Naxos isn’t the first island that comes to mind when people ask me to name a beautiful, authentic Greek island, though it has plenty to offer on both fronts. It’s often labeled the “family-friendly” island, or the greenest of the Cyclades, and I understand why. It has more long stretches of sandy beach than most islands I’ve visited, and it’s the largest island in the Cyclades, with mountainous terrain and hilltop villages inland that most visitors never get to.
Because Naxos can absorb a much bigger volume of visitors than its neighbors, it’s also developing faster than most Greek islands right now. On my most recent trip in June 2026, I drove south along the coast and passed one hotel or vacation property under construction after another, past Naxos’ most popular beaches: Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Plaka. Naxos is a genuinely diverse island, and staying beachfront in one of these areas for your whole trip won’t give you the well-rounded impression I’d encourage you to chase.
Most guides to where to stay in Naxos, Greece stop at general areas, usually clustered around these same beaches. Here’s what most guides won’t tell you: the area you choose is only the beginning. The slice of beach you’re on, even the surrounding block, can shape your entire stay, and few islands prove that more than Naxos. Read on for my take on the best hotels, villas, and Airbnbs in Naxos by area, so you can use your home base as the starting point for exploring this underrated island.
Naxos’ Best Stays
TOP PICK (BEACHFRONT) | Ammothines
A luxurious, design-forward beachfront property with a pool and restaurant on one of the best beaches on Naxos: Plaka.
BEST FOR FAMILIES | Villa Marandi Luxury Suites
A family-run boutique hotel in Stelida with a restaurant, pool, beach access, and laid-back vibes.
BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL | Avgoustos Suites
A 4-room beachfront hotel in Agia Anna praised for its traditional Greek hospitality, modern rooms with hot tubs, and homemade breakfasts.
BEST LUXURY RETREAT | Ayiopetra Exclusive Getaways
An adults-only eco-luxury property in the mountains of Naxos with a pool and gardens, plus hiking trails and stargazing.
Where to Stay on Naxos by Area
Here’s a quick summary of each area: Stay in Chora if you want restaurants, shops, and easy ferry or transport access without needing a car; Stelida if you want to be between Chora and the beaches; Agios Prokopios for an organized beach atmosphere with sunbeds on the sand, tavernas, bars, and shops all a walk away (most popular for families); Agia Anna for a sandy beachfront option with quieter pockets (also family-friendly); Plaka for beachfront vibes with a bit more trendy and design-forward curation; Mikri Vigla for active beaches mixed with relaxed coves; Alyko for secluded beaches; and the mountain towns if you’re after a slower, more traditional Greek retreat away from the coast.
Chora (Naxos Town) – For the most restaurants and shops, and the easiest area to get around without a car. Airbnbs are best here. (Stay: Apartment The Stones or Alkara)
Stelida – For the most hotel and boutique property options within close driving proximity to Chora and the beach towns. You won’t find restaurants here (beyond hotel restaurants), but it’s quiet and convenient. (Stay: Villa Marandi Luxury Suites or Naxian Collection)
Beachfront (Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka, Mikri Vigla and Alyko Beaches) – For access to a sandy beach and walkability in your general area. These are listed from north to south:
- Agios Prokopios Beach – For organized beaches with sunbeds, and a variety of tavernas and beach bars to choose from. This area is popular with families and often busy. (Stay: 18 Grapes Hotel)
- Agia Anna Beach – For stretches of sand with sunbeds, and nearby restaurant and taverna options. This area is a bit quieter than Agios Prokopios but still built up. A popular family pick. (Stay: Avgoustos Suites)
- Plaka Beach – For more beachfront options with quieter pockets. Hotels and restaurants here are less dense and tend to be a bit more design-forward, but the spot matters. (Stay: Ammothines or Naxian on the Beach)
- Mikri Vigla Beach – For a beachfront experience without the same crowds as the more popular beaches. There are quieter coves here, as well as one main beach that is popular with windsurfers. (Stay: Seanfinity Beachfront Suites)
- Alyko Beach – For quieter stretches of beach that feel more removed from the towns of Naxos. (Stay: Villa Faros Small Hotel)
Mountain Towns (Halki, Filoti, Apeiranthos) – For an authentic village stay away from the coast. (Stay: Elaiolithos)
Left to right: All photos from Naxian Collection – a shared pool at the villa, our bedroom, and the gardens.
My Top Choice For Where to Stay on Naxos
Unlike most Greek Islands, I don’t have one top recommendation for an area to stay on Naxos; I would personally pick differently each time based on the type of trip I want. With so much variety in areas and hotels, you’re better off deciding first what your priority is and then narrowing down on either an area or specific property.
