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Where to stay on Naxos: areas from the port to remote beaches

Where to stay on Naxos: areas from the port to remote beaches

On Naxos, the area matters more than the hotel itself.

The island is large, the roads wind through the mountains, and buses run mainly along the western coast. From Naxos Town to the southern beaches is not a five-minute walk but a full trip. Dinner in town becomes a separate task if you are staying in Aliko or Moutsouna.

Two things matter here: where you wake up and how you get around from there. Naxos Town gives you the port, the old town, the bus station, restaurants, and nightlife all in one place. Beach areas give you the sea at your doorstep but require a car or patience with the bus schedule.

The easiest way to get there is by sea. The port and airport are on the west side, near the town, so the first and last night are most often spent in Naxos Town.

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Best areas to stay on Naxos

💡 In short:

  • For a first trip, choose Naxos Town or Agios Georgios.
  • For a beach vacation with services, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, or northern Plaka work well.
  • For quiet and open space, look further south: Kastraki, Aliko, Pyrgaki, Mikri Vigla.
  • Without a car, it is convenient to stay along the western strip from the town to northern Plaka.
  • Transport and bus schedules: 09/2026, verified on the official KTEL Naxos website

By area, Naxos is larger than most Cycladic islands. It stretches from north to south, so a distance of ten kilometers on the map takes noticeably more time here than you expect.

The western coast is the most densely built up. From Naxos Town southward you have Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka, Mikri Vigla, Kastraki, and Aliko. The main bus line also runs along here. The center of the island is occupied by mountain villages, while the north and east are almost empty.

The port town remains the only place where everything is within walking distance. If you are arriving for two nights, late in the evening, or with heavy suitcases, choose it without hesitation.

In summer, buses make the main western coast beaches accessible even without a car. They are less suitable for late dinners, distant beaches, and trips into the island's interior.

A sensible plan for most trips looks like this: stay in Naxos Town or along the western beach strip, and rent a car for a day or two for the mountain villages and quiet coves. That way you do not pay for a rental all week and do not depend on the schedule every evening.

Further south, the picture changes. Beach areas give you the water at your doorstep, but the farther you get from town, the fewer cafes, shops, and buses there are around.

Below is a comparison of areas by the three factors that affect a trip the most.

Area

Who it suits

Car

Naxos Town

first trip, short stay, evenings in town

not needed

Agios Georgios

families with small children, beach plus town

not needed

Agios Prokopios

beach vacation, services, buses

not essential

Agia Anna

couples, tavernas right by the water

not essential in summer

Plaka

long beach, plenty of space

essential in the southern part

Stelida

boutique hotels, pools, views

essential

Mikri Vigla

windsurfing and kitesurfing

essential

Kastraki, Aliko, Pyrgaki

quiet, dunes, nature

essential

Mountain villages

food, villages, hiking

essential

Apollonas and Moutsouna

slow travel, seclusion

essential

Hotels from the selection are easy to browse by category. Below, the same names are grouped by trip type.

Category

Hotels

Best hotels on Naxos

Nissaki Beach Hotel, Kavos Boutique Hotel, Ammothines Cycladic Suites, Iria Beach Art Hotel, 18 Grapes Hotel, ELaiolithos, Ayiopetra Exclusive Getaways

For families

Nissaki Beach Hotel, Kavos Boutique Hotel, Iria Beach Art Hotel, Melidron Hotel & Suites, Cosmos Hotel, Athina Studios and Suites

Best value

Hotel Grotta, Saint Vlassis, Kalergis Studios, Agios Prokopios Hotel

For couples

Ayiopetra Exclusive Getaways, 18 Grapes Hotel, Akre Hotel, Naxian on the Beach, ELaiolithos

Beach hotels

Nissaki Beach Hotel, Liana Beach Hotel & Spa, Iria Beach Art Hotel, Ammothines Cycladic Suites, Naxian on the Beach

Within walking distance of the port

Xenia, Hotel Anixis, Hotel Grotta, Nissaki Beach Hotel, Emery Suites, Anapollo Boutique Hotel

The hotels themselves are reviewed by area below, with photos and notes on location.

Which area suits whom

If you have not decided yet, start with this list. Here are ten typical situations and the best area for each.

