Where to Stay in Naxos for Every Budget and Vibe

June 4, 2025 by Akylina Printziou

Photo by Stefanos, our Co-founder

Naxos, the largest of the Cycladic islands, offers an enchanting blend of golden beaches, fertile valleys, and rugged mountains. Unlike its more crowded neighbours Santorini and Mykonos, Naxos retains a laid-back charm and authentic Greek island life. You’ll find bustling harbourside towns and quiet whitewashed villages, ancient temple ruins and medieval castles, all amid a landscape that produces some of the Cyclades’ best local food (from creamy cheeses to the famed kitron liqueur). In Greek mythology, this is the island where Theseus abandoned Ariadne after slaying the Minotaur, only for the god Dionysus to discover and marry her, a legendary backdrop that adds to Naxos’ mystique.

Choosing where to stay in Naxos comes down to what kind of experience you’re after. Beach lovers can base themselves along the west coast’s string of beautiful beaches, all within easy reach of Chora (Naxos Town). If you prefer history, dining, and nightlife at your doorstep, Naxos Town is ideal with its lively waterfront and Old Town sights. For a slower pace, the island’s mountain villages offer a glimpse of traditional life, scenic hikes, and cooler evenings. Here’s an overview of Naxos’ best areas to stay, from the vibrant main town to serene beach resorts and timeless villages, and what makes each one special.

Naxos Town (Chora)


Photo by John, our Co-founder

Teetering above a crescent harbour, Naxos Town (Chora) is a glorious tangle of Cycladic white and Venetian stone: cafés and craft shops line the waterfront, while a maze of vaulted alleyways spirals uphill to the 13-century Kastro, once a Latin fortress and still crowned with noble mansions and tiny chapels.

You arrive to the sight of the Portara, a six-metre-high marble doorway stranded on a causeway just offshore; at dusk it frames one of Greece’s most photographed sunsets. By day, ferries, fishing caiques and catamarans bustle in and out; by night, tavern lights shimmer on the water and music drifts up through the lanes.

Chora is at once cosmopolitan and deeply local (the island’s year-round population shops, studies and socialises here) so you’ll find real life alongside boutiques, bakeries and bars.

Who it’s best for: Travellers visiting Naxos for the first time, history buffs, and anyone who loves to be in the centre of the action. Chora is perfect if you want a convenient base without a car, as you’ll have restaurants, shops, nightlife, and cultural sites all within walking distance. It also suits those looking for a bit of everything: beach time by day (at adjacent Agios Georgios Beach) and buzzing tavernas and bars by night.

Don’t Miss:


Photo by Stefanos, our Co-founder

Did You Know? According to mythology, Theseus abandoned the Cretan princess Ariadne on Naxos’s shores after they fled the Labyrinth. Naxos then became the setting for a happier ending: the god Dionysus, patron of wine and ecstasy, found Ariadne here and made her his wife. The Portara is thought to have been part of a 6th-century BC Temple of Apollo, but legend links it to this myth, as Apollo was Dionysus’ cousin in lore.

Where to Stay: Naxos Chora has a mix of budget-friendly pensions and stylish hotels, many family-run with warm hospitality. A few top picks across different budgets include:


 Nissaki Beach Hotel – An upscale hotel on Agios Georgios Beach (at the edge of town) featuring chic Cycladic decor, a beachfront pool, and fine dining. It offers a luxury stay steps from both the sand and Old Town’s attractions.

 Hotel Grotta – A beloved, family-run hotel perched just north of the Old Town, known for its panoramic sea views towards the Portara and a legendary homemade breakfast featuring local products. Rooms are modern and great value, and the owners’ hospitality is often a highlight.

 Anatoli Hotel – Set slightly uphill from the centre of Chora, Anatoli Hotel provides a quiet retreat with a garden, swimming pool, and traditional Cycladic architecture. Rooms are basic but spotless, and the hosts go out of their way to make guests feel at home.

