Our Favorite Naxos Hotels
• 5-Star: Nissaki
• 4-Star: Iria Beach Art
• 3-Star: Kavos
• Boutique: ELaiolithos
• Low Budget: Saint Vlassis
• For Families: Nissaki
• A dot point refers visitors to the ELaiolithos hotel in Naxos for couples • Town of Naxos: Grotta • Anixis
• A beachfront lodging option is Iria Beach Art.
1. Cave • 2. Anixis • 3. Nissaki • 4. Saint Vlassis • 5. Kavos • 6. Iria Beach Art • 7. ELaiolithos
Table of Contents
The Best Areas to Stay in Naxos
See Also
• Top Hotels in Naxos
• Highly Rated Family Hotels in Naxos
• Maps of Naxos Island
Wrapped within golden coastlines, blanketed by agricultural lands, and capped by rocky highlands, Naxos offers abundant options for land and ocean activities for visitors looking for movement. Rewarding hikes lead through olive groves marked by over two hundred structures from the Byzantine era and up stony hillsides dotted with caves and springs. Remnants of temples and fortresses spread across the island reveal its historic prosperity as the center of Cycladic culture. Being both the largest and greenest island in the Cyclades, Naxos acts as the produce heart of the region, supplying most of the neighborhood items served in the fine restaurants of neighboring islands, such as Santorini and Mykonos. Not surprisingly, the culinary scene here is excellent with recently harvested potatoes, olive oil, herbs, legumes, and fruits of all varieties in the kitchens, paired with nearby made wine, honey, freshly caught seafood, local cheeses, and sustainable meats.
The primary village of Naxos Town, also known as Chora, is situated along the center of the western coastline. The ferry dock and marina featuring fishing vessels and sailing excursions are located here. Jutting northward into the sea is the landmark Portara, the ancient entryway to an unfinished temple of Apollo which can be freely visited anytime and offers a lovely spot to observe the sunset. Inside Chora, the Castle (Kastro) of Naxos comprises the medieval heart of the village, a fortified structure of towers, grand gates, tunnels, chapels, and courtyards – exciting to get lost in – currently housing museums, restaurants, shops, and bars. The pebbled Grotta Beach forms the northern boundary. Accommodations consist of a mix of inexpensive and moderately priced small hotels. For stays in Naxos Town, a car is not necessary.
About one km south of the port and 600 meters from the castle walls, the Agios Georgios Beach is the closest organized beach to Chora. This beach that welcomes families is sheltered from the wind thanks to its location in a small bay. The water is clear, calm, and shallow for a long distance out. Numerous restaurants, beach clubs, and hotels serve beachgoers here.
About 5 km southwest is a quiet cape with a tiny water park at its east end and a little-visited, sand and pebble beach on its north coast. Stelida is mostly a residential area with private villas and a handful of boutique hotels (which house the only restaurants in the area).
Generally, moving farther toward the southern portion of the island results in beaches that are better, with more extensive, broader sections of uninterrupted sand. Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna are the subsequent two beaches to the south, each with relaxed beach clubs, eateries, and small hotels along the shoreline. Plaka Beach is the longest stretch of sand on the island, with a cluster of hotels and restaurants near the northern end that become more sparse as one travels farther southward. Mikri Vigla is a small promontory with beaches on its northern and southern coasts. The northern shore encounters the wind and is a popular place for kitesurfing and windsurfing; the southern beach offers exceptional swimming.
Further south, the towns of Kastraki,Glyfada,Alyko, and Pyrgaki offer tranquil stretches of natural beach with very few restaurants and no beach clubs. Even during peak travel season, there is always plenty of space to spread a blanket and claim one`s own area. Kastraki and Glyfada experience a little more wind and waves, while Pyrgaki is calm and serene. Alyko is set in a cedar forest with four tiny beaches and the ruins of an abandoned hotel that has now become an unofficial, open-air graffiti “museum.”