  • First time on Naxos: Naxos Town or Agios Georgios. In town you immediately have the port, the old town, the bus station, restaurants, and shops. Agios Georgios adds a sandy beach and remains within walking distance of the center.
  • Beach vacation: Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, or Plaka. Agios Prokopios has the best combination of swimming, beach services, restaurants, and buses. Agia Anna is smaller and cozier. Plaka gives you more space and quiet on a long stretch of sand.
  • Families with children: Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, or northern Plaka. In Agios Georgios the water stays shallow for a long time, so it is easiest there with small children. Northern Plaka works because there are many apartments and shops nearby.
  • Couples: Naxos Town, Agia Anna, Plaka, Stelida, Moni, or Sangri. In town it is convenient to have dinner and walk in the evening. Agia Anna gives you an atmosphere by the water, Plaka gives quiet, Stelida gives privacy and a pool.
  • Without a car: Naxos Town or Agios Georgios. The port, bus station, restaurants, and old town are connected here by pedestrian streets. In summer, Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna are added to the list if you spend your entire vacation on the beach.
  • Restaurants and nightlife: Naxos Town. The largest selection of bars, cafes, and tavernas open late is in Naxos Town. In summer, available accommodation runs out quickly, so it is worth checking Naxos Town hotels on Trip.com in advance.
  • Windsurfing and kitesurfing: Mikri Vigla and Orkos. The northern beach gets the strongest wind, while the southern bay stays protected. Without an interest in wind, there is nothing to do here.
  • Quiet and open space: southern Plaka, Kastraki, Aliko, Pyrgaki, Apollonas, Moutsouna. These areas are chosen by those who value space and peace more than a choice of restaurants. Take a car.
  • Traditional villages: Apeiranthos, Moni, and Sangri. Staying overnight in the mountains gives you a completely different trip: stone streets, home cooking, views over the valleys, and quiet instead of music from bars.

Three more practical notes. If your ferry arrives late in the evening or leaves early in the morning, stay overnight in Naxos Town: driving across the island in the dark costs time and nerves. With teenagers it is more convenient in town or in Agios Georgios, where they can walk around on their own. For a repeat trip, take a closer look at Moni and Sangri: in the evening you are left with a taverna, a view over the valley, and quiet.

Below is a comparison of beach areas by water, nightlife, and transport.

Area

Water

In the evening

Transport

Agios Georgios

shallow near the shore

town nearby

bus and on foot

Agios Prokopios

clear

quieter than town

frequent bus in summer

Agia Anna

clear

tavernas by the water

bus, neighbors within walking distance

Plaka

clear

quiet

bus only to the north

Stelida

secluded coves

almost empty

car only

Mikri Vigla

southern bay is calmer

almost empty

car only

White Chora of Naxos above the sea and causeway© Sergio Alvarez · CC BY-SAPhoto: Sergio Alvarez, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Below, each area is reviewed separately: the character of the place, transport, honest catches, and hotels.

Naxos Town: port, old town and evenings

Naxos Town and harbor at sunset with white houses

Naxos Town suits most travelers. The port, bus station, old town, restaurants, bars, shops and nightlife are all in one place. It is also the easiest option if you are traveling without a car.

The waterfront is busy and practical. Behind it begins the Old Market and Kastro with stone alleys, small chapels, wine bars and Venetian houses built into the hillside.

Ferries in the port and the old town of Naxos© Zde · CC BY-SAPhoto: Zde, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons
  • Who it suits: first trip, short stay, convenient port, vacation without a car, restaurants, evening walks.
  • Who it does not suit: those who want a quiet resort and the best swimming right by the hotel.
  • How to get there: ferries arrive at the port of Naxos Town, the airport is a few kilometers outside town.
  • The catch: parking and luggage. The old town has stairs, narrow pedestrian streets and buildings without elevators. If you are arriving with large bags or plan to keep a car for the whole trip, check the exact hotel address before booking.

Hotels in Naxos Town

  • Hotel Grotta is a traditional town hotel with bay views, breakfast and a short walk to the port. rates at Hotel Grotta on Trip.com
  • Emery Hotel offers stylish rooms and apartments near the old town and very personal service.
  • Anapollo Boutique Hotel is adults-only and sits in a quiet part of town with a small pool.
  • Legato Spa Suites offers romantic suites with private spa facilities, where the room matters more than a full set of hotel services.

A room with a kitchen is useful if you like having breakfast at home. Such options are common in town and noticeably reduce food costs.

Agios Georgios: the beach next to town

Agios Georgios sandy beach with waterfront cafes© Bgabel · CC BY-SAPhoto: Bgabel, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Agios Georgios is the most convenient beach base on the island. The area is not separated from Naxos Town, so sand, shallow sea, tavernas and small hotels sit right next to the town.