View all hotels in Naxos Chora

Agios Prokopios


Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Five kilometres south-west of Chora, Agios Prokopios unfurls a golden two-kilometre arc of fine sand and limpid turquoise water frequently ranked among the best beaches in Greece. A low dune backs the bay, sheltering a string of laid-back beach bars, sun-lounger zones and a family-run watersports shack. Behind it, one main street bustles with tavernas, mini-markets and gelaterias. Just inland lie three small salt lakes (pinkish in late summer) that host herons and, on rare occasions, flamingos. With buses to Chora every 30 minutes in season and a pedestrian promenade perfect for prams, the resort blends easygoing seaside fun with effortless access to town.

Who it’s best for: Families with kids, beach enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a classic Greek beach holiday vibe with plenty of tavernas and amenities. Agios Prokopios is one of Naxos’s most popular beach resorts, loved for its long stretch of powdery golden sand and clear, shallow waters ideal for swimming. It’s lively yet still more low-key than Naxos Town, making it great for those who want a fun beach scene by day and relaxed evenings by the sea. (It’s very family-friendly – expect to see sandcastle-building by day and cosy dinners by night.)

Don’t Miss:


Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Did You Know? Agios Prokopios is bordered by three small salt lakes (once used for salt harvesting) that can appear pink under the right conditions! The pink hue comes from salt-loving micro-organisms and algae, a mini version of the pink salt lagoons found in other parts of the world. This unique backdrop, combined with the area’s natural dune landscape, gives Agios Prokopios an exotic touch beyond the usual beach scenery.

Where to Stay: This area has many hotels and apartments, ranging from simple studios to upscale boutique resorts. A few recommendations:


 18 Grapes Hotel – A stylish luxury hotel named for the island’s wine tradition. It offers contemporary rooms and suites (some with private pools), a sleek pool bar, and chic design throughout. It’s a short walk from the beach, perfect for couples seeking a high-end retreat.

 Melidron Hotel & Suites – A highly rated mid-range option only a five-minute walk from the sand. It’s great for families, with spacious rooms and suites (including two-bedroom family suites that sleep up to 5). Guests will love its friendly atmosphere, pool with sea views, and the convenience of being close to both beach and bus stop.

 álas cycladic suites – A stylish, modern stay just a short walk from the beach and Naxos Town. This property offers spacious suites with Cycladic design elements, private terraces, and some with outdoor jacuzzis. Interiors are minimalist yet inviting, with natural materials and thoughtful touches. It’s a quiet, upscale option for travellers who want comfort and convenience without the crowds.

View all hotels in Agios Prokopios

Agia Anna


Photo: Tilemahos Efthimiadis via flickr

A ten-minute stroll south deposits you in Agia Anna, a former fishing hamlet that still centres on a tiny boat jetty and the snow-white chapel of its namesake saint perched at the pier’s edge. Its compact beach mixes honey sand with a few sculpted rocks and cedar trees. Cafés set tables right on the shoreline, so you can linger over lunch with toes in the sand while watching caiques unload the evening’s catch. Even in August, Agia Anna feels smaller, slower and more intimate than its busier neighbour, yet you’re never more than a short walk or bus hop from wider stretches of coast.

Who it’s best for: Couples and families who want a smaller village feel with easy beach access. Agia Anna is essentially the next beach south of Agios Prokopios and has a more intimate vibe, with a small fishing harbour, a short stretch of golden sand, and a handful of beach bars and tavernas. It’s best for those looking for a quiet, mellow beach base that still offers enough restaurants and shops. Families appreciate the shallow, calm water here, while couples enjoy the romantic setting and beautiful sunsets. Agia Anna is also a good choice if you plan to split time between beach lounging and exploring inland villages, since it’s not far from the island’s interior road routes.

Don’t Miss:


Photo: Tilemahos Efthimiadis via flickr

Where to Stay: While smaller than Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna offers several excellent accommodations, with many just steps from the sand. Here are a few:


 Iria Beach Art Hotel – A stylish hotel right on the beach, featuring elegant rooms and suites with artistic touches. There’s a small spa and an on-site restaurant, and the overall feel is intimate and relaxing. It’s no surprise this hotel is often listed among Naxos’s best.

