Where to Stay in Naxos: Beaches, Hotels & Villas

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Wondering where to stay in Naxos? This article walks you through the best hotels in Naxos, the best apartments and houses in Naxos, and the best areas to stay in Naxos.

Naxos is a huge island, but much of the east coast is underdeveloped. There are a few main places you’ll want to stay in Naxos: Plaka, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and the main town of Naxos.

If you are visiting Naxos during the summer months, then you will find plenty of restaurants and hotels open. However, if you are planning to visit in the off-season, you may want to consider staying right in the main town of Naxos.

If you are visiting Greece in October or May just on the edge of high season, you will be able to get great prices, nice weather, and fewer crowds, too.

There are, of course, dozens of other towns to enjoy around Naxos, but if you want to be close to amenities while enjoying your vacation on the island, these are the best places to base yourself.

Getting to Naxos

There are two ways to get to Naxos; by sea or by air.

If you are arriving from the Athens Airport, check out our guide to the city here which explains not only all of the best things to see and do in the city, but also how to get yourself to the port.

If you are flying into Greece from Mykonos or Santorini Airports, you can also access Naxos by ferry.

I use the app FerryHopper to book all of my ferries around Greece (and anywhere else in Europe for that matter!). Check prices and timetables in the box below.

There is also an airport on Naxos, Naxos Airport Apollon (Code: JNX). You can only fly into the Naxos airport from Athens. There are no other direct flights to the island.

If you want to skip over Athens or you have already been to the city before, you can connect directly in Athens to Naxos about six times a day. Check flight times and prices on Kiwi here.

Where to Stay in Naxos

As mentioned, the west coast is the most developed side of Naxos. The main town is convenient for the port and airport and isn’t a bad option to consider staying on your first visit to Naxos. In terms of where to stay in Naxos for beaches, you need to look a little further afield. The different beach towns north and south of the main town all offer something a little bit different. This guide dives into the best beaches in Naxos and is worth reading while scouting the hotels.

Plaka – Best neighborhood in Naxos for a beach vacation

Plaka Beach is one of the most famous places to stay in Naxos. It also happens to be the least developed part of the island on this list of places to stay in Naxos. This beach is long and the water is mostly slack. It’s wide open for wind to sweep though which makes it incredibly popular with wind and kitesurfers. Especially in the summer when the Meltemi winds take over.

Agios Prokopios – Best area to stay in Naxos your first time

Arguably the best beach town on Naxos (as voted by me), Agios Prokopios is my personal favorite place to stay in Naxos. The town has a stunning beach, tons of great beach clubs, some seriously fantastic restaurants, and a huge selection of hotels for every budget. It’s close enough to Naxos Town and the port to justify picking this resort as your base even on a shorter trip to the island. 

Agia Anna – Where to stay in Naxos for families

Just down the road from Agios Prokopios, Anna is slightly less developed and a little bit quieter. It has a beautiful yet small beach. There are a few taverns, beach clubs, and plenty of wonderful hotels and apartments. It’s a lovely idea for where to stay in Naxos for beaches a tad quieter than Plaka. In reality, families can stay anywhere in Naxos – the Greeks are known for their warm hospitality for children. However, Agia Anna is one of the best areas to stay in Naxos with children as it’s calmer than Plaka and the main tower. 

Naxos Town – Where to stay in Naxos for nightlife and restaurants 

Also known as Chora, Naxos Town is located on the west coast. This is one of the best neighborhoods in Naxos for its proximity to restaurants, nightlife, and ancient ruins. The busy port has connections to Mykonos, Paros, and Delos. If you prefer not to rent a car, you can get a bus to absolutely anywhere else on the island from Naxos Town.

Top Tip for Booking the Best Places to Stay in Naxos

While Naxos is certainly not anywhere near as busy as other Cycladic islands like Mykonos or Santorini, it is also by no means “undiscovered.” 

Every July and August, tourists flood the ferries to arrive and hotels in the best neighborhoods in Naxos fill up fast. While it doesn’t necessarily feel like the island is packed with people during the day, when you start planning your trip and looking for where to stay in Naxos, you’ll realize just how popular this place is.

