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Guide to Naxos - Mikres Kyklades
NAXOS - MIKRES KYKLADES · ITINERARY

Naxos - Mikres Kyklades (Naxos, Notio Aigaio, Greece) in 1 days – Complete itinerary

1 days / 0 nights · Small Cyclades, beaches, walks, sea

A day trip from Naxos to Ano Koufonissi lets you discover, in just a few hours, a compact island famous for its crystal-clear waters and coastal trails. The route starts from the port and passes through Chora before continuing on to some of the best-known beaches, with stops for swimming and lunch. The distances can be covered on foot along the coast, but in summer a taxi boat can make the return trip easier. The day depends on the seasonal ferry schedules: check in advance that both the outbound and return trips are available.

Stops
5 · 5 with location
Mode
Walking
Route
5.1 km · 60 min
Source
Mapbox · walking

Stops on the map

  1. 84 m · 1 min
  2. 814 m · 10 min
  3. 1.6 km · 18 min
  4. 2.6 km · 31 min

Day 1 – From Naxos to the beaches of Ano Koufonissi

07:30–20:30 Easy walks and breaks by the sea

Reach Ano Koufonissi by ferry and follow the coast to Pori, alternating walks, swims, and a stop for lunch.

07:30

Boarding at the port of Naxos

Arrive at the port early and check the pier indicated by the carrier: connections, duration, and frequency vary by season and company. Allow roughly 40–90 minutes of sailing and keep your return ticket.

Timetables are only a rough guide: if there isn't a same-day round trip option, don't set off without changing your plan.

09:30

Arrival and walk in Chora Koufonisia

From the port, walk to the small center, among whitewashed alleys, shops, and tavernas. Set aside about 45 minutes to get your bearings and take a short break; a coffee or a simple breakfast may cost around €3–8.

Buy water and snacks before you head away from the center: along the coastal route, services are more limited.

10:30

Swim at Ammos Beach

The beach is close to the port and offers an easy first swim without any detours. Stop for about 45 minutes and admire the contrast between the pale sand and the deep blue sea; access to the beach is generally free.

Bring a hat and sunscreen with you: natural shade is scarce.

11:30

Coastal walk and stop at Finikas Beach

Follow the trail east toward Finikas, allowing about 30–40 minutes on foot from Chora, depending on your pace and stops. The bay is ideal for a peaceful break and a swim; plan on about an hour in total for the walk and the stop.

The trail can be exposed to the sun and is uneven in places: comfortable shoes are preferable to flip-flops.

13:00

Swimming stop at Paralia Italida

Continue along the coast to Italida, also known as Platia Pounta, for a break in one of the island’s most beloved bays. Allow 45–60 minutes for the sea and bring everything you need, as facilities and shaded spots may be limited.

Respect local signs and do not leave any rubbish on the beach.

14:15

Lunch and relax at Pori Beach

Keep going to Pori, the large curved bay at the eastern end of the route; from Italida, allow about 25–35 minutes on foot. Stop for lunch at a taverna, if open, or enjoy a snack brought from Chora: expect roughly €15–30 for a simple meal.

Activities and food options are seasonal; in high season, check opening hours and available services on site.

16:30

Return to the port and board for Naxos

For the return, consider the seasonal taxi-boat if it is operating and fits your departure, or walk back along the coast to Chora: the route from Pori may take about an hour or more. Reach the port at least 30–45 minutes early and board only the confirmed service to Naxos.

The taxi-boat is not guaranteed and may suspend service due to sea conditions; allow enough time to return on foot.

Estimated budget

Ferry Naxos–Koufonissi round trip€20–60 per person
Lunch or snack€10–30 per person
Taxi boat, if available€5–15 per person
Water, coffee and small purchases€5–12 per person

Greece uses the euro (€), so if you're traveling from Italy there’s no need to worry about currency exchange. All amounts are indicative ranges and may vary depending on the season, company, and available services; check updated fares and schedules before departure.

Practical tips

  • Check ferry timetables carefully: frequencies and connections change throughout the year, and not all dates allow a day trip.
  • Bring water, a hat, sunscreen and suitable shoes: much of the coastal route is exposed to the sun.
  • Do not rely on the taxi boat for the return trip: service, stops and operation depend on the season and sea conditions.
  • Allow plenty of time to get back to the port and follow the company’s instructions for the pier and boarding time.