Of course, the majority of Greek islands have exceptionally beautiful beaches. But to see what truly sets Naxos apart, explore the interior where villages dot the mountains home to weavers, potters, cheesemakers, farmers, shepherds, goatherds, beekeepers, and skilled craftspeople. Shops sell regional products and restaurants cater to local preferences. The villages of Chalki,Koronos,Apeiranthos, and Filoti have an especially charming atmosphere, while Sangri is home to the Temple of Demeter and Melanes features two unfinished marble sculptures of youths plus the hauntingly lovely ruins of the 17th century Kalamitsia Monastery.
The northern, southern, and eastern coasts are dotted with small fishing villages, the largest being Apollonas, home to the biggest iuros on the island, known as the Colossus of Dionysus. Moutsouna is a smaller fishing village formerly employed in the export of emery. Other tiny villages spread down the length of the coast with perhaps a hotel or rooms to lease. These villages are relaxed by day and even more so at night when the entire Milky Way sparkles above their sandy shores.
What are the Best Places to Stay in Naxos?
- Best Hotels in Naxos
ELaiolithos Luxury Retreat • Nissaki Beach Hotel • Kavos Boutique Hotel - Top-Rated Family Hotels in Naxos
Nissaki Beach Hotel • Iria Beach Art Hotel • Kalergis Studios - Best Cheap Hotel in Naxos
The Saint Vlassis property. - Top-rated Honeymoon Hotels in Naxos
ELaiolithos Luxury Retreat • Ayiopetra Exclusive Getaway - Hotels Walking Distance from Ferry Port
Hotel Grotta (around 10 minutes` drive) – Xenia Hotel (about 8 minutes) – Anixis Hotel (around 8 minutes) – Nissaki Beach Hotel (approximately 12 minutes) – Studios Panos (around 12 minutes)
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- The Ideal Destination for First-Time Visitors: Naxos Town or Agios Georgios Beach
Visitors exploring Naxos for the first time should consider lodging in either Naxos Town or the neighboring Agios Georgios Beach area. Naxos Town (also called Chora) is the largest village on the island. This charming coastal hamlet is situated on the western shore facing sunsets with numerous seafood eateries along the waterside and a complex core brimming with retail establishments, restaurants, and nightlife venues. The heart of the village is constructed amidst and around a 13th century Venetian fortress with homes, museums, and houses of worship tucked within vaults, walkways, and ancient staircases. Standing proudly on the near islet of Palatia, connected by a footbridge, is the Portara, an enormous entranceway to the Temple of Apollo that was started but never finished in the 6th century BC. Between the ferry dock and Portara lies a tiny beach perfect for taking a dip. However, a superior beach can be found to the south of Chora at Agios Georgios. This relaxed shoreline with sandy banks sits in a sheltered cove shielded from the wind providing calm, clear, shallow water – perfect for children or novices to swimming. A string of hotels, water sport centers, and eateries with sun bed/umbrella rentals border the shores of this family-friendly resort community. An outdoor theater situated back from the ocean, less than a 10-minute walk away. - The Prime Sites for Scenery: Naxos Town and the Mountain Villages
The town of Naxos has the highest concentration of points of interest, including castle ruins, ruins of the Temple of Apollo (the Portara), sunsets over the port, and Old Market Street. Those interested in history, hiking, and local living may prefer to stay in one of the mountain villages, nearer to the Temple of Demeter ruins (in Sangri), Zas Cave, the mythological home of Zeus (near Filoti), or Panagia Drosiani, the oldest church in Greece (in Moni). - Where Locals Favor: Mountain Villages
The mountain villages of Naxos, particularly Chalki, Moni, Sangri, and Filoti, all offer contemporary comforts and superb, locally-sourced nourishment in a quaint setting, where many still earn a living through traditional means, whether herding goats, cultivating crops, craftsmaking, or producing the island’s signature liqueur, kitron. - The Premier Beaches and Coastal Towns: Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka Considered the top beach on Naxos Island, Plaka features a lengthy stretch of golden sand with a scattering of beach clubs and eateries towards the northern end and a quieter southern section. Excellent for families, Agios Georgios has calm, shallow waters and an abundance of excellent restaurants and hotels nearby, many with pools. Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna Beaches offer lively beach clubs and quality dining options while also providing easy access to Naxos Town and the port, set within small coves sheltered from winds. Other recommended beaches include Mikri Vigla and Glyfada (for windsurfing and kitesurfing), the secluded Moutsouna, and the forested Alyko with its modern ruins and street art, uniquely representing Naxos
Staying in Naxos Town
The Best Hotels in Naxos Town
Staying at Agios Georgios Beach
The Best Hotels at Agios Georgios Beach
- Nissaki Beach Hotel
- The HCC Regente hotel has a small rooftop swimming pool
- The Saint Vlassis
- Galaxy Hotel
- Antony Suites property.
