Naxos is one of the most varied and exciting destinations in Greece. The island has something for everyone, from stunning beaches and historic sites to lively nightlife. However, with so much to see and do throughout the island, it can be tough to decide where to stay in Naxos, Greece.
The best place to stay in Naxos depends on what you’re looking for in a holiday. If you want to be close to the action, then Naxos Town is the place for you. If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, consider staying in one of the traditional mountain villages, such as Koronos or Filoti, or on the quieter and less developed east coast of the island.
Whatever your budget and preferences, there’s sure to be a place to stay in Naxos that’s perfect for you.
I’ve spent time on many of the Greek islands, and Naxos is one of my favourites. Once you see some of the incredible places you can stay here, you’ll soon understand why.
Learn where to stay in Naxos with this guide.
Quick Look: Best Areas to Stay in Naxos
- First Time Visitor: Grotta
- For Foodies: Naxos Town (Chora)
- For Nightlife: Port of Naxos and Waterfront
- Coolest: East Coast
- With Family: Plaka
- On a Budget: Traditional Mountain Villages (e.g. Koronos or Filoti)
1. Grotta: Where to Stay in Naxos for Your First Time
Grotta is an upmarket area just outside of Naxos Town. It’s located on a hill, from which you can see across to the main town, Naxos Harbour, the iconic Portara, as well as the beautiful Grotta beach.
This is one of the best areas to stay in Naxos for first-time visitors because it’s midway between the sights and amenities of Naxos Town and a fantastic beach.
You don’t really need a car if you’re staying here, and most things are within easy walking distance. Grotta is much quieter than the central areas of Naxos Town, so it’s ideal for people who like a bit of peace, but also want to be close to all of the action.
Grotta isn’t the cheapest area to stay in, but the location is second to none, so it’s perfect for those wanting to familiarise themselves with the island.
Best Places to Stay in Grotta
1. Essence Luxury Apartment: This modern, well-equipped apartment has a large open-plan kitchen and living area, a private terrace, a spacious double bedroom, and a luxurious bathroom. It’s an excellent mid-range choice in a perfect location.
Click here for more information.
2. Grotta Sognare: This is a really exquisite high-end apartment, with a spacious and beautifully decorated living area, two main bedrooms, an enormous bathroom complete with a jacuzzi bathtub, and a large veranda overlooking the sea. From here, you can enjoy some of the best sunsets on the island, framed against the Great Door of Apollo. It’s even got its own wild beach!
Click here to learn more.
3. Hotel Grotta: If you’d prefer to stay in a hotel, this is one of the best on the island. I’ve stayed here myself and would return in a heartbeat. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful, the rooms are simple but very comfortable, and there’s an indoor pool, sauna and spa, an on-site restaurant, and a beautiful terrace overlooking the harbour.
Click here to book.
2. Naxos Town (Chora): Where to Stay on Naxos for Foodies
Naxos Town, (also known as Chora), is the capital of the island and is where many visitors choose to stay.
This is one of the best places to stay on Naxos island if you’re a foodie, as there are many excellent restaurants, tavernas, food markets, and street food stands located throughout the centre of town.
Two of the best restaurants in Chora are Barozzi and Restaurant Meltemi, where you can feast on top-quality Naxian dishes made from fresh local ingredients.
Exploring the atmospheric, narrow backstreets of Naxos Town, you’ll come across many small family-owned shops selling a range of delicious food products, from seafood to sweet treats.
The downside to staying in Naxos Town is that it can be quite noisy, especially during peak season, (June – September). However, if you don’t mind a bit of bustle, and want to be a stone’s throw away from some of the best food on the island, this is the place for you.
Best Places to Stay in Naxos Town (Chora)
1. Deluxe Studio in the Heart of Naxos Town: This modern studio apartment is part of a recently-built apartment-hotel complex with stunning Cycladic aesthetics. It’s very comfortable and features air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, a king-size bed and an extra sofa bed, and daily room cleaning.
Click here to book.
2. Aegean White Home: Tucked away in the picturesque maze of alleyways and backstreets, this apartment is simple, modern, and well-equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay. It’s located very close to the Venetian Castle, only a few minute’s walk from a number of excellent restaurants and shops, and sleeps up to four guests.
Click here for more information.