 Avgoustos Suites Naxos – A luxury adults-only retreat offering just a handful of upscale suites above Agia Anna’s beachfront. Each suite has its own private jacuzzi plunge pool and stylish minimalist design. With personalised service and unobstructed sea views, this is an indulgent choice perfect for honeymooners or those seeking privacy.

 Annita's Village Hotel – A charming, affordable hotel situated a few hundred metres from Agia Anna Beach in a quiet spot. It features traditional Cycladic-style rooms and a swimming pool for when you want a break from the saltwater. Family-run and friendly, it offers great value with the convenience of the beach and tavernas just a short walk away.

View all hotels in Agia Anna

Plaka


Photo: mistyanddavid via flickr

Stretching four sweeping kilometres, Plaka is Naxos’s longest and arguably most dramatic strand: an ever-changing ribbon of white sand, rippling dunes and occasional cedar clumps that grade from organised loungers in the north to wild, almost deserted coves in the south. Back in the 1960s this was a free-camping, clothing-optional hide-out, but today it welcomes everyone, though naturists still gravitate to the dune-backed southern tip. Sunsets blaze over the open Aegean, horses plod the tideline at golden hour, and steady Meltemi breezes lure kite- and wind-surfers. A single coast road, partly unpaved, threads discreet low-rise studios and two classy boutique-style hotels into the landscape, otherwise Plaka’s soundtrack remains waves, wind and cicadas.

Who it’s best for: Beach lovers in search of tranquillity and space. Plaka is ideal for those who want a laid-back, nature-oriented stay, couples who enjoy long beach walks, solo travellers or friends seeking a chill atmosphere, and even naturists (the remote southern stretches have traditionally been clothing-optional). If you prefer a beach base that’s more spread out and peaceful rather than a dense resort town, Plaka is for you. It’s also a romantic spot for sunsets, as the sun sinks directly over the Aegean here. Keep in mind you’ll likely want a rental car or ATV if staying far down Plaka, since buses turn around near the north end. That said, the serenity is the reward.

Don’t Miss:

Did You Know? In the 1960s and ’70s, Plaka Beach was a famous hippie haven on Naxos. Back then it was known for free camping and nude sunbathing under the cedar trees. While it’s more developed now, Plaka still retains a free-spirited vibe, and you might notice that the far southern end remains a de facto naturist beach, harking back to those hippie days.

Where to Stay: Accommodations in Plaka range from luxury suites to simple studios, often scattered just behind the dunes. Some great choices are:


 Ammothines Cycladic Suites – A luxury hotel at the north end of Plaka. It offers stylish, minimalist suites that blend modern comfort with Cycladic design. Some suites have private plunge pools, and there’s a gorgeous central pool and restaurant. It’s perfect for a romantic getaway, being steps from the beach yet feeling exclusive and tranquil.

 Medusa Beach Resort & Suites – A relaxed mid-range resort set in lush gardens right on the beachfront. Medusa has a bohemian touch, with wicker loungers, a beachfront bar-restaurant, and swaying trees in the sea breeze. Guests enjoy the pool and the quiet location (it’s a bit south of the main hub, offering a retreat-like feel). Great for families and couples who want a beach vacation with resort conveniences.

 Blue Harmony Apartments – A family-run budget option about 120m from the beach. Blue Harmony offers clean, air-conditioned studios with kitchenettes, ideal for families or anyone on a budget who wants to self-cater. The hospitality is warm and the bus stop is nearby, making it easy to get into town. Its location toward the quieter end of Plaka means peaceful nights listening to the distant surf.

View all hotels in Plaka

Mikri Vigla


Photo: Wikimedia Commons

On a rocky cape midway down Naxos’s west coast, Mikri Vigla unfurls two very different beaches divided by a granite headland: breezy Parthena to the north, beloved by kite- and wind-surfers, and placid Limanaki (often nicknamed “Sahara”) to the south, a 3-km ribbon of talcum-soft sand that melts into dunes and cedars. The Meltemi funnels through the strait between Naxos and Paros, delivering steady force-4-5 winds that make Parthena one of Greece’s top boardsport spots, home to long-running IKO centre Thalasea Sports. Its name means “little lookout”, a nod to the cape’s vantage point where locals once scanned for pirate sails. Away from the surf zone, evenings settle into pink-and-amber sunsets over the Aegean, with taverna lights glinting off the sand.

