One of the largest islands in the Cyclades, Naxos is a great springboard for an island-hopping experience. It’s also one of the less polished islands, with a real sense of authentic community in traditional hill villages as well as bustling Naxos Town. Chosen for their sense of style, location and amenities, our pick of the best places to stay in Naxos are clustered around Naxos Town and along the coast, well-suited to a whole host of tastes and budgets.
Naxos Town is right in the heart of the action. The site of the island’s main port, this is a hill town of narrow lanes lined with whitewashed houses, boutiques, galleries, cafés and bars. Stroll through both the Kastro neighbourhood, once home to the Roman Catholic community and site of the Archaeological Museum, and the Bourgos district, where Orthodox Greeks have lived for centuries. You’ll find excellent seafood eateries clustered along the harbour, and two great beaches — one for swimming or sandcastle-building with the little ones, and the other for more adventurous water sports.
Venture to the fishing village of Apollonas for a quieter experience. Pick a perch at a seaside taverna after marvelling at the half-finished giant statue of Dionysus in a nearby quarry. Head up into the hills to striking Apiranthos, admire Byzantine-era buildings at Halki, and tour the ruins of the Temple of Apollo. Naxos’ mountainous interior will delight hikers and cyclists, who can discover winding paths which have connected villages for centuries. There are groves of fig, citrus and olive trees, too, as well as grapes ripening on tangled vines. Delve into this side of Naxos with tours and tastings at vineyards, or an afternoon at the Eggares Olive Press Museum. Finally, return to your choice of the best places to stay in Naxos to feast on flavoursome fresh fare: the island’s Greek cuisine is sensational.