Hotels in Naxos: which area to stay in
Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades. The area you choose decides whether you need a car and what your holiday will be like.
- Chora, the port town, is easiest without a car: it has the ferries, buses and restaurants.
- Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna suit families and budgets, with good beaches and buses to Chora.
- In the mountain villages, Apiranthos and Filoti, you need a car.
Without a car, for three or four nights, stay in Chora or Agios Georgios. Families who want a beach should pick Agios Prokopios or Agia Anna. For quiet, choose Plaka.
Naxos hotels: which area?
Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades, with long beaches on the west coast and mountain villages in the middle. Most hotels are in Chora, the port town, and along the beaches south of it. Decide on an area before you start searching on Booking. (Dave's Travel Pages)
Where to stay in Naxos
| Area | Best for | Hotels named in the source |
|---|---|---|
| Chora (Naxos Town) | no car, first visits, short stays | Hotel Grotta, Emery Hotel |
| Agios Georgios | an organised beach within walking distance of Chora | Hotel Naxos Beach, Hotel Astir Naxos |
| Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna | families, budgets, beaches and laid-back nightlife | Aggelos Studios, 18 Grapes, Naxos Island |
| Plaka | a quiet, relaxed beach | none named |
| Apiranthos | an authentic village, with a car | none named |
| Filoti | a mountain village with more facilities, with a car | none named |
Source: Dave's Travel Pages. According to the source, 18 Grapes and Naxos Island in Agios Prokopios are 5-star hotels. This list comes from that guide and is not our recommendation. Check prices and availability on the booking site.
Chora: without a car
Chora has the ferry port, the Venetian Castle area and some of the island's best tavernas. Buses leave from here for the whole island. The Portara, the famous temple gateway, is close by. It suits a stay of two or three nights.
Agios Georgios: a beach in town
An organised beach with umbrellas, sunbeds and water sports, within walking distance of Chora. It combines town convenience with a beach.
Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna: for families
This area works well for families and budgets. It has mini-markets, restaurants, beach bars, car hire agencies and a campsite. In season, buses run frequently to Chora. For a family holiday on the neighbouring island, see Paros with kids.
Plaka: quiet
Plaka is a couple of kilometres past Agios Prokopios. It has fewer tavernas and beach bars, and evenings are quieter. In summer, buses often terminate here, so check the timetable.
The mountain villages: Apiranthos and Filoti
The mountain villages give you an authentic experience. Filoti is the island's second-largest town and has the widest choice of places to stay and tavernas among the mountain villages. Beaches are at least half an hour's drive away, so you'll need a car. Car hire in Naxos.
Before you book
- Ferries: ferry from Athens to Naxos.
- Kosher food and Shabbat: Shabbat and kosher food in Naxos.
- Still choosing an island? Naxos or Paros · Naxos destination page.
- A trip to the small islands: Koufonisia.
FAQ
Where is the best place to stay in Naxos without a car? Chora or Agios Georgios. Buses to the beaches and villages leave from here.
Which area of Naxos suits families? Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna. They have good beaches, mini-markets, restaurants and buses to Chora.
Are there 5-star hotels in Naxos? Yes. According to Dave's Travel Pages, 18 Grapes and Naxos Island in Agios Prokopios are 5-star.
Do I need a car in Naxos? Not in Chora and the nearby beaches. For the mountain villages and the more distant beaches, yes.