Who it’s best for: Watersports addicts, active families, and anyone craving a quieter beach base than Agios Prokopios or Plaka yet still well connected by bus (Line #1 runs every 30 minutes in high season, 07:30–02:00). Couples appreciate the space and dune-backed privacy of the south cove, while beginners can book kite or wingfoil lessons right on the beach.

Don’t Miss:


Photo: Kostas Limitsios via flickr

Did You Know? A low stone tower once stood on the cape. Watchmen used smoke by day and fire by night to warn Chora of corsair ships, hence “little lookout”. Today, the same headland blocks swell for Sahara beach, keeping its waters mirror-calm even when kites are flying next door.

Where to Stay: Steps from the sand you can find everything from luxe suites to surf-camp studios.


Photo: The Key

 The Key – A modern hotel just 500 metres from Mikri Vigla Beach, offering Cycladic-style rooms with sea views, some featuring private or shared pools. Guests can enjoy a seasonal outdoor pool, a restaurant serving Greek fusion cuisine, and a pool bar with signature cocktails. The hotel also provides a fitness centre and complimentary sunbeds at the nearby beach.

 Mikri Vigla Hotel Beach Resort – Situated directly on Mikri Vigla Beach, this resort offers air-conditioned rooms with balconies, an outdoor pool, and a children's pool. A buffet restaurant, a poolside bar, and various activities including beach volleyball and windsurfing are available. The resort is ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts.

View all hotels in Mikri Vigla

Stelida


Photo: Wikimedia Commons

A rocky promontory about 3 km southwest of Naxos Town, Stelida peers across the shallow lagoon toward the Portara while the airport hums invisibly behind low dunes. Tucked between lively Chora and the busy sands of Agios Prokopios yet lacking a through-road, the headland stays hushed. Just a handful of low-rise villas and boutique-style hotels nestle among olives and figs.

Archaeologists recently proved the hill itself was a chert quarry worked by Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens 100,000+ years ago, making it the oldest human activity ever recorded in the Cyclades. Down at sea level the glass-flat lagoon shelters flamingos in winter and doubles as a forgiving playground for beginner kite- and wind-surfers whenever the Meltemi picks up.

Who it’s best for: Couples and families who want five-star peace just minutes from town, sunset-lovers, and archaeology buffs keen to stand where Neanderthals once knapped tools.

Don’t Miss:

Where to Stay: Stelida offers a quieter, more secluded atmosphere just a short drive from Naxos Town and Agios Prokopios. Accommodations here tend to be stylish and low-key, with panoramic views and easy beach access. Some great options include:


 Naxos Cave Suites – A tranquil, family-run retreat just 80 metres from the beach, offering spacious, Cycladic-style suites with private patios and sea views. Guests can enjoy the serene pool area, homemade breakfasts, and warm hospitality, making it an ideal escape in Stelida.

 Laguna Coast Resort, Small Luxury Hotels of the World – Set within 480 acres of wetlands and lagoon, this eco-luxury resort blends sustainability with comfort. Stylish suites feature private pools or jacuzzis, while guests can indulge in organic dining, explore nature trails, or relax by the central lake. A serene haven just 1.5 km from Chora.

View all hotels in Stelida

Kastraki / Aliko Beach


Photo: Kastraki Beach via Wikimedia Commons

Ten kilometres south of Mikri Vigla, the coast unfurls into Kastraki’s quiet three-kilometre crescent before dissolving into Aliko Beach’s cedar-dune peninsula, where turquoise coves like Hawaii and Kedros hide among juniper thickets and chalk-white sand.There are no large resorts, just two lanes of rooms-to-let, a kite-surf shack and the odd taverna, so even in August you can still hear cicadas over people.