Recently, I stayed in Stelida at Villa Marandi Luxury Suites for convenience and the family-friendly amenities with a toddler, but I wouldn’t rush back to this area (I don’t enjoy being based in overly developed areas from a convenience standpoint). I have also stayed at Naxian Collection in Stelida, and this specific property, being situated on a hilltop and partially removed, already felt more private and retreat-like. (Oddly, Naxian Collection isn’t reviewed well on booking.com, but we absolutely loved our stay here and would definitely return).
Naxos for First-Timers
If I were visiting Naxos for the first time, I would either go beachfront (and splurge), or seek out unique accommodation in Chora.
- If beachfront is your pick and you’re after luxury, my pick would be Ammothines Hotel on the beach. You could alternatively choose a property strategically positioned on a great slice of beach (for example: Golden Sand Hotel is next door to Ammothines and half the price, while Seanfinity Beachfront Suites is perfectly positioned in front of a quiet beach cove next to Orkos Beach).
- If you want to stay in Chora for the easiest access to restaurants and shops, I would opt for an Airbnb like Petrino or Alkara over a hotel. This gives you a more convenient stay with a unique feel: a walk to restaurants, a spot to watch the sunset, a rooftop of your own, and easy access to the rest of the island, whether you’re driving out or hopping on public transport.
Left: A breakfast spread at Villa Marandi; Right: The private beach at Ammothines Hotel.
Re-Visiting Naxos (Or Looking for a Retreat)
On the other hand, if you’re re-visiting Naxos or looking for a more authentic or retreat-style experience, I would pick where to stay solely based on the property. The reason for this is there are so many exceptional hotels to choose from, and by staying further inland (away from the beach crowds), you’ll see a side of Naxos most don’t. It’s peaceful, green, and incredibly charming when you make it to this part of Naxos, and that’s not to be underestimated. My pick for this would be Ayiopetra Exclusive Getaways (adults only).
Hotel Tip: I’ve found that Naxos in particular uses the term ‘luxury suites’ frequently. Seeing this in the title doesn’t mean you are staying at a 4* or 5* property, so keep that in mind when booking your stay.
Chora (Naxos Town): Best Area for First-Timers
Naxos Town, known locally as Chora, is the island’s hub. A medieval Venetian kastro, winding marble-paved alleyways, and the Portara arch all come together to make this a classic Greek base. It’s the best place to base yourself on Naxos if you’re not renting a car, since restaurants, shops, and Agios Georgios beach are all walkable, and the ferry port is right in town.
If you’re basing yourself here, I’d recommend choosing an Airbnb over a hotel. You’re much more likely to find a unique stay (picture private rooftop or plunge pool) in the town center where space is limited. Hotels are less convenient due to positioning, and on the pricier side since you’re in Chora.
Best for: First-time visitors, couples and solo travelers, and those who want a full restaurant scene without needing to drive.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Walkable, restaurants, shops, and Agios Georgios beach all on foot. Most varied dining on the island. Direct ferry access for island hopping. Full of atmosphere, especially around the kastro.
- Cons: Busy in summer, especially near and around the port and in the town. Agios Georgios beach is small and not a particularly picturesque beach. A car or ATV is needed to reach Plaka, Prokopios, and the mountain villages.
Where to Stay in Chora (Hotels & Airbnbs)
Opuntia Suites – $$ – Modern suites for couples and families, located just outside Naxos Town, so you’ll need to walk in. Rooms come with hot tubs and panoramic sunset views over the harbor.
Spiros Hotel – $$ – A Cycladic-style complex a short walk from the beach, with a spa (hot tub, sauna, hammam), fitness room, pool, and garden terrace. Great value for a full-service stay close to town.
Apartment The Stones (Airbnb) – $$ – A two-level apartment right in the old city center of Naxos Town, beautifully restored with stunning stone walls and exposed timber. Another similar option is Petrino, a medieval apartment with beautiful views over the sea.
Alkara (Airbnb) – $$ – A modern apartment at the foot of the Venetian Castle in the Old Town, featuring a rooftop with incredible views over the town. A great base for exploring Chora.
Almi of Naxos – $$ – Bright, modern apartments in the Grotta neighborhood, a short walk from the port, with sea views and a private terrace at every stay. Perfect for convenience if you’re island hopping or not planning to rent a car.
Fleria Seaview Suites – $$ – The only spot in town with views of the Portara arch, right on the water. Note that though it’s technically beachfront, you won’t swim here; it’s too exposed and windy.