- Kalergis Studios
- Studios Panos
Staying in Stelida
Stelida is the most western protruding point on the island of Naxos. Though situated between the two most popular regions of the island, the town of Naxos and Agios Prokopios Beach, Stelida itself remains quite tranquil, with just a handful of newly constructed high-end hotels and private villas, representing the priciest real estate on the island. Despite the newness of the development here, this location holds evidence of the island`s earliest civilizations dating back over 40,000 years to the Middle Paleolithic period. Stelida has mainly a small number of dining establishments predominantly inside hotels, but it`s just a quarter-hour walk to Agios Prokopios for more food choices or to catch the bus to Naxos Town. Additionally, there is the lesser known tranquil Stelida Beach (also called Kleftonisia Beach) almost directly north of Agios Prokopios, about a 15-minute stroll from the heart of the area. There is a small yet amusing water park for families, Aqua Fun, open during summer`s peak season.
The Best Hotels in Stelida
- Kavos Boutique Lodging
- Naxian Collection Luxury Villas & Suites
- Naxian Utopia Luxury Villas & Suites
- Naxos Cave Suites
Staying at Agios Prokopios & Agia Anna Beaches
The Best Hotels at Agios Prokopios Beach
The Best Hotel at Agia Anna Beach
Staying at Plaka Beach
Plaka Beach, located four kilometers from Naxos Town, is the Greek island of Naxos` longest beach. Renowned for its soft golden sands and calm azure waters, Plaka Beach is considered the finest beach on Naxos and one of the best in all of Greece. The majority of beach hotels, eateries, and leisure establishments can be found at the northern portion of the beach, sometimes called Maragas. Further south, the beach offers lengthy stretches of serene natural splendor where sunbathers and wanderers can enjoy solitude under the occasional coastal cedar. Plaka Beach is conveniently accessible from Naxos Town via public transportation and a brief walk brings visitors from the northern terminus of Plaka Beach to neighboring Agia Anna Beach.
The Best Hotels at Plaka Beach
Staying at Mikri Vigla Beach
Mikri Vigla is a picturesque coastal promontory on Naxos Island`s southwest side. It contains two beaches—one facing north towards the sea and popular for wind-based watersports like windsurfing and kitesurfing due to consistent breezes, while the south-oriented beach enjoys protection and calm shallow waters suitable for swimming along with families and nature lovers. Mikri Vigla features a scattering of lodgings and traditional eateries though maintains a generally tranquil setting with ample room to unwind outdoors.
The Best Hotels at Mikri Vigla Beach
Staying at Kastraki & Glyfada Beaches
Kastraki Beach is a two-km stretch of soft sand with a small mudflat at its northern end that attracts birds. Blending almost seamlessly as you move southward, Glyfada Beach provides another km of white sand and dunes facing a saltwater lake. There is little advancement on the shoreline – no beach clubs or beachfront hotels – though the village of Kastraki (roughly midway down the beach) offers some casual tavernas, guest lodgings, and a market. The northern end is partially sheltered from the winds by the headland of Mikri Vigla with the breezes increasing in strength as you progress south into Glyfada. Swimming is excellent, particularly in the north (though there are some rocky patches), while the southern end is popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing. This tranquil local is a wonderful spot to watch a sunset.
The Best Hotel at Kastraki & Glyfada Beaches
Staying in Alyko
Situated within Naxos Island, the Alyko Cedar Forest reserve comprises a significant collection of trees spanning various plant varieties across its substantial acreage. As one of Greece`s largest and densest such groves, it houses cedars alongside heather and wildflowers along a rocky coastline interrupted by 4 small beaches. The northernmost beach unofficially permits nude recreation. Within the protected area lies the remnants of an unfinished hotel that has since become an al fresco street art gallery adorned with vivid murals like the one pictured.