3. Arco Naxos Luxury Apartments: This apartment-hotel has a fantastic central location and is just a few steps away from some of the best restaurants on the island. The rooms are spacious and modern, and come complete with a kitchen, fridge, minibar, a safety deposit box, a satellite flat-screen TV, and a dining and seating area.
Click here to learn more.
3. Port of Naxos and Waterfront: Best Area in Naxos for Nightlife
Close to the historic old town, Naxos Port and waterfront is where you’ll find most of the island’s nightlife. A number of bars here are open until late, and there’s a good range of options to choose from.
Swing Cocktail Bar is one of the best bars on the island and serves fantastic cocktails; including some very inventive creations in addition to the classics.
For something a bit livelier, head to Babylonia Bar, which is right next to the harbour. This place starts off fairly quiet in the early evening, but comes alive after midnight – it’s one of the best places to come for a late-night drink.
This area of Naxos is fairly noisy late into the night, so I don’t recommend this as the best place to stay if you’re looking for peace and quiet. But if nightlife is what you’re after, this would be a good area to choose.
Best Places to Stay in Port of Naxos and Waterfront
1. Naxian Castillo: This highly-rated apartment is located a mere 150 metres from the port, so is both extremely easy to reach and well-located for enjoying the local nightlife. The apartment is inside a traditional Naxian house, and has two bedrooms and three bathrooms, plus a sofa bed and additional bunk bed, meaning it can accommodate up to six guests.
Click here for more information.
2. Perfectly Located Apartment: This recently-renovated studio apartment also has an amazing location; right next to the waterfront, on the corner of two main streets. It has a spacious veranda, a large bedroom, and a comfortably furnished open-plan living area and kitchen.
Click here to learn more.
3. Kissos Luxury Junior Suite: This modern suite is a stone’s throw away from the port and has a stunning sea view. It comes fully equipped with everything you’ll need for your stay, and has a private balcony with a table and chairs.
Click here to book.
4. East Coast: Coolest Place to Stay in Naxos
Naxos’ east coast is much quieter than the west coast. I think this is the coolest place to stay on Naxos because it feels far away from the other tourists that flock to the island – especially during the high season.
The east coast is far more rural and laid back, making it a fantastic place to unwind and take in the island’s natural beauty. Whilst there aren’t as many places to eat and drink out compared to the more popular parts of the island, you’ll find several friendly family-owned tavernas and cafes in the larger villages here, such as Moutsouna.
The east coast of Naxos is also home to some spectacular beaches, which are generally much quieter and less developed than those in the west. In fact, you might find you have the entire place to yourself on many of these beaches – I think that’s pretty cool.
Of course, peace and serenity does come at a cost. While a few local buses make it out to parts of the east coast, these services are intermittent at best. If you’re planning to stay on the east coast, my recommendation would be to hire a car to help you get around.
Best Places to Stay on Naxos’ East Coast
1. Peaceful, Panoramic Sea-View Retreat: This one-bedroom apartment is located on the edge of the village of Ligaridia, on the peaceful east coast of Naxos. It has a terrace with gorgeous sea views, and there’s a beautiful beach within a couple of minutes’ walk from the apartment.
Click here to learn more.
2. Ostria Inn: This stunning upper-mid-range hotel is located right next to the beach in Moutsouna, one of the larger settlements on the east coast. It has a swimming pool with a poolside bar, elegantly decorated rooms with balconies, landscaped gardens, a sun terrace, and a highly-rated onsite restaurant. Some rooms have a little kitchen too if you’d prefer to self-cater.
Click here to book.
3. Agerino Apartments: Also in the village of Moutsouna, this accomodation is an excellent budget option on the east coast. The property has a number of tasteful rooms and apartments, most of which have kitchens and a balcony, or veranda, with panoramic sea views. There’s also a cafe that serves breakfast and drinks, with views across to the neighbouring islands of Amorgos and Donousa.
Click here for more information.
5. Plaka: Best Neighbourhood in Naxos for Families
If you’re travelling with young children, then the family-friendly beach village of Plaka is a great option.
It’s got everything you need for a comfortable stay, including several child-friendly restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets. Check out the famous Waffle House for delicious homemade ice cream.
The village is also just a short walk from the beautiful Plaka Beach, which is perfect for little ones who want to paddle in the shallows or build sandcastles on the shore. The beach offers a long and wide, white expanse of sand, and the crystal clear waters are safe for swimming.
If your kids are a little older, Plaka offers a number of exciting water sports, including kayaking, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. And when everyone’s all tired out, you can head back to your accommodation and relax in the shade.
