Where to stay in Naxos
Naxos is dominated by its western coastline, where most tourist infrastructure clings to the sandy beaches south of the main port. The island is vast; your experience shifts significantly depending on whether you prioritize proximity to the ferry terminal, easy access to wide beaches, or the quiet, mountainous interior. Choosing a base requires balancing the convenience of the main town against the tranquility of the southern coastal villages or the rugged traditional inland hamlets.
Chora (Naxos Town)
This is the island’s heartbeat, characterized by the marble-paved Kastro district and the bustling waterfront. It is entirely walkable, allowing you to wander from the iconic Portara gate at sunset to the maze-like alleys of the Old Town. You are steps away from the ferry port, bus terminal, and dozens of tavernas, making it the most practical hub for island exploration.
Agios Prokopios
The village is essentially a single long strip of low-rise accommodation and cafes hugging a spectacular beach. Everything you need for a beach holiday is walkable, including sunbed rentals, mini-markets, and seaside restaurants. While it lacks the historic depth of the main town, its focus is entirely on coastal leisure and proximity to the main salt lake and regional bus routes.
Plaka
Formerly a nudist retreat, Plaka is now a stretch of luxury boutique hotels and family-run villas. It is less dense than Agios Prokopios, offering a quieter atmosphere. You can walk for miles along the coastline, stopping at isolated shacks. It feels less like a village and more like a coastal sanctuary, requiring a taxi or rental vehicle for any shopping or nightlife.
Rent a car in Naxos
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Compare car rentals in NaxosOne thing to think about
Avoid staying directly on the main strip of Agios Prokopios during August if you crave silence; the proximity of the bars to the road creates significant traffic and noise issues. Additionally, skip staying in the mountainous interior unless you are confident driving winding roads, as public transport there is infrequent.
Other places to stay in Greece: lastminute.com · Megabon
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Naxos are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Top tours & activities in Naxos
Common questions
Do I need to rent a car for my stay?
If you stay in Chora, you can survive on buses and taxis for local beach trips. However, to see the interior villages like Apiranthos or the remote beaches in the south, a rental car is essential. Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades and public transport does not reach every attraction.
Which beach is best for families?
Agios Prokopios is the gold standard for families. The water is calm, the sand is fine, and there are ample amenities like showers, tavernas, and shaded areas. It is far enough from the port to feel like a holiday resort but close enough that a medical emergency or supply run is quick.
Is it better to stay in a hotel or a villa?
Hotels in Chora offer the best logistics, whereas villas in Plaka or Mikri Vigla provide privacy and self-sufficiency. If you prefer cooking your own meals and having a private terrace, a villa is superior, but be prepared for the extra logistics of grocery shopping and dealing with limited local public transport links.
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