Read Post: The Complete Naxos, Greece Guide
Stelida: Best Area to Stay for The Most Hotel Options and Quiet Surroundings
Left to right: All photos from Villa Marandi Luxury Suites – private outdoor courtyards, the path to the beach from the property, our sea view, inside a room at the hotel.
Stelida is primarily a hotel development. It’s lacking charm and intimacy, but it’s great if you want to be in between Chora and the beaches and you are after a great hotel property to retreat to at the end of the day.
Best for: A quiet retreat at the end of the day, and being well-positioned right between Chora and the most popular Naxos beaches.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Quiet, lots of variety in hotels, nice for couples and families alike.
- Cons: No restaurants nearby. A car is essential. You’re surrounded by other hotels, not shops or culture.
Where to Stay in Stelida (Hotels)
Kavos Boutique Hotel – $$ – Cycladic-style villas set in lush gardens, less than a 15-minute walk from Agios Prokopios beach. One of the better-value options on the island.
Villa Agapitos (Airbnb) – $$$ – a 3-bedroom villa with a hot tub and sea views, great for larger families or groups as it can sleep up to 10 people.
Naxian Collection – $$$$ – Luxury villas and suites with private pools, spacious terraces, and traditional Naxian architecture. Their sister property Naxian on the Beach in Plaka is worth a look too, geared more towards couples.
Villa Marandi Luxury Suites – $$$$ – Modern suites on a family-run property with a pool and restaurant, situated in front of a quiet stretch of beach. Quiet and great for families (there’s a playground on the property).
Agios Prokopios Beach: Best Beachfront for Organized Stretches of Sunbeds and Restaurants
Agios Prokopios is an organized strip of sandy beach with shallow turquoise water, and plenty of tavernas, cafes, shops and spots to take part in water sports and activities. Calm conditions and easy amenities make it a great spot for families with young kids, as well as older kids who want to participate in activities and water sports.
Best for: Travelers looking for a lively beach atmosphere with easy amenities, families with children, and groups who want beach life with good food close by.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Touted as one of the best beaches in the Cyclades. Good mix of restaurants and cafes on the strip. Family-friendly shallow water. Easy access to Naxos Town (around 15 minutes by car).
- Cons: Gets busy in July and August. A car or ATV is needed to get around. Less atmospheric as a base compared to Chora.
Where to Stay in Agios Prokopios (Hotels & Airbnbs)
La Bouganville – $ – a charming two-level Cycladic home steps from the beach, with a traditional balcony and easy access to getting around town and the rest of the island.
Kora – $$ – a modern, contemporary apartment with a rooftop terrace and hot tub, featuring views overlooking the ocean.
Villa Mila – $$$ – a design-forward stay with a rooftop and jacuzzi, right on Agios Prokopios. The property features 3 bedrooms, so it’s great for families and small groups.
18 Grapes Hotel – $$$ – Steps from the beach, with sunset views from every room and a stylish poolside bar for evening drinks. A good pick for couples.
Agia Anna Beach: Best Beachfront for Boutique Hotels and Family-Run Restaurants
Agia Anna is a fishing village turned town and in addition to a sandy beach, it has a harbor, classic tavernas, and stretches of water that generally see fewer crowds than its neighbor Agios Prokopios.
If you want to be here for the convenience but want a bit of charm, I’d point you to this street. Here you’ll find a few boutique studios and hotels, a couple local tavernas, and access to a quieter portion of beach that’s a minute walk away.
Best for: Couples and families looking for a more peaceful beach stay, travelers who want boutique accommodation away from the crowds, and longer stays where a slower pace matters.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Quieter and less crowded than Agios Prokopios. Agia Anna has nice tavernas, trendy cafés and high-quality boutique hotel options.
- Cons: More remote from Naxos Town, so a car is essential. Fewer restaurant options than Chora or Prokopios. More charm than Agios Prokopios, but still not very authentic.
Where to Stay in Agia Anna (Hotels & Airbnbs)
Artemis Hotel – $$ – A few steps from Agia Anna Beach, with a sun terrace, bar, and a breakfast spread that covers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Reliable and well-located.
Avgoustos Suites – $$$ – Just four design-forward suites, with a family-run restaurant downstairs that delivers breakfast to your room every morning.
Naxian Soul – $$$$ – A beachfront aparthotel with private pool and hot tub options, sea views, and direct access to a quiet stretch of Agia Anna.
Beachhouse Omega (Airbnb) – $$$$ – A design-forward house just steps from the stunning Agia Anna beach, ideal for couples or small families.
Villa Ypsilon (Airbnb) – $$$$ – A luxury Cycladic house with sea views, a private pool, a stunning sunset terrace, and direct walking access to the beach.
