Where to stay in Naxos?

Chora: stay in the town of Naxos

Chora (the town of Naxos) is a port town on the west coast. It's the island's largest town, and whether you're here to stay or not, a visit to Chora is a must for any stay on Naxos.

It's a pleasant place to stroll along its waterfront, lined with bars, restaurants and small boutiques. You'll discover a calm atmosphere in the cobbled streets of Kastro, the old town. It's here that you'll come across the picturesque white and blue houses typical of the Cyclades. In the narrow streets of the Old Market, you can see Venetian mansions and the remains of the castle above the old town. In short, it's a pleasant place to stay for those who like to stay in a typical neighborhood.

The main attraction in Chora is the temple of Apollo: the Portara. This 6th-century marble edifice was never completed. Today, however, it is the symbol of Naxos. People come here to admire the sunsets and also for its breathtaking view over Chora and the surrounding area. A must-see!

If you want to relax on the beach,Agios Georgios is just 2 km away. It's a very popular spot, with bars and cafés providing sunbeds and umbrellas. It's perfect for families and water sports enthusiasts, thanks to its waves and strong winds.

Boat excursions are also available from the port. You can enjoy a variety of outings, from a visit to the nearby Cyclades to a day's catamaran rental. A chance to swim in secluded coves and have lunch on board.

Thanks to its location, staying in Chora means you can reach a number of points of interest in just a twenty-minute drive:

• Vivlos, a traditional village famous for its 3 windmills
• the beaches of Stelida, Agia Anna and Prokopios
• the archaeological site of Flerio, in Melanes, and its two Kouros, unfinished statues dating from the 7th and 6th centuries B.C

Accommodation in Chora is numerous and varied. There are hotels where to stay to suit all budgets.

Accommodation on the beaches southwest of Chora

The coastline to the southwest of Naxos is picturesque, family-friendly and lively all day long. The sand is fine and the waters crystal-clear.

It's a pleasant place to stay. There are lively, well-equipped seaside resorts such as Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and the more secluded and quiet Stelida.

Agios Prokopios is the perfect place to enjoy the sea. Visitors can relax on the sand and enjoy water sports such as snorkeling in shallow waters. The resort also boasts a number of local restaurants.

Agia Anna is a charming and lively little fishing port. It offers small, attractive and lively coves. It's one of the most popular sandbanks on Naxos. It's a pleasant place to stay and enjoy its seductive atmosphere.

Stelida is at the end of the hilly peninsula to the southwest of Naxos. Quieter than the previous two, here you can enjoy the view of the sea, its pebbles and sand. Nearby, Laguna Beach is a popular spot for windsurfers.

As well as being popular seaside resorts, they benefit from a central location on the island. All points of interest are less than 30 minutes away, including Chora, the picturesque village of Vivlos, Plaka beach, famous for its water sports, and Melanes and its 2 statues (kouros).

In short, staying in this area offers quick and easy access to these Naxos tourist attractions, while still being located by the sea. These assets make it a convenient place to stay.

The accommodation on offer is extensive and varied. It meets the expectations of those wishing to stay close to Naxos town and its liveliest beaches.

Western resorts: staying in and around Plaka

Around ten kilometers south of Chora, at the western end of the island, you'll find seaside resorts where families and sports enthusiasts alike enjoy staying. Exposed to strong winds, they are renowned for water sports enthusiasts who enjoy activities such as kite surfing and windsurfing. You can also stroll along their small hiking trails, and even take them on horseback.

A maximum of twenty minutes is all it takes to reach places of interest such as Vivlos and Chora. But also the beaches further north, such as Agia Anna and Agios Prokopios. The center of Naxos, including Apeiranthos and Mount Zeus, can be reached in around 45 minutes.

Accommodation in the area is varied. From hotels to rental apartments, there's something to suit every budget.

This is where you'll find the pretty bay of Plaka. This popular 4 km-long seaside resort is popular with families and those looking to relax in general. There are bars and restaurants. Its azure waters are considered the most beautiful beach on Naxos, and one of the most beautiful in Greece. You can enjoy the shallow waters close to the shore, and water sports further out. The southern part of the island is also considered naturist, making it ideal for nudists.

Mikri Vigla is an ideal village for those wishing to stay close to unspoilt nature. Approximately 1 km long, this stretch of fine sand is surrounded by rocks covered by an ancient cedar forest. It has remained authentic and meets the expectations of kite surfers and windsurfers. To the south, sheltered from the wind, is a more developed area with tavernas serving local dishes.

