Embarking from Naxos, this day cruise immerses visitors in the captivating Cycladic islands of Iraklia and Ano Koufonisi. With a swift 45-minute boat ride, travelers can bask in the stunning natural beauty of these serene havens, swimming, strolling sandy beaches, and capturing breathtaking vistas. At a budget-friendly price, this adventure promises an unforgettable exploration of the Aegean’s hidden gems. But what truly awaits on these islands? The journey beckons.
Key Points
- The cruise departs from Naxos and visits the islands of Iraklia and Ano Koufonisi.
- The tour is priced from $48.96 per person and lasts 9.5 hours.
- Activities include exploring Iraklia’s sandy beaches and Ano Koufonisi, with opportunities for swimming and photography.
- The tour includes round-trip boat transportation and free time to explore the islands.
- The tour has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 39 reviews, with feedback highlighting the picturesque beauty and tranquility of the islands.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The tour is a cruise departing from Naxos that takes visitors to the islands of Iraklia and Ano Koufonisi.
A cruise departing from Naxos that takes visitors to the islands of Iraklia and Ano Koufonisi.
Priced from $48.96 per person, the 9.5-hour excursion departs the Naxos small port at 9:30 AM. Guests enjoy a 45-minute boat ride to Iraklia, where they’ll spend 1 hour exploring the sandy beaches.
Next, the tour heads to Ano Koufonisi for 4.5 hours of free time to discover the village, swim in turquoise waters, and have lunch.
The tour includes round-trip boat transportation and free time on both islands. Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund.
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Itinerary and Activities
After the boat departs from Naxos and the 45-minute trip to Iraklia, guests will have 1 hour to explore the island’s sandy beaches. Next, the tour continues to Ano Koufonisi, where visitors will have 4.5 hours of free time to discover the village, swim in the turquoise waters, and enjoy a local lunch. The itinerary offers various activities during the cruise:
| Activity | Duration |
| — | — |
| Visit Iraklia’s beaches | 1 hour |
| Explore Ano Koufonisi village | 4.5 hours |
| Swimming in turquoise waters | 4.5 hours |
| Lunch in Ano Koufonisi | 4.5 hours |
| Take photos of Portara at sunset | Varied |
Highlights and Attractions
Two perfect escape destinations for relaxation, swimming, and fun await visitors on this cruise.
First, explore the picturesque port of St. George in Iraklia, with its charming buildings and quaint atmosphere.
Explore the picturesque port of St. George in Iraklia, with its charming buildings and quaint atmosphere.
Then, discover the wonderful sandy beaches of Ano Koufonisi, where you can swim in the turquoise waters and capture memorable photos of the majestic Portara at sunset.
Whether you’re looking to unwind or soak up the natural beauty, these islands offer the opportunity for an idyllic day trip from Naxos.
Inclusions and Meeting Point
This cruise tour includes the round-trip boat journey from Naxos to Iraklia and Ano Koufonisi.
The meeting point for the tour is the Naxos small port, where the boat departs at 9:30 AM.
During the tour, visitors will have free time to explore the little port of St. George in Iraklia and the wonderful sandy beaches of Koufonisi.
The tour duration is approximately 9.5 hours, providing ample opportunity for relaxation, swimming, and taking memorable photos, including the majestic Portara at sunset.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
If weather conditions are unfavorable, the tour operator offers an alternative date or a full refund.
The overall rating for this tour is 4.2 out of 5 based on 39 reviews. Feedback from customers has been mixed, with some finding the beaches better in Naxos, while others appreciate the beauty of the islands.
The key considerations for this tour include:
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Bad weather policy: Alternative date or full refund offered.
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Mixed reviews on value: Some prefer Naxos beaches, others enjoy the islands’ beauty.
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Overall rating: 4.2/5 based on 39 reviews.
Customer Reviews
While customer reviews for the Cruise to Iraklia and Ano Koufonisi Island tour have been mixed, many visitors praised the tour’s ability to showcase the picturesque beauty of these lesser-known Greek islands.
Some found the beaches to be better in Naxos, though others appreciated the tranquility and serene atmosphere of Iraklia and Koufonisi. The tour received a 4.2/5 rating based on 39 reviews.
Though some preferred Naxos’s beaches, the tranquility of Iraklia and Koufonisi was appreciated. The tour received a 4.2/5 rating based on 39 reviews.
Feedback highlighted the opportunity for memorable photos, especially of the majestic Portara at sunset. However, some guests felt the value wasn’t quite worth the price.
The tour’s bad weather policy, which offers alternative dates or full refunds, was well-received.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect an engaging exploration of Iraklia and Ano Koufonisi Island during this full-day cruise from Naxos.
The itinerary offers a balanced mix of relaxation and discovery:
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Enjoy an hour of free time on the sandy beaches of Iraklia, with the opportunity to explore the charming port of St. George.
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Spend 4.5 hours on Ano Koufonisi, allowing ample time to discover the village, swim in the turquoise waters, and enjoy a local lunch.
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Capture stunning sunset views of the majestic Portara, a renowned landmark on Naxos.
Getting There
The cruise departs from Naxos small port at 9:30 AM.
The 45-minute boat ride takes you to the island of Iraklia. You’ll have an hour to explore Iraklia’s sandy beaches before departing for the next destination, Ano Koufonisi.
The journey to Koufonisi takes around 30 minutes. You’ll have 4.5 hours of free time to wander the village, swim in the turquoise waters, and enjoy lunch.
At the end of the day, the boat will return you to Naxos small port. The meeting point for the tour is also Naxos small port.
Since You Asked
Is There a Dress Code for the Boat Tour?
There’s no strict dress code for the boat tour. Comfortable, casual clothing and beachwear are recommended, as guests will have opportunities to swim and explore the islands’ beaches. Light layers may also be helpful in case of breezy conditions.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?
Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the boat tour. The tour operator does not provide meals or beverages, so bringing your own is permitted and recommended to enhance the experience.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit These Islands?
The best time to visit Iraklia and Ano Koufonisi is during the summer months when the weather’s warm and sunny. Crowds are smaller from May to September, offering a more peaceful island experience.
Are There Any Wheelchair-Accessible Facilities on the Islands?
The islands have limited wheelchair-accessible facilities. Visitors should inquire about accessibility at their hotels or with tour operators. Some beaches and paths may be challenging for those with mobility needs. Planning ahead is recommended to ensure a comfortable experience.
Can I Extend My Stay on the Islands After the Tour?
Travelers can extend their stay on the islands after the tour, but this is not included in the package price. Guests would need to arrange their own accommodations and transportation independently if they wish to extend their time on Iraklia or Ano Koufonisi.
Final Words
This day cruise from Naxos to Iraklia and Ano Koufonisi offers a chance to experience the stunning natural beauty of the Cyclades. With a convenient 9:30 AM departure, a 45-minute boat ride, and ample time to explore, it’s an affordable and flexible way to discover these serene islands. Cancellations are easy, making it a hassle-free option for travelers seeking a memorable day-trip from Naxos.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Boat Tours & Cruises in Naxos Town
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