The Best Place to Stay in Alyko
Staying at Pyrgaki Beach
One of the less crowded beaches on Greece`s west coast, Pyrgaki Beach is situated in a natural inlet facing southwards. It has soft, powdery sand and gentle shallow waters extending far out to sea, making it ideal for families with young children and novice swimmers. A few cedar trees provide some shade along the shore, though beachgoers should consider bringing an umbrella to spend the entire day here comfortably. Several seaside tavernas nearby serve fresh local seafood caught from the surrounding waters.
The Best Hotel at Pyrgaki Beach
Staying in Moni
This small village located on the island of Naxos is home to Panagia Drosiani, a religious complex dating back to the 6th century belonging to the Byzantine era – making it the oldest place of worship on the island as well as one of the most significant architecturally in all of Greece. Its inner decorations contain sketches that are not only among the earliest examples in the country but also within the surrounding Balkan region. The community itself is perched alongside a winding road lined with olive and citrus trees amidst the mountains, overlooking some of the richest farmland on the island stretching out below. The central square showcases two structures used for pressing olives, an antique well, and a petite chapel dedicated to Saint Photini. Moni is renowned for safeguarding weaving traditions passed down through generations, still kept alive even by the youngest females in the village. There exists a solitary hotel within Moni (though reports indicate it as the premier lodging choice on the entire island).
The Best Hotel in Moni
Staying in Chalki
The village of Chalki on Naxos was once the capital of the island, and its Venetian tower and neoclassical mansions reflect its historic importance. In its busy center, visitors will find local product shops, galleries, workshops for handwoven textiles, and a distillery of kitron, a liquor made from a local citrus variety (nearby bars make unique cocktails highlighting the island`s signature drink). Several restaurants and cafes are here with menus emphasizing locally grown produce, cheeses, and meats in traditional styles. Surprisingly, there are no hotels in Chalki, just a few temporary residences for rent. The best nearby hotel is ELaiolithos in Moni, a five-minute drive or scenic one-hour hike away.
Staying in Filoti
Situated at the base of Mount Zas, the tallest peak in the Cyclades island chain, the village of Filoti is the largest settlement in the region. Despite its size, the population of herders and their livestock still exceeds that of people, as the bells of grazing flocks can frequently be heard throughout the surrounding hillsides and valleys. Places of interest in Filoti incorporate the Venetian-era Barozzi Tower, the Church of Panagia Filotitissa and its intricately carved marble bell tower, as well as a Numismatic Museum containing all currency forms utilized in Greece over the past two centuries by both native and foreign populations. Just outside the village lies the fourth century BC Chimaros Tower, the cool, refreshing Aria Spring, and partway up Mount Zas, the Cave of Zeus where legend tells of the chief deity taking refuge during childhood. An abundance of excellent restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops populate the interweaving streets and lanes at the village center.
The Best Hotel in Filoti
- Anatoli Hotel (Fira): Situated in previous winery and distillery.
Staying in Apeiranthos
Nicknamed the marble village, Apeiranthos presents itself as an architectural gem nestled along the slopes of Mount Fanari, unveiling picturesque vistas around each twisting lane. Renowned for its marble-paved walkways, historic stone and marble residences, arched porticos, tunnels, and the imposing Zevgolis Tower constructed by the Venetians in the 17th century. Travelers discover five museums showcasing archaeological, geological, natural historical, visual artistic, and folkloric collections. Artisan workshops and galleries overflow with pottery, hand-woven textiles, embroidery, paintings, and photography storefronts. The tree-shaded main avenue provides an inviting space for coffee or cuisine at the many tavernas and cafés with outdoor seating. Like most Naxian villages, vehicles are mostly prohibited while a parking area and bus stop can be found on the eastern outskirts. Lodging comprises a blend of holiday homes and guest houses.
