Book the reserved aircraft-style economy seats. That's all you need. You can leave your seat to stroll around or to eat in a dining area and be sure to still have it when you return. Advance purchase isn't necessary, just buy your tickets the day before your departure from one of the many travel agencies in Naxos town.

As an alternative, if you still prefer to fly, look into the possibility of taking an early ferry from Naxos to Paros, and fly back to Athens from there.

There are flights from Paros to Athens using the same Dash 8-100 aircraft, and usually more flights than from Naxos. The present runway at Paros (700 meters) is even shorter than the one at Naxos, and with takeoff weight restrictions the plane goes back to Athens with a half load (about 15-20 passengers depending upon wind and temperature conditions).

A new 1,400 meter runway on Paros has now been laid, but the new airport won't open until a terminal and other infrastructure is constructed. Once that happens Olympic will start using the larger Dash 8-400, and it will carry a full load of 79 passengers from Paros.

I agree that aircraft-type seats on Blue Star are best, but if you pay about €12 more you can travel business class. I enjoy business class because you sit at the front of the ship and have essentially the same view as the captain on his bridge, with windows on three sides. Business class has sofas, chairs, and tables, with stewards in white jackets who bring food and drinks to your table. Before you decide, do the virtual tour of Blue Star Delos: http://www.bluestarferries.com/site/...?sel=876&loc=2

There are boat excursions from Naxos on the Naxos Star and the Alexander. The most popular trip is to the ruins at Delos and then on to Mykonos. It is a full day trip and costs about 50 euros.
There is also a trip to the little Cyclades islands.
In my opinion the Alexander is the more stable of the two boats as it is wider.
You can book at any travel agent on Naxos.
Here are images of that day trip.
Day trip Delos and Mykonos http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7637922138466/