Hotels and apartments, especially the best hotels in Naxos, book out months in advance.

If you are planning a trip to the island at any point between May and September, be sure you book at least 4-5 months in advance. Otherwise, you risk losing out on the best places to stay in Naxos.

Best Hotels in Naxos

If you are only staying in Naxos for a few days and aren’t worried about dining out for all meals, a hotel is the ideal option. Most Naxos hotels include breakfast and then you can dine out at the island’s top restaurants for lunch and dinner. If you would prefer to stay in a hotel while you are staying in Naxos, these are the absolute best hotels in Naxos for every budget.

Best Hotels in Naxos – Plaka

• Naxian on the Beach: One of the best places to stay in Naxos, Naxian on the Beach is a stunning little hotel located right on Plaka Beach. It really doesn’t get better than this when you can wake up and walk straight out onto the sand. Sit in your Jacuzzi on the balcony that overlooks the sea or sip a cold Mythos while you watch the sunset. Rooms here are decorated in a Boho style and a fantastic breakfast is included each morning. Rooms start at $140 per night. Book a stay at Naxian on the Beach here.
• Acti Plaka Hotel: Steps from the most beautiful beach on Naxos, this superb hotel comprises studio units for couples and two-room suites for families. It has a swimming pool and an excellent breakfast. It’s one of the best places to stay in Naxos for easy access to the longest beach on the island. Rooms start at $76 per night. Book a stay at Acti Plaka Hotel here.

Best Hotels in Naxos – Agios Prokopios 

• Hotel Ariadne: This is an utterly perfect hotel for feeling like you are truly on vacation. Located one block from the beach in Agios Prokopios and with a huge outdoor pool with plenty of lounge chairs to relax on, Hotel Ariadne is excellent value for money. Take one of the rooms near the bottom floor for under $150 per night or opt for a sea view on the higher floors with those rooms starting at $180 per night. Book a stay at Hotel Ariadne here.
• Naxos Magic Village: Despite looking and feeling like a resort, Naxos Magic Village has rooms that suit every budget. With double rooms for as little as $50 per night and suites with sea views that can start at $200 per night, there really is something for everyone at Naxos Magic Village. Located about halfway between Naxos Town and Agios Prokopios in Stelida, this is best accessed by renting a car for the duration of your stay. However, you will then have access to the beach here, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a wonderful breakfast each morning. This is the perfect option for where to stay in Naxos with family
  Check availability and book a stay at Naxos Magic Village here.

Best Hotels in Naxos – Agia Anna

• Something Else: Less than 50 meters from the beach in Agia Anna, Something Else is truly as the name suggests. There is an outdoor pool with plenty of places to relax and breakfast is available for a small additional fee. They have a few apartments available, but many of the studios only have small kitchenettes. This is a wonderful budget option with rooms starting as low as $45 per night. Book a stay at Something Else here.
• Iria Beach Art Hotel: In terms of where to stay in Naxos with kids, this hotel takes the biscuit. It has beachfront privileges that make up for the absence of a pool. Rooms are beautifully attired and spacious with a solid selection of options to suit families. Some have ocean views and balconies but you can make a saving by booking a viewless room. Rooms start at $152 per night although they rise exponentially during summer. Book a stay at Iria Beach Art Hotel here.

Best Hotels in Naxos – Naxos Town/Chora

• Porto Naxos: Located right on the edge of the town of Naxos and a close walk to the town’s beach, Agios Georgios Beach. Rooms are simply decorated, but large and comfortable. Staff are friendly and the breakfast has a nice selection to keep you interested for several days in a row. This is a great option if you want to be near the beach and the town. You get the best of both worlds at Porto Naxos. Rooms start at $104 per night. Book a stay at Porto Naxos here.
• Xenia Hotel: Another fantastic hotel located right in the Naxos main town (also called Chora in Greek), this hotel is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t feel like a budget hotel at all. Rooms are clean and comfortable, the lobby is modern and breakfast is available each morning. Rooms start as low as $60 per night. Book a stay at Xenia Hotel here.