At Alyko’s centre loom the graffiti-splashed shells of a never-finished 1970s hotel, now an open-air street-art gallery that feels part Mad Max, part Tate Modern. The surrounding cedar forest (actually Juniperus macrocarpa) is a protected Natura 2000 habitat, one of Greece’s last intact dune-juniper ecosystems.

Who it’s best for: Nature purists, kitesurfers needing uncrowded launch space, photographers chasing surreal dunes and murals, families happy to self-cater in spacious villas.

Don’t Miss:


Photo: Aliko Beach via Wikimedia Commons

Did You Know? Some of Alyko’s twisted junipers are estimated to be over 300 years old, yet they grow barely 10 cm a decade because the dunes shift and bury their trunks.

Where to Stay: This southern stretch is ideal for those seeking tranquillity and unspoiled nature. You'll find a scattering of family-run guesthouses, eco-friendly retreats, and beachside studios nestled among dunes and cedar trees. A few standout stays:


 Dolphin Kastraki Studios – A laid-back complex near Glyfada Beach, offering spacious studios with balconies and Cycladic charm. There’s a large pool, garden setting, and breakfast available. Rooms are simple but well-equipped, ideal for a peaceful beach escape.

 Villa Alyko – A stylish private villa near Alyko’s cedar forest, featuring sea views, a pool, and modern interiors. Perfect for families or groups seeking seclusion, it’s steps from unspoiled beaches and surrounded by nature.

View all hotels in Kastraki
View all hotels in Aliko Beach

Apollonas (Apollon)


Photo: Wikimedia Commons

At Naxos’s remote northern tip, Apollon clings to a horseshoe cove framed by rugged bluffs and marble quarries. A narrow seafront lane fronts half-a-dozen tavernas where octopus dries on lines, while behind the village a 10.7-metre kouros (an unfinished Archaic statue abandoned in situ some 2,500 years ago) lies half-carved in the marble face of the ancient quarry. Once the export port for Naxian marble, Apollonas now dozes through tranquil days of pebble-beach swims and star-studded nights. The twisting coastal drive here is one of the island’s most spectacular.

Who it’s best for: Explorers and serenity-seekers looking to get off the beaten path. As a small fishing village on Naxos’s remote northern coast, it's perfect for travellers who want peace, authenticity, and a touch of adventure. It’s best for those with a car or scooter who wish to stay a night or two far from the busy west coast. Think of it as ideal for history enthusiasts (due to the famous ancient statue here), hikers, and anyone who doesn’t mind winding drives rewarded by quiet beaches and star-filled night skies. If you’ve been to Naxos before or are on a multi-week island trip, Apollon offers a completely different, low-key experience of the island.

Don’t Miss:


Photo: Kouros Apollonas via Wikimedia Commons

Did You Know? The Colossus of Dionysus at Apollonas is one of the largest ancient statues in Greece, about 10.7 meters long and weighing roughly 80 tons. It was never erected. Instead, it has lain in situ for over 2,500 years. One theory suggests it was simply too heavy to transport to its intended temple site, so the sculptors left it where it was. Today it’s an open-air museum piece that you can freely visit, giving you a tangible sense of Naxos’s marble-rich history.

Where to Stay: Accommodations in Apollonas are modest and few. This is a place with just a handful of family-run lodgings, which is part of its charm. Two notable ones:


 Adonis Hotel Naxos – A welcoming, family-run guesthouse in the centre of Apollonas village. It’s a short 2-minute walk to the beach and tavernas. Rooms are basic but comfortable, some with garden or sea views. The owner is known for his hospitality (and for growing much of the food served at the hotel’s restaurant). This is a top choice if you want an authentic, homely stay and delicious home-cooked Naxian meals.

 Akti Apollona – A no-frills seafront hotel in the quiet village of Apollonas, offering clean, modest rooms, most with balconies overlooking the Aegean. The setting is peaceful and remote, perfect for those looking to unwind. The hotel has a small taverna serving traditional Greek meals, and the beach is just steps away. It's a simple stay, but the sea views and laid-back vibe make it memorable.