Looking to pair Naxos with nearby Paros? Don’t miss my Paros travel guide and my guide on the best areas to stay in on Paros.
Plaka Beach: Best Beachfront for Trendier Restaurants and Hotels
Plaka is further south past Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna, and in my opinion, has nicer vibes. Restaurants here are a bit more curated, the beach is quieter (though there are still plenty of sunbeds, it’s less packed), and it seems to move at a slower pace. I would trade off the location (being further of a drive into Chora) to stay here.
In terms of specific locations, the beach set up at Ammothines hotel is hard to beat. There’s a reason it’s one of the most popular luxury hotels! Nearby, the properties around Nomad restaurant (Dream on Plaka and Cosmos Hotel for instance) are also positioned on a lovely stretch of beach.
Best for: A more romantic or slower retreat away from the crowds with great beach access.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Quieter, more curated. Great hotel options and trendy restaurants.
- Cons: Farther from Naxos town. Can be windier than above beaches since it’s more exposed. Not as walkable as neighboring villages.
Where to Stay in Plaka (Hotels & Airbnbs)
Glaronissi Suites – $$ – A quieter, more budget-friendly beachfront pick with a garden setting and private beach area. Also worth checking out Cosmos Hotel nearby for families, as each room features a kitchenette.
Dream on Plaka – $$ – A ten-room guesthouse right on Plaka beach, with a sauna, hot tub, and free breakfast, run by hosts guests consistently rave about.
Villa Isola (Airbnb) – $$$$ – a modern, fully equipped luxury villa with a pool just a short walk to the beach. Great if you’re looking for a 2-bedroom option.
Naxian on the Beach – $$$$ – In the northern part of Plaka, positioned closer to Maragkas Beach. An adults-only, ten-suite property with breakfast in bed and a boho-chic beach bar.
Ammothines – $$$$ – Arguably the best luxury property on the island, with great beachfront access, a pool and restaurant. Hotel Tip: Their neighbor Golden Sand Hotel is literally right next door to Ammothines, a less expensive way to piggyback on the same great stretch of beach.
Mikri Vigla: Best Area for Secluded Beaches and Water Sports
If you’ve done any previous research on Naxos, you might’ve seen that Mikri Vigla is popular for windsurfers. It is one of the most well-known beaches in the Cyclades for the sport (thanks to the consistent Meltemi winds that hit this part of the island), but the beach here is just as worthy of a stay as any other nearby. There are also pockets of smaller coves to be found where you may just have the beach to yourself, if you’re willing to explore nearby.
The beach directly below it on the south side, also part of Mikri Vigla, has a nice vibe in a sheltered bay with the option to purchase sunbeds. However, this beach has dealt with seaweed issues in recent years so it is not as swimmable as it used to be.
If I were staying here, I’d actually position myself just above Orkos Beach at Seanfinity Beachfront Suites. It’s a bit removed but directly in front of a cove I saw a couple kite surfers launch at and one person head out to snorkel; it feels private without the fuss.
Best for: Couples, families, or solo travelers looking for a quieter, more scenic spot on the south side. Good for anyone who wants to feel removed from the main beach strip. Windsurfers and kite surfers.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Much quieter than the northern beaches. Two very different beach vibes in the same spot. Unspoiled coastal scenery. Great windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions.
- Cons: Limited accommodation options. Remote, so a car is essential. The north-side beach isn’t very suitable for swimming on windy days.
Where to Stay in Mikri Vigla (Hotels)
Orkos Beach Hotel – $$ – Cycladic-style rooms with a balcony. A popular choice as it’s great for accessibility to nearby Orkos Beach, and nice for couples and families alike.
FK Luxury Suite (Airbnb) – $$$ – a modern, well-equipped suite with views of the sea in a great location.
The Key – $$$ – Newly opened in 2025, this 4-star design hotel takes its shape from a keyhole motif, with private courtyards for each room. Pool, restaurant, bar, and a beach shuttle down to Mikri Vigla Beach.
Villa Maria (Airbnb) – $$$ – a beautiful Cycladic home right in front of a quiet beach, with a small garden and traditional details. Great if you’re looking for a 2-bedroom option.
Seanfinity Beachfront Suites – $$$ – Suites with private hot tubs or plunge pools and panoramic sea views, just steps from Orkos Beach. Worth noting that there is a new development nearby, so check if it’s under construction when booking if you’re worried about noise.
Alyko Beach: Best Beachfront for Secluded Villas and New Design-Forward Stays
Alyko (also spelled Aliko) sits south of Mikri Vigla, past the point where most visitors turn around. It’s one of the most photographed stretches of coastline on Naxos: a handful of coves with fine white sand back up against the Kedrodasos cedar forest and its dunes, and the water here is some of the clearest on the island. Nearby Hawaii beach is definitely a standout for vibes and clear water.