The water stays shallow for a long time, which is convenient for children and cautious swimmers. Water sports operate at the southern end of the beach, while the northern edge is closest to town.

  • Who it suits: families, first trip, vacation without a car, short walk from the port, a mix of beach and town.
  • Who it does not suit: those looking for a secluded beach, resort polish or the island's most beautiful sea.
  • How to get there: on foot from the center of Naxos Town, about fifteen minutes from the port (on the map).
  • The catch: the quality of swimming. The water is good, but in Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and on Plaka it is clearer and deeper.

Hotels in Agios Georgios

  • Nissaki Beach Hotel sits right on the sand and remains convenient for most guests on the island. There is a pool and a restaurant, and you can walk to town. rates at Nissaki Beach Hotel on Trip.com
  • Naxian Secret is a suites-only hotel with a pool in a quiet spot about ten minutes from the beach.
  • Naxos Resort is chosen by families who want a large pool and proximity to both the beach and town.
  • Korali Boutique Hotel is small, calm and well located.
  • Kalergis Studios offers a good balance of price and location right by the beach.
  • Saint Vlassis is known for its service, but sits away from the sea.
White church and houses of Chora Naxos by the sea© C messier · CC BY-SAPhoto: C messier, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

If you stay here, the evening town remains close by. This is the area's main advantage over the southern beaches.

Agios Prokopios: beach vacation with services

Agios Prokopios beach with loungers and umbrellas by the sea© Carlo Pelagalli · CC BY-SAPhoto: Carlo Pelagalli, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Agios Prokopios is a classic beach vacation. Swimming here is excellent, the beach is long and splits into lively and quiet sections. Restaurants, cafes, sunbeds and shops operate all around, and buses run to Naxos Town.

The area is more densely built than Agia Anna and lacks the town's atmosphere. For a beach holiday this is not a problem. Families feel especially comfortable here.

Agios Prokopios beach and bay at sunset© Vanbasten 23 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Vanbasten 23, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons
  • Who it suits: swimming, families, sunbeds, restaurants, summer buses.
  • Who it does not suit: those who want to spend every evening in Naxos Town or are looking for a quiet, remote beach.
  • How to get there: the bus from Naxos Town runs frequently in summer, by car it is about fifteen minutes (on the map).
  • The catch: in high season the beach is popular, and in the evening the area quiets down faster than town.

Hotels in Agios Prokopios

  • 18 Grapes Hotel is a boutique hotel with pools and a spa five minutes from the sea, most often chosen by couples. rates at 18 Grapes Hotel on Trip.com
  • Virtu Suites occupy the best position between the beach and the village.
  • Liana Beach Hotel & Spa sits right by the water and offers a pool, spa, restaurant and beach service.
  • Melidron Hotel & Suites suits families because the beach is nearby, and there is a pool and spacious suites.
  • Iliada Villas offer kitchens, space and a pool for families and groups.

Agia Anna: compact beach village

Agia Anna sandy beach with a seaside taverna© Tsui · CC BY-SAPhoto: Tsui, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Agia Anna suits those who want a small village by the sea. Tavernas sit right next to the sand, a small fishing pier adds character, and Agios Prokopios and Plaka are within walking distance.

The beach itself is excellent, but smaller than its neighbor. Couples feel comfortable here, and so do families, if compactness matters more to them than a large resort area.

  • Who it suits: couples, families, tavernas on the sand, swimming, small-village atmosphere.
  • Who it does not suit: those who need a lot of beach space or large resort infrastructure.
  • How to get there: bus to Naxos Town in summer, about twenty minutes on foot to Agios Prokopios (on the map).
  • The catch: in summer the village fills up, and parking near the beach is limited.

Hotels in Agia Anna

Kastro and white chapel in Chora Naxos© C messier · CC BY-SAPhoto: C messier, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Plaka: a long beach and quiet

Sandy path to the sea through dunes© Atle1963a · CC BY-SAPhoto: Atle1963a, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Plaka gives you the best beach on the island, but not always the best base. The sand stretches far, swimming is excellent, and there is noticeably more space than in Agios Georgios or Agia Anna.

The northern part of Plaka has restaurants, buses, beach clubs, and the road toward Agia Anna. The south is quieter, but it is inconvenient without a car.

Plaka really opens up when you stay four nights or more. For two or three nights, or if you plan to head into Naxos Town every evening, stay further north.