View all hotels in Apollon

Mountain & inland villages

Halki (Chalki or Khalki)


Photo: Jocelyn Erskine-Kellie via flickr

Encircled by olive groves in fertile Tragea Valley, Khalki dazzles visitors with its neoclassical mansions, a reminder that this was once Naxos’s administrative and commercial hub. Tiny lanes hide old merchant houses with wrought-iron balconies, while the sweet citrus aroma of the 1896 Vallindras kitron distillery wafts through the air as copper stills bubble away inside. Artisan workshops sell hand-loomed textiles and contemporary ceramics, and half-a-dozen Byzantine chapels punctuate the surrounding fields, making Halki a favourite lunch-and-wander stop for island explorers.

Where to Stay: Halki is tiny and has very limited accommodation. There are no standard hotels right in the village, mostly a few vacation rentals or guest apartments. Many visitors come on day trips. However, if you’re keen to stay overnight in the area for its charm, consider:


 Chalki Apartments - Naxos – Located in the heart of the traditional village of Halki, these charming apartments blend Cycladic character with modern comforts. Each unit features a kitchenette, tasteful decor, and views of the village or mountains. It's an ideal base for exploring central Naxos, with tavernas, cafes, and hiking trails just steps away.

View all hotels in Khalki

Filoti


Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Amphitheatrically draped across twin hills at 400 m altitude, Filoti is the largest true village in the Cyclades. Whitewashed lanes tumble down to a broad plateia shaded by a centuries-old plane tree and busy with cafés. Above it loom the onion domes of Panagia Filotitissa church and, further on, the crenellated 17th-century Barozzi Tower, vestiges of Venetian rule. Goat bells echo from the slopes of mighty Mount Zas (1,003 m) that rises behind, trailheads to the summit and to myth-laden Zas Cave start at the village edge, making Filoti both a cultural hub and a hikers’ gateway.

Where to Stay: Filoti has a handful of family-run guesthouses and rental homes. Options are limited but welcoming:


 Dreamcatcher of Zeus – A stylish and spacious apartment (2-bedroom) on the edge of Filoti. It’s a modern Cycladic house with a full kitchen, living room, and fantastic mountain views from its terrace. Great for families or groups of friends, as it offers a home-like comfort and even a washing machine. Plus, you’re right at the base of Mt. Zas for those sunrise hikes.

View all hotels in Filoti

Apeiranthos (Aperathos)


Photo: Wikimedia Commons

High on Mt Fanari’s flanks, Apeiranthos (often called Aperathos) gleams: house façades, vaulted passages and even the cobbles are hewn from local marble, earning it the nickname “to marmarino horio”, meaning the marble village. Five mini-museums pack its lanes (archaeology, geology, natural history, fine arts, folklore), and stone towers attest to Venetian and Cretan roots. Cafés spill onto balconies with dizzying valley views, while women at the weaving co-op clatter looms as they have for generations. Pedestrian-only and refreshingly cool in summer, Apeiranthos feels half museum, half living monument to mountain life.

Where to Stay: Apeiranthos has a few lovely guesthouses and rental homes, often restored stone buildings that blend into the village.


 Serenity Village – A set of self-catering apartments on the outskirts of Apeiranthos, about 1.5 km from the centre. These rustic-chic stone apartments provide kitchens, living areas, and balconies overlooking the mountains. It’s perfect if you want a tranquil retreat with the option to cook your own meals. Note you’ll likely need a car to stay here, but parking is available and the setting is incredibly peaceful.

View all hotels in Aperathos

Naxos truly has something for every type of traveller, and each area offers a unique slice of the island’s rich tapestry, from sun-drenched beaches to mountaintop hamlets. Whether you choose to wake up steps from the Aegean Sea or amid olive groves on a hillside, you’ll be treated to warm Greek hospitality and the slow rhythms of Cycladic life. By understanding what each locale provides, you can craft a Naxos stay that’s perfect for you

To make that search even easier, Travelmyth offers a smart way to discover accommodations tailored to your interests. With 60 categories (from beachfront stays and lodgings with a pool to dog-friendly options and adult-only retreats) you can filter and find exactly where to stay in Naxos, or anywhere else in the world. Start exploring now and book your ideal place to stay with confidence.

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