Vacation Houses and Apartments in Naxos

If you plan to spend more than two or three days in Naxos, then I would recommend staying in a house, apartment, or condo on the island. All of the towns in Naxos have very well-stocked grocery stores and you can easily self-cater without breaking the bank.

These are my top picks for the best of where to stay in Naxos if you want to self-cater.

I prefer to search for self-contained units either on Booking.com or Plum Guide. Check out all of the apartments and houses available in Naxos over on Plum Guide here.

Best Vacation Apartments in Naxos for Couples and Small Groups

• Annio Boutique Studios: These apartments on the beach are located in Plaka. So if you want to do some windsurfing or you just want to be close to this adventure beach then this is a great self-catering option. Every apartment has a small kitchenette with a two-hob stove and mini-fridge. Some of the rooms have sea views and others have private spa pools on the balconies. Check out all of the available apartments and prices here.
• Sea & Olive Villas and Suites: Another great Plaka apartment complex (Plaka has had a lot of development in recent years), this stunning complex has everything from studios to family villas with private pools. There are several different budget ranges, but overall it sits at the luxury end of the price range. Check out all of their available options here.
• Luxury Studio Duplex: This gorgeous apartment comprises two bedrooms and will work well for a couple or small group of friends. Note that the second bedroom features a futon and a single bunk bed – it’s not really for couples. The stone-clad interiors are deeply atmospheric and the terrace is the cherry on top. Located close to the main town’s taverns and the port, this is where to stay in Naxos for nightlife. Book the Luxury Studio Duplex here. 

Best Villa Rentals in Naxos for Families and Larger Groups

• Sunsets and Sea View: This three-bedroom villa sleeps up to six guests and has a private pool. It also has a full kitchen and a divine outdoor dining area. In terms of where to stay in Naxos for families, this vacation home is close to the Plaka and Mikri Vigla beaches but set back from the noise. Book this villa with beautiful sunsets and sea views here.
• Beachfront Cycladic Villa: This knockout villa is located in the center of Agia Anna and features traditional Greek interiors including whitewashed walls and hefty timber beams. The large terrace overlooks the Aegean Sea and is perfect for sunbathing and gathering for a beer in the evening. Book this beachfront Cycladic villa here.
• Designer Pool Villa: This luxury home is ideal for where to stay in Naxos with kids. The pool is fully fenced and there are lots of shaded areas to protect delicate skin. Up to 10 guests can stay at the seaside property near Plaka Beach without feeling claustrophobic. Book the Designer Pool Villa here.

Best Places to Stay in Naxos on the East Coast 

This guide has focused on the west coast which is where you’ll find the best neighborhoods in Naxos for a shorter stay. However, if you have more time on your hands and a sense of adventure – venture east. This side of the island yields the best areas to stay in Naxos to escape the summer crowds.

There are far fewer hotels and rentals but you’ll find that rates are lower, even in July and August. Note that a car rental is mandatory for getting around this part of the island.

• Ostria Inn: This boutique hotel is situated on the absolute opposite side of the island to the town of Naxos, but if you are looking for a true island escape, you’ll get it at Ostria Inn. It’s a one-minute walk to the beach and has a relaxing outdoor pool and lounge area with a bar. There’s an onsite restaurant that does exquisite meals in the evenings. Rooms are stylishly decorated and breakfast includes locally made honey and seasonal fruits. This really is one of the best hotels in Naxos. Rooms start at $190 per night. Book a stay at Ostria Inn here.
• Adonis Hotel Naxis: Right up on the northern tip of the east coast, this seaside hotel is two minutes from the beach. It’s surrounded by a Mediterranean garden and rooms overlook this or the ocean. The decor is a little dated but it’s very homely and comfortable and the staff are wonderful. It’s a lovely option for where to stay in Naxos with family off the beaten crowds. Rooms start at $52 per night. Book a stay at Adonis Hotel Naxis here.
• Petra Home: This four-bedroom holiday home is located in the mountainous hinterland of Naxos. It’s closer to the east coast but a car is required for getting there. It’s designed for families and groups of friends seeking a remote part of the island to enjoy sunshine and a simple island life. Book a stay at Petra Home here.

Watch My Video About Naxos Here