The Best Places to Stay in Apeiranthos
Staying in Sangri
Sangri is notably home to the 6th century BC Demeter Temple, considered a prototype for the Parthenon. The settlement comprises two villages, Ano Sangri above and Kato Sangri below, separated by a few kilometers. Both villages feature Byzantine chapels and 17th-century Venetian fortified towers originally constructed to defend against pirate attacks. Residents predominantly work as farmers and cattle herders. A smattering of taverns and shops sell local products such as beef, milk, and cheeses produced in the area.
The Best Hotels in Sangri
- Wyndham Costa del Sol in Cusco (Cusco)
Staying in Melanes
Named for its dark soil, Melanes is a village surrounded by rich farmland. Its residents are mainly farmers, ranchers, and stone masons. The village is one of the oldest in Naxos, so ancient that its history is mixed into mythology. It is the supposed site where Zeus smited two giant demigods, both sons of Apollo, for their arrogance. It’s main attractions today are the two kouroi, unfinished statues of young men dating to the 6th century BC, left in place where they fell and were damaged before completion. Just south of the village is Kalamitsia Monastery, and 17th century Catholic construction so lavish in its day that the locals derisively named it the Jesuit Palace. The monastery is now in ruins, untouched and unrestored, so explore at your own risk. A market, two cafes, and two tavernas serve the villagers and visitors. There are no hotels in Melanes, only a few rooms to let. Nearby villages offer a wider range of accommodations.
The Best Hotel in Melanes
- Halcyon Villas – in Galanado
Staying in Koronos
Stunning yet rarely visited, Koronos is one of Naxos’ oldest towns. Its whitewashed houses adorned with colorful doors and trim appear stacked one on top of the other as they cascade down the opposing mountain slopes facing each other. Vineyards spread over the side of one half of the town, and a maze of cobblestone staircases (so numerous) lead through its seven neighborhoods to the squares, churches, a folklore museum, and olive press. Visitors will find a few casual yet high-quality tavernas, kafenia (traditional cafés), and a pastry shop. The entire locality is pedestrian-only; parking areas are on the main roads outside of town. There are no real hotels here, but a handful of holiday homes can be rented.
The Best Place to Stay in Koronos
Staying in Vivlos
The three ancient wind turbines are among the most recognizable landmarks of Vivlos, also known as Tripodes, a village renowned for potato plantations and cattle breeding for meat and dairy products. Around 40 tiny churches are scattered within and surrounding the village, including Panagia Tripodiotissa, the largest monastery of its era (16th century) with notable religious icons. The village has several excellent taverns, “kafenia” social gathering places, and the popular Artos Lagogianni bakery, beloved for their savory pies and breads. The ruins of Plaka Tower (now just a partial stone wall) and the temple beneath Agios Matthios chapel provide compelling evidence that the village originated near Plaka Beach (about 4 km west) but moved inland during the medieval period to avoid the frequent pirate raids common at that time.
The Best Hotel in Vivlos
Staying in Apollonas
This remote coastal village is mostly visited by day trippers, who come to see the Colossus of Dionysus, a enormous kouros located in the ancient marble quarry on the hill behind. A fishing village today, in antiquity Apollonas was the main harbor utilized in the export of Naxos’ marble. The peaceful seaside town sits on a small, crescent-shaped bay. A sandy beach backed by a string of restaurants sits at the north end near the pier and blue-domed Agios Ioannis church. Farther south, the sand gives way to pebbles, and eateries, lodging, and services thin out, making this end of the beach more serene. Its north-facing location means that Apollonas’ beaches tend to be breezy.
The Best Hotel in Apollonas
Staying at Moutsouna & Eastern Beaches
The sparsely populated eastern coastline of Naxos Island offers an ideal setting for intimate vacations with few distractions from its beaches and surrounding sea. Travelers discover extensive, unspoiled beaches and sheltered coves interspersed with sleepy fishing hamlets. Moutsouna, the largest settlement, was once a prominent harbor used to export emery stone and still retains some industrial remnants and dock infrastructure alongside a statue memorializing the region`s mining heritage. Mornings and afternoons find a sprinkling of tourists on the shoreline and waterside eateries, while evenings provide calm solitude with minimal light pollution, allowing visitors to witness moonrises and engage in rewarding stargazing over the Aegean waters.
The Best Hotel in Moutsouna
