Where to stay in Naxos: Chora, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and Plaka

Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades and perhaps the most complete: it boasts the longest sandy coastline in the Aegean, a mountain reaching 1,004 metres, mountainous villages with Byzantine churches, and a main town (Chora) with a Venetian castle. The question of where to stay in Naxos largely depends on one dilemma: a lively town or a peaceful sandy beach.

In this guide, we analyse the accommodation areas, actual distances and prices per season, and recommend twelve accommodations that we have thoroughly checked one by one.

Naxos at a glance: what you need to know before booking

Naxos spans 430 square kilometres and has approximately 18,000 inhabitants, figures that make it the largest and most self-sufficient island in the Cyclades. Unlike Mykonos or Santorini, Naxos has agriculture and livestock farming, and therefore its own distinct cuisine: Naxian potatoes with PDO status, graviera cheese, xinomyzithra, arseniko cheese, and citron liqueur.

Chora is the port and administrative centre. Above it rises the 13th-century Venetian Castle, one of the few inhabited medieval settlements in the Cyclades, while at the entrance of the port stands Portara, the marble gate of a 6th-century BC Temple of Apollo and the island's emblematic landmark.

South of Chora, an almost continuous stretch of sandy beaches begins: Agios Georgios within the town, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka, Orkos, Mikri Vigla, Kastraki, and Alyko. Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna are organised and located 4 to 6 km from Chora, while Plaka, 8 km away, offers five kilometres of sand with limited facilities.

The island's interior is worth at least one full day. Halki with its stately homes and citron distillery, Apeiranthos with its marble-paved alleys, Apeiranthos and Filoti at the foothills of Mount Zas, and the Kouros statues in Flerio and Apollonas combine to present a Naxos entirely different from its beaches.

The airport is 3 km from Chora and serves small aircraft from Athens. Ferries from Piraeus take three and a half to five hours, and there are frequent connections with Paros, Mykonos, Ios, and Santorini, making Naxos an ideal base for island hopping.

Which area to stay in

Naxos Chora: for vibrancy, food, and convenience

Chora is the best choice if you are travelling without a car or if you want strolls, restaurants, and shopping. You have the Portara, the Castle, and Agios Georgios beach with its shallow waters right in town. Accommodations cover all categories, and prices are more reasonable than on other Cycladic islands.

Agios Prokopios: the most popular coastal base

Four kilometres from Chora, with golden sand, organised beaches, tavernas, and a regular bus service every twenty minutes. It's a balanced solution for anyone who wants a beach without being isolated, ideal for families and couples.

Agia Anna and Plaka: quiet and family-friendly

Agia Anna is a small fishing harbour with sand and calm waters, while Plaka, below it, stretches for five kilometres with sand dunes and cedar trees. Both primarily offer studios and small hotels. You'll need transport or patience with the buses, especially for an evening out.

Mikri Vigla and Kastraki: wind and water sports

Fifteen to eighteen kilometres south, here the wind blows steadily, and kitesurf and windsurf schools operate. The area is more sparsely populated, with small complexes of rooms and tavernas. A car is essential.

Mountain villages: Halki, Filoti, Apeiranthos

For those who have visited Naxos before or are travelling outside of summer, staying in a traditional guesthouse in Halki or Filoti offers a different experience: cool temperatures, hikes towards Mount Zas, and local cuisine at genuine prices.

12 accommodations in Naxos that we thoroughly vetted

Each link leads to the specific accommodation's page, which we have verified is working correctly. Prices are indicative for a double room during mid-season.

1. Naxian Collection
Luxury villas with private pools in Stelida, offering Aegean views and an excellent breakfast with local products.

• Area: Stelida
• Average cost: 450€ per night

2. Nissaki Beach Hotel
Right on the sand of Agios Georgios, ten minutes' walk from Chora, with a pool and rooms with a view.

• Area: Chora
• Average cost: 220€ per night

3. Hotel Grotta
Family-run hotel with panoramic views of Portara, excellent reviews, and a rich breakfast.

• Area: Chora
• Average cost: 160€ per night

4. The Saint Vlassis
Modern hotel with a pool, a few minutes from Chora centre and Agios Georgios beach.

• Area: Chora
• Average cost: 180€ per night

5. Porto Naxos
Classic hotel with gardens and a pool, located between Chora and Agios Georgios.

• Area: Chora
• Average cost: 150€ per night

6. Argo Boutique Hotel
Quiet boutique accommodation near Agios Georgios, with friendly service and good value for money.

• Area: Chora
• Average cost: 130€ per night

7. Naxos Resort Beach Hotel
Front-line complex on Agios Georgios beach, with a large pool and family rooms.

• Area: Agios Georgios
• Average cost: 170€ per night

8. Kalergis Studios
Studios with kitchenettes in Agios Prokopios, two minutes from the beach, ideal for families.

• Area: Agios Prokopios
• Average cost: 110€ per night

9. Lianos Village
Cycladic complex with a pool between Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna, with very high ratings.

