Where to stay in Plaka Naxos: The best areas and 18 accommodations

Plaka is located on the west coast of Naxos, south of Chora, and is known for one of the Cyclades' largest and most impressive sandy beaches. The area combines an organised beach with the natural landscape of sand dunes and cedar trees, a rare sight for a Greek island.

South of Plaka, the same coastline extends towards Mikri Vigla and Orkos, two areas primarily known to windsurf and kitesurf enthusiasts, due to the consistent summer winds there. Each section of this coast has a different character, from more family-friendly to more athletic and quiet.

In this article, you will find a detailed breakdown of the areas, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as specific accommodation suggestions to help you organise your stay in southern Naxos.

What to see and do in Plaka Naxos

Plaka is approximately 8 kilometres from Naxos Town (Chora), a journey that takes around 12-15 minutes by car. Naxos Port, where ferries from Piraeus and neighbouring Cycladic islands arrive, is located in Chora, while Naxos Airport is about 5-6 kilometres from Plaka, meaning approximately 10 minutes by car, making the area easily accessible by both sea and air.

Plaka beach stretches for over 4 kilometres, with fine golden sand and sand dunes covered with cedar trees at the back. The waters are clear and shallow in many spots, making it suitable for families, while in other areas there are quieter, less organised corners for those seeking seclusion.

Naxos in general is the largest island in the Cyclades and boasts a long history dating back to antiquity, with significant monuments such as the Portara, the unfinished Archaic temple of Apollo at the entrance to Chora's port. The island's interior is full of mountainous villages, olive groves, and vineyards, setting it apart from some of the more barren Cycladic islands.

Mikri Vigla, about 4 kilometres south of Plaka, is divided into two beaches: the northern one, which is more sheltered and suitable for families, and the southern one, which is windier and popular with kitesurfers. The area has developed around this sports tourism, with many kitesurfing schools and equipment rental services.

Orkos, between Plaka and Mikri Vigla, is a smaller and quieter area with a small but beautiful beach, known for its turquoise waters. It has fewer accommodations compared to neighbouring areas, making it attractive for those seeking peace and quiet away from large tourist crowds.

Regarding dining, the area primarily offers tavernas with local produce, such as the famous Naxos graviera cheese, Naxos potatoes, and fresh fish. In Chora, a few kilometres north, you'll find a wider variety of restaurants and bars, as well as the old town with its narrow streets and Venetian castle.

The best time for holidays in the area is from mid-May to late September. July and August have the most consistent exposure to the region's annual winds, known as 'meltemi', which favour water sports but can create choppy conditions in the open sea. Spring and autumn offer milder conditions and lower accommodation prices.

From Plaka, it's easy to access other parts of Naxos, such as Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna to the north, or Kastraki with the archaeological site of Apollo at Pythara further south. Many visitors combine their stay in Plaka with day trips to Naxos's mountainous villages, such as Filoti and Apiranthos.

Naxos is known for its high-quality dairy and meat production, thanks to its fertile soil and mountain pastures, which explains why the local cuisine is based on products like graviera, arseniko cheese, and goat meat. Many tavernas in Plaka and the surrounding villages offer these products directly from local producers, making the food here distinct from other tourist islands in the Cyclades.

In the Plaka area, there are several water sports schools and equipment rentals for snorkelling, while in quieter parts of the beach, you can find natural shade under the cedar trees, a rare sight on Cycladic beaches. Access to many parts of the beach is via sandy paths between the dunes, so a short walk from the road is often required.

The best areas for accommodation in Plaka Naxos

Plaka

Plaka is the most popular and organised area on this coastline, featuring a large beach, plenty of accommodation options, and easy access to Chora. It suits those who desire a beach, natural scenery, and relative ease of movement.

Advantages:

• Large beach with fine sand and sand dunes
• Approximately 8 km from Chora
• Several tavernas and mini markets on site

Disadvantages:

• A car is needed for evening trips to Chora
• In some areas, it can be quite windy in summer

Recommended accommodations:

1. Plaka Hotel II
A beachfront hotel with comfortable rooms and a garden, popular for its quiet location.

• Average cost: approx. 120€ per night

2. Plaka Hotel I
An older complex owned by the same family, with simple rooms and direct access to Plaka beach.

• Average cost: approx. 100€ per night

3. Naxos Anamnisi
A small hotel with excellent location ratings, suitable for couples seeking tranquillity.

• Average cost: approx. 110€ per night

4. Amodari Studios on the Beach
Studios with kitchens right on the beach, ideal for those who prefer self-catering.

• Average cost: approx. 95€ per night

5. Athina Studios and Suites Plaka
Modern studios with very good location ratings, next to Plaka beach.

• Average cost: approx. 130€ per night

6. Annio Studios
Studios with balconies and sea views, a popular choice for families and couples.

• Average cost: approx. 105€ per night

7. Naxos Island Escape Suites
Suites with private beach access, suitable for those seeking a more luxurious stay.

• Average cost: approx. 160€ per night

8. Plaza Beach Hotel
A hotel of Cycladic architecture with a pool, just a few steps from Plaka beach.

• Average cost: approx. 140€ per night

9. Marine Dream
Apartments with kitchens next to the beach, convenient for families with children.

• Average cost: approx. 100€ per night

Mikri Vigla

Mikri Vigla is primarily known to water sports enthusiasts, with consistent winds that favour kitesurfing and windsurfing. The northern beach is more sheltered, while the southern one is windier.

Advantages:

• Ideal for kitesurfing and windsurfing
• Two distinct beaches in the same area
• Quieter than Plaka

Disadvantages:

• Very windy for those seeking calm seas
• Fewer restaurant options in the evening

Recommended accommodations:

10. Orkos Beach Hotel
A hotel built in Cycladic style on the beach, popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers.

• Average cost: approx. 115€ per night

11. Studios Kontos
Studios with a private beach, known for their good location and tranquillity.

• Average cost: approx. 100€ per night

12. Oasis Studios
Apartments just 30 metres from the sea, suitable for families and couples.

• Average cost: approx. 110€ per night

13. Diamantis Studios & Apartments
Simple yet comfortable studios with good ratings for their location in Mikri Vigla.

• Average cost: approx. 90€ per night

14. Armonia Studios, Apartments & Villa
A complex with studios and a villa, suitable for larger groups or families.

• Average cost: approx. 120€ per night

15. Zanneta Apartments & Suites
Apartments with spacious areas and good access to both beaches of Mikri Vigla.

• Average cost: approx. 105€ per night

16. Coralli Beach Apartments
Apartments with very high ratings for their location, right by the sea.

• Average cost: approx. 125€ per night

17. Mikri Vigla Hotel Beach Resort
A larger complex with a pool and restaurant, convenient for families seeking full services.

• Average cost: approx. 130€ per night

Orkos

Orkos is the quietest of the three areas, with a smaller beach and fewer accommodations. It suits those who desire tranquillity, while still having easy access to Plaka and Mikri Vigla with just a few minutes' drive.

Advantages:

• Very peaceful atmosphere
• Beautiful turquoise waters
• Close to both Plaka and Mikri Vigla

Disadvantages:

• Limited accommodation options
• Limited on-site dining options

Recommended accommodations:

18. Vavoulas Village
An apartment complex with spacious areas, suitable for families seeking a quiet base.

• Average cost: approx. 100€ per night

Practical tips for your stay

• Rent a car for flexibility in transportation. Public transport in Naxos is limited, so a car helps a lot for moving between Plaka, Mikri Vigla, and Chora.
• If you kitesurf, choose Mikri Vigla or Orkos. These areas have consistent winds in summer, ideal for water sports.
• Book early for July and August. Naxos is very popular in summer, and good accommodations sell out quickly.
• Try local island products. Naxos graviera cheese, Naxos potatoes, and citron liqueur are among the most famous local products worth tasting.
• Combine your stay with a trip to the mountainous villages. Filoti and Apiranthos offer a different view of Naxos, away from the beaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Plaka from Naxos Town (Chora)?

Approximately 8 kilometres, a journey of about 12-15 minutes by car.

How far is Naxos Airport from Plaka?

Approximately 5-6 kilometres, meaning about 10 minutes by car.

Which area is best for families?

Plaka, thanks to its large beach with shallow areas and more options for restaurants and shops.

Which area is best for kitesurfing and windsurfing?

Mikri Vigla and Orkos, due to the consistent winds that blow there in summer.

Do I need a car for my stay in the area?

It is recommended, as public transport is limited and the distances between beaches are greater than they might appear.

What is the best time for a holiday in Plaka?

From mid-May to late September, with spring and autumn offering milder conditions and lower prices.

Conclusion

Plaka Naxos offers one of the Cyclades' most impressive beaches, with plenty of accommodation options for every type of traveller. If you're looking for a more athletic experience with wind and water sports, Mikri Vigla is the best base, while Orkos suits those seeking absolute tranquillity.

Before booking accommodation, consider whether your priority is an organised beach, water sports, or peace and quiet, and choose the area accordingly. With proper planning, the south coast of Naxos can cater to every preference.

See also our guides for where to stay in Acharavi and where to stay in Agia Efimia.