Between these two, Orkos is quieter. Accessible on foot via Plaka or Mikri Vigla, the water here is incredibly clear. It's no exception to the rule: water sports are practiced here. The density is a little lower, making this spot a more pleasant and picturesque setting than the previous two.

The last, Kastraki, is undeveloped. There are no deckchairs or umbrellas here, but you can still gather in a few tavernas. It's a little further from the hotels, and therefore quieter than the previous three.

Staying inland: Filoti and the Tragéa area

Inland, in the center of the island, we reach a small mountainous region. Tragéa. Around 20 minutes from Chora, accommodation here means staying in the heart of a quiet mountain village atmosphere. Highlights include Filoti, Chalkio and Apeiranthos.

Filoti is the largest village in the region. Many bars and restaurants offer local cuisine. There's a beautiful church built entirely of white marble, and two historic Venetian towers.

Chalkio, high above the sea, was once the capital of Naxos. Its characteristic Venetian lanes are cobbled. Take a seat in the small, charming central square and dine in one of the many typical restaurants. You can also taste Kitron, as common as raki, a distinctive Naxos liqueur. You can also go off the beaten track to reach the small 11th-century Byzantine church of Agios Giorgios Diasorites.

Apeiranthos is also known as the "marble village". People come here for its architecture. Marble decorates most of its narrow streets, squares, buildings and winding tunnels. Most of the village is only accessible on foot (you need to park on the main road). It's easy to get lost in this maze. Restaurants offer local cuisine, including "portokalopita" orange pie. Apeiranthos also boasts 5 museums.

The area is not very large and everything can be reached in about a quarter of an hour by car. Staying here also means quick access to Filoti, as well as to the starting point for the hike up Mount Zas, where Zeus is said to have been born. Its summit rises to an altitude of 1,000 metres, offering panoramic views over the whole island. Along the way, you'll discover the Aria fountain and Zeus's cave, where he is said to have spent his adolescence.

Accommodation in the region is mainly in aparthotels and bed & breakfasts. Theoffer is limited, but prices are gentler than on the coast.

The east coast of Naxos: a peaceful place to stay

Moutsouna is a fishing village that can only be reached by crossing the village of Apeiranthos. The road linking these two hamlets is filled with magnificent views. Arriving at its port, you'll discover seaside bars and restaurants serving grilled fish. A small beach is just around the corner, with fine sand and shallow water. If you come here to stay, you'll find yourself in a very quiet spot, far from the crowds.

The area around Moustsouna is the most beautiful part of the coast. It also offers access to a number of picturesque beaches, often far from the tourist hustle and bustle:

• Paralia Azala, to the north, is less than 2km away. This wild, pebble-covered beach has shallow waters.
• Ligaridia beach, a tiny, truly wild cove, less than 3 km to the south
• Psili Ammos, a pretty stretch of white sand shaded by cedars, about ten minutes away
• Panormos, the last but certainly the most beautiful on the southern route. It can be reached in around 30 minutes

For hiking enthusiasts, don't forget to climb Mount Zas. The starting point is around 30 minutes away.

Accommodation in the area is very limited. People come here to stay in the more remote and wild parts of Naxos, so the supply is small. If you plan to stay here for part of your holiday, book early.

Northern Naxos: Apollonas

Situated in the north of the island, around 40km from Naxos, this fishing village can be reached. Although set back a little, it is sufficiently developed to welcome visitors, mainly in summer. A few bars and restaurants make the area around Apollonas a pleasant one.

The blue-and-white church of Agios Ioannis Prodromou, surrounded by all the village's tavernas, is just around the corner. But the main reason for coming here is to visit the marble quarry, where you may come across a large Kouros, the largest statue on Naxos.

You can live here at your own pace, but you can also feel isolated, which isn't necessarily what you're looking for when you come to the Cyclades. What's more, its beach is not one of the most beautiful on Naxos, even if it is pleasant.

In short, if you choose to stay in this region, you'll have to accept that you're a little out of touch with the rest of the island. The town of Naxos, Apeiranthos, Moutsouna and the eastern beaches can all be reached by car in around an hour. Where to stay is ideal for travellers looking for a quiet, peaceful village. If you're taking a road trip to Naxos, you'll want to spend one or two nights here, no more.