White church with a bell tower in Chora Naxos© C messier · CC BY-SAPhoto: C messier, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons
  • Who it suits: a long beach vacation, space, swimming, families, couples.
  • Who it does not suit: short trips, frequent evenings in town, and southern Plaka without a car.
  • How to get there: the bus goes to northern Plaka; further south a car is more convenient.
  • The catch: the further south you stay, the fewer shops, tavernas, and buses are nearby.

Hotels in Plaka

  • Ammothines Cycladic Suites is a large hotel with a pool, restaurant, and family rooms, including connecting maisonettes. rates at Ammothines Cycladic Suites on Trip.com
  • Naxian on the Beach sits by the sand and beats the big resorts on atmosphere. It is most often booked by couples.
  • Sundunes Hotel offers luxury rooms with private pools, a spa, and a restaurant.
  • Cosmos Hotel is good for large families and groups that need kitchens and a pool.
  • Athina Studios and Suites offer kitchenettes and a pool right by the beach.
  • Naxos Island Escape is a small and quiet option near the sea.

At the southern end of Plaka, evenings pass calmly. That is exactly why people come here.

Stelida: boutique hotels on the peninsula

View of hilly Stelida with a church and the sea© Stepanps · CC BY-SAPhoto: Stepanps, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Stelida suits stylish hotels, villas, pools, views, and privacy. The peninsula lies between Naxos Town and Agios Prokopios, near the airport, and is convenient for exploring the west coast.

There is no village here. Independent restaurants are few, nightlife is nonexistent, and walking is limited by roads, distances, and summer heat. If you want to walk out to dinner every evening, choose Naxos Town, Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, or Agia Anna.

  • Who it suits: couples, families with a car, anyone looking for a villa, pool, view, and quiet.
  • Who it doesn't suit: trips without a car and those who want to stay in a village near tavernas.
  • How to get there: by car from Naxos Town, about ten minutes (on the map).
  • The catch: a car is essential here, and the area goes completely quiet in the evening.

Hotels in Stelida

  • Kavos Boutique Hotel is one of the island's strongest hotels for food, views, suites, and atmosphere. rates at Kavos Boutique Hotel on Trip.com
  • Akre Hotel is calm and expensive, with sunset views and its own secluded cove.
  • Villa Marandi Luxury Suites offers spacious suites, a pool, and a quiet seaside spot between town and Agios Prokopios.
  • Naxos Cave Suites is a small, quiet option with individually designed rooms, better suited to drivers.

Mikri Vigla: wind and windsurfing

Panorama of Mikri Vigla bay with beach and sea© Tsui · CC BY-SAPhoto: Tsui, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Mikri Vigla is considered the main windsurfing and kitesurfing base on Naxos. The north beach gets strong wind and draws athletes, while the south cove is sheltered and better for swimming.

The area is quiet: a few hotels, studios, and tavernas, no nightlife. Nearby lies Orkos, a second windsurfing spot. The north beach is chosen for strong wind, the south cove for calm water. It's worth coming here only if wind or seclusion is part of your plan. For everyone else, a base on the west coast is more convenient.

  • Who it suits: kitesurfing, windsurfing, active trips, quiet, and holidays with a car.
  • Who it doesn't suit: those who want restaurants, nightlife, frequent buses, and evening trips into town.
  • How to get there: by car from Naxos Town, about twenty minutes (on the map).
  • The catch: food and entertainment options are limited to a couple of tavernas.

Hotels in Mikri Vigla

  • Oasis Studios is a simple, practical option near the beach, convenient for athletes. rates at Oasis Studios on Trip.com
  • Victoria Studios & Apartments offers affordable apartments for a quiet stay.

Kastraki, Alyko, and Pyrgaki: the southern beaches

Rocky shore and sandy beach of Kastraki© Stepanps · CC BY-SAPhoto: Stepanps, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The southern beaches are chosen by those who value quiet over convenience. Kastraki and Glyfada have long sandy stretches, dunes, a couple of tavernas, and plenty of open space. Alyko is wild: a cedar forest, small coves, clear water, and the ruins of an abandoned hotel covered in street art.

Pyrgaki lies even further south. It's one of the best remote beaches for families because it faces south and is relatively sheltered from the wind.

For most travelers, these places work better as day trips than as a base. If you do stay here, bring a car.

  • Who it suits: quiet, nature, open space, repeat visits, and holidays with a car.
  • Who it doesn't suit: a first trip without a car, nightlife, restaurant choice, shops.
  • How to get there: by car from Naxos Town, from thirty minutes (on the map).
  • The catch: infrastructure is minimal, and in the evening there's no way to get back to town.