This area is quieter and more remote than anywhere else in this guide, around 20 minutes from Chora, and the area is only just starting to see a handful of design-conscious villas and boutique stays move in. If total privacy is the priority and you don’t mind driving in for dinner, this is where to look.
Best for: Couples and small groups after total seclusion, design-minded travelers, and anyone who wants Naxos at its wildest and most undeveloped.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: The most secluded and pristine beaches in this guide. Genuinely unique, design-forward properties. Right next to the Kedrodasos cedar forest and dunes.
- Cons: Very remote, a car is essential. Few restaurants or amenities nearby. Limited accommodation options compared to other areas.
Where to Stay in Alyko (Hotels & Airbnbs)
Villa Faros Small Hotel and Restaurant – $$ – A boutique 8-room, family-run hotel right on the cedar forest side of Alyko, with sea-view balconies, an infinity pool, and its own taverna on site. The most hotel-like (and best-reviewed) option in the area.
Marikos House (Airbnb) – $$ – An entire cottage in Pyrgaki, 200 meters from the beach, with two large verandas looking out over the cedar forest and sea, a built-in barbecue, and a garden. Walking distance to Hawaii, Glyfada, Kastraki, and Agiasos beaches.
Villa Alyko – $$$$ – Part of the Alyko Villas complex, built right up against the cedar forest with sea views, a large pool, and a separate spa pool. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a 3-minute walk to Glyfada Beach. Great for a small group wanting real privacy.
Villa Rocabella – $$$$ – A three-level villa a 2-minute walk from Glyfada Beach, blending traditional Cycladic architecture with modern touches. Four bedrooms, three bathrooms, private pool, and standout sunset views.
The Mountain Towns: Best Area for an Authentic Village Stay
While everyone tends to flock to the beaches, Naxos’ interior is one of its best-kept secrets. The inland is full of marble-paved villages, Byzantine chapels, ancient olive groves, and mountain trails. My favorite impression of Naxos comes from this part of the island; it feels authentic and unhurried.
Of the three main villages, Halki is the most photogenic and the easiest for a first visit, with a lovely central square and nice café options. Apeiranthos sits a bit higher up and feels more traditionally remote. Filoti is the largest of the three, sitting at the foot of Mount Zeus and offering great hikes nearby.
Accommodation in the mountain towns is mainly Airbnbs and small guesthouses, and the occasional remote hotel. Definitely consider a stay here if you’re looking for a more authentic and local side to Naxos.
Best for: Couples, slow travelers, hikers, and anyone who wants to see Greek village life up close. Best suited to those with a car and at least 3 days on the island.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: More authentic. Great restaurants and local tavernas tucked away, and plenty of villages to explore. Off the tourist trail. Beautiful architecture and easy hiking.
- Cons: A car is essential. Quiet evenings, so it’s not the right choice if nightlife is a priority. A drive from beaches.
Where to Stay in the Mountain Towns (Hotels & Airbnbs)
Laina’s Traditional Guest House (Airbnb) – $ – a charming authentic home in the heart of Apeiranthos Village, with traditional Greek details.
Panoramic Stone House (Airbnb) – $$ – a Cycladic charmer built in 1875, with stone walls and sunset views over the island. Located in Filoti.
Elaiolithos Luxury Retreat – $$$ – An adults-only eco-luxury retreat among olive groves near Moni village, with sea views and a full program of hiking and stargazing.
White House (Airbnb) – $$$$ – a truly unique 200-year-old property with a pool, situated on the top of Filoti’s village hill. Walking distance from tavernas, this 3-bedroom home is a top pick for families.
Ayiopetra Exclusive Getaways – $$$$ – Adults-only, with five suites tucked into the hills near Sangri, a pool, and total quiet.
Final Thoughts
However you choose to spend your time on Naxos, the real key to a great stay is matching your home base to the trip you’re actually taking, whether that’s a beachfront splurge, a walkable stint in Chora, or a slower, more authentic retreat inland. Get that part right, and everything else tends to fall into place.
I hope this guide makes narrowing down where to stay on Naxos feel a little less overwhelming, and a little more like the start of a trip you’ll love. If you’re ready to plan the rest of it, from where to eat to how to get around, my complete Naxos travel guide has you covered.
Want an expert’s help planning your trip to Greece? My Greek Islands Digital Guide covers everything: ferry routes, hotel recommendations, and day-by-day itineraries to help you find the islands that are exactly right for you. Take a peek.