Best Places to Stay in Plaka
1. Helen Studio Orkos: This mid-range one-bedroom apartment is located close to the beach and is excellent value for money. It has air conditioning, a dedicated workspace, a small but well-equipped kitchen, and a terrace with picture-perfect panoramic views across to the island of Paros.
Click here to book.
2. Naxea Villas: This huge, high-end, luxurious villa has 3 ensuite bedrooms, (each with its own terrace), a large private pool and sun terrace, an outdoor shower, BBQ facilities, air conditioning, and stunning sea views. It’s fairly pricey, but would be a perfect place to stay on Naxos for families travelling in a group and looking for a little luxury.
Click here to learn more.
3. Mikri Vigla Apartment: This large, mid-range, one-bedroom apartment can sleep up to four people and is a mere 100 metres from the sea. There’s one master bedroom, an open-plan kitchen and living room with a sofa bed, and a kitchen and dining table.
Click here for more information.
6. Mountain Villages: Where to Stay in Naxos on a Budget
Naxos has a number of villages dotted throughout the mountains further inland of the island. These are very quiet and traditional and haven’t changed much in the last 100 years.
While you won’t find as many choices for eating out, most of the larger villages have at least a couple of tavernas, cafes, and bars to try out. Filoti, Koronos, and Apeiranthos are among the most picturesque mountain villages in Naxos. Each of these are home to most of the facilities that you’ll need for a simple, relaxing stay.
Accommodation in these villages tends to be simpler, and slightly cheaper, than the Naxos Town and/or the seaside resort areas. Therefore, these can be some of the best places to stay on Naxos island for budget travellers.
Filoti, Koronos, and Apeiranthos are each connected to Naxos Town by local bus services. These are fairly frequent during the high summer season, (June – September), but services are less frequent outside of these months.
Some people might opt to hire a car or scooter to explore other parts of the island, although this isn’t strictly necessary if you’re looking to keep costs to a minimum.
Best Places to Stay in Naxos’ Mountain Villages
1. Aiolos House: This traditional one-bedroom house is located in the picturesque village of Koronos and has stunning views out over the surrounding area. It’s excellent value for money and comes equipped with everything you need.
Click here to learn more.
2. Aunt Anneza’s Village House: This three-bedroom house can sleep up to six people, so it’s perfect for a group of budget travellers, or a large family looking to keep costs low. There’s an open-plan kitchen, dining room, living room, an internal courtyard, and two terraces. The house is situated in Filoti, a village in the foothills of Mount Zas – hiking up this mountain is one of the best free things to do in Naxos.
Click here for more information.
3. Stylish Village Home with Patio & Magnificent View: The name of this place says it all! It’s been recently renovated and comes equipped with a fully stocked kitchen, a dedicated workspace, and a large terrace with incredible views of the mountains and the sea. There are two bedrooms and the home sleeps up to five.
Click here to book.
FAQs About the Best Areas to Stay in Naxos
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about where to stay in Naxos.
What Area of Naxos is Best For Tourists?
The best areas to stay in Naxos will depend largely on your budget and preferences.
Some of my top recommendations are Naxos Town, (Chora), Plaka, and the larger mountain villages. These areas offer a varied mix of attractions and amenities and a good range of accommodation options.
Where Should I Avoid Staying in Naxos? (Where NOT to Stay in Naxos)
Most places in Naxos are ‘theoretically’ connected by public transport, although this tends to be less frequent the further you move away from the major population centres.
If you’re not planning to hire a car, I would recommend you avoid staying in one of the more isolated parts of the island, as you’ll likely struggle to get around.
What is the Safest Place to Stay in Naxos?
All of Naxos is very safe and there are no real “no-go” areas on the island.
Where to Stay in Naxos for Shopping?
Naxos Town is the best place to stay in Naxos for shopping, as this is where the majority of shops and markets on the island can be found.
In particular, the backstreets and alleyways that wind their way up the hill leading to the Venetian Castle are dotted with many independent and family-owned boutique shops selling a range of handmade local products.
Now You Know Where to Stay in Naxos, Greece
Whether you’re looking for a culinary experience, lively nightlife, a family-friendly beach holiday, or insight into traditional Greek island life, you can find all this and more on Naxos.
Have you ever been to Naxos? Where’s your favourite place to stay on the island? Let us know below!
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