Hotels on the southern beaches

  • Phoenicia Naxos is a well-kept option for a quiet stay in Kastraki.
  • Faros Villa sits near the Alyko beaches and the cedar forest and suits a peaceful holiday.
  • Finikas Beach Hotel is the island's best remote beach hotel: pool, restaurant, and family-friendly facilities near Pyrgaki. rates at Finikas Beach Hotel on Trip.com
Chora Naxos and harbor with fishing boats© Pierre Courtine · CC BYPhoto: Pierre Courtine, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Alyko and Kastraki are often chosen for a day trip, while people stay further north. That way you keep both the quiet and the option to have dinner wherever you like.

Apiranthos: the marble village

Panorama of the mountain village of Apeiranthos with white houses© Yiannis Z. at English Wikipedia · CC BY-SAPhoto: Yiannis Z. at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/), Wikimedia Commons

Apiranthos is considered the most beautiful mountain village on Naxos. Marble streets, old stone houses, arches, Venetian architecture, museums, craft shops, and tavernas along the shaded main street create a mood that's rare for the island.

It's a good place for a leisurely lunch and wandering without a plan. As a base, the village suits those who have already seen the island: the center is pedestrian-only, you'll leave your car outside it, and the beach is about half an hour away by car (on the map).

Museums and craft shops give you a reason to linger for half a day. You'll leave your car at the entrance and continue on foot: marble is slippery, and the streets are narrow. By evening the village empties out, so plan dinner and the drive back in advance.

  • Who it suits: atmosphere, quiet, unhurried walks, lunches in tavernas.
  • Who it doesn't suit: beach holidays and logistics with frequent trips to the sea.
  • How to get there: by car from Naxos Town along a mountain road, about half an hour (on the map).
  • The catch: the village is almost empty in the evening, and you need to drive to reach the sea.

Hotel in Apiranthos

Moni and Sangri: villages above the valleys

Whitewashed church with a bell tower and palm tree on Naxos© Olaf Tausch · CC BYPhoto: Olaf Tausch, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Moni

Moni is a tiny village near the Panagia Drosiani church, one of the oldest Byzantine churches in Greece. Around it are olive groves, mountain views, traditional villages, and good hiking trails.

Sangri

Sangri sits among fields near the Temple of Demeter, a 6th-century BC sanctuary (as of 09/2026, Discover Greece). The temple is closed on Tuesdays.

Five more villages are worth seeing along the way. Chalki is considered one of the most beautiful and walkable, Filoti works best as a base for climbing Mount Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades. Melanes is surrounded by fields and ancient kouroi, Koronos climbs steeply up the slope, and Vivlos is closest to the west coast and lives off agriculture.

Ruins of the Temple of Demeter at Sangri© Holger Uwe Schmitt · CC BY-SAPhoto: Holger Uwe Schmitt, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Both villages are a good fit for couples who want privacy, nature, and driving trips. Evenings here are quiet, and you will find dinner in village tavernas.

  • Good for: couples, hiking, local cuisine, village scenery.
  • Not good for: beach vacations and trips without a car.
  • Getting there: by car from Naxos Town, about twenty minutes (per the map).
  • The catch: few shops and restaurants, you need a car every day.

Hotels in the mountains

  • ELaiolithos Luxury Villa Suites is adults-only and considered one of the best hotels on the island: local cuisine, mountains, villages, and a complete change of scenery after the beaches. ELaiolithos prices on Trip.com
  • Ayiopetra Exclusive Getaways is a small romantic adults-only hotel in beautiful countryside.
Stone houses and cafe tables on a street in Apeiranthos© C messier · CC BY-SAPhoto: C messier, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

If you want a contrast with the beach part of your vacation, spend two nights here. The drive to the sea takes time, but you will remember the evenings.

Apollonas and Moutsouna: the far north and east

White chapel with a blue dome on a street in Naxos© Jan M · CC BY-SAPhoto: Jan M, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Apollonas and Moutsouna are made for travelers who deliberately slow down. Both places are far from Naxos Town and the main western beaches, and both are easiest with a car.

Apollonas is on the north coast, a fishing village with a small beach and a huge unfinished kouros statue in the ancient marble quarry above the village. It is beautiful and quiet here, but the north coast gets more wind than the southwestern beaches.

Moutsouna is even more isolated. It lies on the east coast beyond the mountain villages: a small harbor, beaches, tavernas, and traces of the old emery export trade. It is best to come here for one or two nights as an add-on to the main trip.

