The Greek islands are all wonderful, but each one has its own characteristics. Naxos, for example, is one of the best for those looking for a quiet holiday in the name of the beautiful sea and sandy beaches. In addition, the island also offers several cultural attractions, there are indeed interesting archaeological remains, including the famous Lead to, the undisputed symbol of Naxos.
A good idea is to combine Naxos with other Cycladic islands, such as Paros o Mykonos.
Naxos is a fairly large island for that it is important to choose the best area to stay. Of course it depends a lot on what you are looking for and your needs.
In this guide we will see exactly which are the main tourist centers and how to choose the perfect base to sleep in Naxos.
Where to Stay in Naxos
As we have already said, the island is not so small and the ideal is to have a car to move freely and visit the most characteristic places and the most beautiful beaches.
However, it must be said that the most touristic areas where most of the hotels are concentrated are all on the western side, the same as the capital.
In particular, the most popular areas are right next to the Chora. Heading south there are some of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
The eastern side, on the other hand, is wilder, with sandy and pebble beaches and is more exposed to winds. Recommended for daily visits but not for staying as it is very far from the Chora.
The choice of the area to stay in Naxos depends on what you are looking for but above all on how you want to experience your holiday. For example, if you want a quiet place with a beautiful beach and a transparent sea and a few taverns for the evening, then you should orient yourself on areas such as Agios Prokopios, Agios Anna or Plaka, among other things more sheltered from the winds.
If, on the other hand, you want to stay in a more lively area in the evening, without having to take the means or the car, and during the day you want to get around the island and visit the most beautiful beaches, then the Chora is the right choice.
Finally, if you are looking for quieter areas, you can find them going down towards Pirgaki or Mikri Vliga.
Keep in mind that in principle Naxos is not such a chaotic island, obviously in August the Chora and the more touristic beaches (Anna and Prokopios) will be pretty full.
Now let's see in detail the main places to stay in Naxos and their peculiarities.
Chora
La Chora is the best choice to stay in Naxos for those who do not want to move in the evening but are looking for a place with a little movement in the evening.
During the day you can go around the island and visit the beaches and the main attractions. La Chora is also perfect for those who do not have a vehicle, from here in fact buses depart with which you can reach the beaches.
So if you prefer to travel during the day rather than in the evening, look for accommodation in the Chora area. Ideal for a couple holiday.
Agios Prokopios
Agios Prokopios is an excellent base from which to explore the island. The beach is also very beautiful, with fine sand and transparent sea, considered one of the most beautiful on the island, among the best in Greece. There are both free and equipped areas.
The beach is generally the least windy because it is more sheltered from strong winds.
In the area there are taverns and all services, such as car and scooter rental. It is also well connected to Chora with an efficient bus service.
The only flaw is that being so beautiful it is also one of the most crowded, especially in periods of greater tourist influx.
Great choice for families with children.
Agia Anna
Virtually attached to Prokopios is Agia Anna. Here, too, you will find several taverns, car rentals, mini markets and various accommodation options.
Compared to nearby Prokopios, Ag Anna is a little more lively with some bars where you can have an aperitif and one of the most famous clubs on the island, l’Island Bar.
Plate
Going south, after Ag Anna there is Plaka, a very quiet area with a wonderful beach, bathed by transparent and crystalline waters. There are both equipped beaches and free parts. The northernmost area of the coast is more crowded, as you go downhill you will find more wild corners of the beach with fewer people.
Agios Georgios Beach
The right compromise between sea and evening life is the area of Agios Georgios, the city beach. Obviously it is not one of the most beautiful beaches in Naxos, but you will have the advantage of reaching the Chora on foot and not staying in the most chaotic part of the capital. Also recommended for families with small children, thanks to the shallow waters.
Mikri Vigla
Finally, if you are looking for a quiet place near the wonderful beaches of the island you could evaluate the village Mikri Vigla. Keep in mind that besides a couple of tavernas there is practically nothing and that if you want to spend a more lively evening you will have to reach the Chora.
Conclusions
We have therefore seen some of the most suitable places for a stay on the island of Naxos, let's briefly summarize the characteristics to choose the one closest to your needs:
- Cry: for those who look for a bit of social life in the evening without having to move and are willing to reach the most beautiful beaches during the day;
- Agios Prokopios, Agios Anna o Plaka: for those who want to stay near the beach in quiet areas;
- Agios Georgios: right compromise between beach and evening life;
- Mikri Vigla: for those seeking tranquility and nature.
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