• Area: Agios Prokopios
• Average cost: 190€ per night

10. Alkyoni Beach Hotel
Hotel next to Agia Anna beach, quiet and family-friendly, with a garden and pool.

• Area: Agia Anna
• Average cost: 140€ per night

11. Iria Beach Art Hotel
Small hotel right on Agia Anna beach, with personal service and sunset views.

• Area: Agia Anna
• Average cost: 165€ per night

12. Naxos Affinity Villas
Independent villas with a pool near Plaka, for families and groups seeking independence.

• Area: Plaka
• Average cost: 260€ per night

How to get there and get around

Naxos Airport is 3 km from Chora and accepts small aircraft from Athens, with a forty-five-minute journey. Because seats are limited, flights sell out quickly in summer, and prices rise.

The most common option is the ferry: from Piraeus, high-speed ferries take three and a half to four hours, and conventional ferries five to six hours, while from Rafina the journey is slightly shorter. Naxos is connected daily with Paros in forty minutes, with Mykonos, Ios, Santorini, and with the Small Cyclades.

What to do beyond the beach

Portara on Palatia islet is the first thing you see upon arrival and the best spot for sunset. Within the Venetian Castle, the Catholic cathedral, the Archaeological Museum, and the School of Commerce, where Nikos Kazantzakis studied, are well worth an afternoon with a guide.

Inland, Filoti is the starting point for the ascent to Mount Zas, the highest mountain in the Cyclades at 1,004 metres, with a two-and-a-half-hour route to the summit. Halki boasts stately homes, Byzantine churches, and the historic Vallindras citron distillery, while Apeiranthos is the island's most mountainous and most marble-built village.

The Kouros statues are unique: in Flerio, two archaic statues lie abandoned in the quarry, and in Apollonas, a ten-metre kouros remains unfinished within the rock. For uncrowded beaches, Alyko with its cedar forest and Psili Ammos on the east are the best choices.

When to go and how prices change

Naxos has a season from May to October, peaking in August. June and September are the ideal months: warm sea, spacious beaches, and prices 30 to 40 per cent lower than in high season.

The 'meltemi' (strong northerly wind) is a significant factor in July and August. When it blows, the western beaches become challenging, and visitors move to Apollonas, Alyko, or the sheltered sides. If you have children, ask your accommodation which beach will be sheltered on your travel dates.

Naxos remains one of the most affordable large islands. In August, a good double room costs 130 to 220 euros, while in May and October, you can find the same rooms from 70 euros, often including breakfast.

Practical tips before you book

Things worth checking before you book:

• If you don't have a car, stay in Chora or Agios Prokopios, where buses run every twenty minutes.
• In Chora, opt for accommodation outside the main coastal strip if you want peace and quiet in the evenings.
• For Plaka and Mikri Vigla, factor in car rental; public transport becomes less frequent in the afternoon.
• Reserve one day for the island's interior: Halki, Filoti, Apeiranthos, and the Kouros of Apollonas on a 70 km loop.
• Many studios have kitchenettes; the local market in Chora with cheeses and Naxian potatoes significantly reduces costs.
• If you're island hopping, check the ferry schedules for Paros and Mykonos before booking accommodation at the far end of the island.

Also read

See also our guides for Paros, Mykonos and Schinoussa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best area to stay in Naxos?

Chora for vibrancy, food, and convenience without a car; Agios Prokopios for a combination of beach and facilities; Agia Anna and Plaka for quiet family holidays.

Do I need a car in Naxos?

Not for Chora and the nearby beaches, as public transport is frequent. For the interior, Mikri Vigla, Alyko, and Apollonas, a car makes a real difference.

How far is Agios Prokopios from Chora?

Approximately 4 km, which is ten minutes by car or fifteen by bus, which runs every twenty minutes in the summer.

Is Naxos cheap compared to other islands?

Yes, it is one of the most affordable large islands in the Cyclades. Accommodation and dining prices are significantly lower than Mykonos, Santorini, and Paros.

Is it suitable for families with children?

Absolutely. The beaches of Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, and Agia Anna have shallow waters and sand, and most accommodations offer studios with kitchenettes.

How many days do I need for Naxos?

Five days is a good base for beaches and Chora. With seven days, you can also explore the interior, hike up Mount Zas, and take a trip to the Small Cyclades.