People choose Apollonas for the quarry with the kouros, Moutsouna for the harbor and quiet dinners by the water. One or two nights here work better than a full week: you will still want to see the whole island.

  • Good for: solitude, slow travel, dinners by the water, views, repeat visits.
  • Not good for: a first trip, traveling without a car, nightlife, frequent trips around the island.
  • How to get there: by car from Naxos Town, from forty minutes (on the map).
  • The catch: getting back to town in the evening takes a long time, and buses barely run.

Hotel in Moutsouna

How to get to Naxos

Naxos is connected to the mainland by ferries and planes. Ferries from Piraeus take about five hours (as of 09/2026, Blue Star Ferries), and in summer high-speed catamarans are added, cutting the journey to about three and a half hours.

The island sits on the main Cyclades route, so it is easy to stop here from Paros, Mykonos, or Santorini. The airport is close to Naxos Town and receives short flights from Athens.

If you are flying, compare flight options to Naxos well in advance, because seats sell out quickly in summer.

How to get around the island

  • Bus. Works for Naxos Town, Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, northern Plaka, and some mountain villages. Tickets cost a few euros (as of 09/2026, KTEL Naxos), but late dinners and far beaches depend on the schedule.
  • Taxi. There are few cars, especially in July and August. Transfers from the port or airport are best booked in advance.
  • Car. The most flexible way to see the mountain villages and far beaches. It is essential for Stelida, southern Plaka, Mikri Vigla, Kastraki, Alyko, Pyrgaki, and the mountains.
  • On foot. Naxos Town and Agios Georgios put everything within walking distance. Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna are convenient within their own areas, northern Plaka is walkable too, southern Plaka is not.

book a rental car on Naxos before you arrive: in high season, automatic transmission options run out fast.

When to go and how to book accommodation

June and September are the best months for a trip. In July and August the island is crowded, and the best beach hotels get booked up early. May and October are quieter and cheaper, but some beach establishments run on reduced hours.

Four rules that will save you stress when booking:

  • Book early for July and August. The best waterfront hotels, family rooms, and boutique suites go fast. If location matters to you, look for accommodation four to eight months before your trip.
  • Do not trust distances at a glance. The phrase "near Naxos Town" does not always mean an easy walk in the heat or with a suitcase. Look at the route, not just the kilometers.
  • South is not always better. Plaka, Mikri Vigla, Kastraki, Alyko, and Pyrgaki are beautiful, but restaurant and transport options drop with every kilometer from town. Choose them for the quiet.
  • Check parking. In Naxos Town it is easier to stay without a car. If you are renting one for the whole vacation, check parking before booking: beach and rural hotels accommodate drivers more easily.
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⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Should I stay in Naxos Town or at the beach?

Stay in Naxos Town if restaurants, the port, buses, and evening strolls matter more to you. Choose the beach if swimming is the main thing. Agios Georgios offers the best compromise: sand is right there, and you can walk to town in fifteen minutes.

Can you vacation on Naxos without a car?

Yes, if you stay in Naxos Town or Agios Georgios. In summer, Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna are added to that list: everything you need is nearby. Northern Plaka is possible but less convenient. For Stelida, southern Plaka, far beaches, and mountain hotels, a car is essential.

Where to stay for families with children?

Agios Georgios is easiest with little ones: the water stays shallow for a long time, and town is close. Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna work if clear water matters more to you than proximity to town and shops. Northern Plaka is good for families with older children, because there is more space and more apartments.

Where should couples stay?

For restaurants and evenings out, choose Naxos Town. Agia Anna and Plaka offer a romantic seaside setting. Stelida suits couples willing to rent a car for the view, a pool, and privacy. A completely different trip awaits you in Moni or Sangri.

Which is better: Agios Prokopios or Agia Anna?

Agios Prokopios is bigger: a long beach, more sunbeds, restaurants, and accommodation options. Agia Anna is smaller and more atmospheric, with tavernas right on the sand and a pier that gives the village character. The distance between them is short enough that you can easily walk.

In short: what to book

The decision matrix is simple: if this is your first trip and you don't have a car, go with Naxos Town or Agios Georgios. If you want a classic beach vacation, look at Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and northern Plaka. If you're renting a car and want peace and quiet, search around Stelida, southern Plaka, Kastraki, and the mountain villages.

It's convenient to compare accommodation across the whole island at once, so checking Naxos hotels on Trip.com is a good first step. Tours and island trips are available on GetYourGuide.

A car solves Naxos's main problem: distances. Booking a car in advance is cheaper and less stressful than looking for one on the spot in August.