In this article, we will look at Where to stay in Naxos without a car?, I will share with you what I believe are the best areas to stay in Naxos without a car (including a helpful map), where I stayed in Naxos, and the best hotels infor all budgets.
Naxos is a beautiful Greek island known for its stunning beaches, picturesque villages, and historical sites. If you don’t have a car, it’s a good idea to choose accommodation in or near the island’s main town and transport hub, Naxos Town (also known as Chora).
Getting around Naxos without a car is entirely possible, as the island offers various transportation options to explore its beauty. Some ways to navigate Naxos without a car include public bus, walking, biking, taxi, boat tour, and guided tour.
Naxos Town (Chora) and some other towns are relatively compact and pedestrian-friendly. You can explore these areas on foot to discover their charm, historic sites, shops, and restaurants.
Naxos has a growing network of bike paths and rental shops. Renting a bicycle is an eco-friendly way to explore the island, especially the flatter areas and beachside roads.
The island has a KTEL public bus system that connects the popular towns. The buses are reliable and a cost-effective way to travel. You can check the bus schedules at the local bus station or online.
Taxis are available on Naxos, and you can easily find them in Naxos Town and at the ferry port. While they are more expensive than buses, they offer convenience and can take you to destinations not easily accessible by public transportation.
If you’re comfortable with two-wheeled transportation, you can rent scooters or ATVs on the island. They provide more mobility than bicycles and can access some of the less accessible areas.
Naxos offers boat tours to nearby islands and beaches. These tours are an excellent way to explore remote areas and experience the stunning coastline.
Naxos is a hiker’s paradise with numerous trails and paths crisscrossing the island. You can explore ancient ruins, picturesque villages, and beautiful landscapes on foot. Make sure to have appropriate footwear and plenty of water.
While you may want to avoid renting a car for your entire stay, you can rent one for a day or two to explore remote parts of the island that aren’t easily accessible by public transportation.
Many local tour operators offer guided tours and excursions to popular attractions and sites. These tours often include transportation, making it convenient to explore without a car.
You can reach Naxos from abroad by taking flights to Athens, then taking ferries or flights to the domestic National Airport of Naxos. Ferries depart from Athens at 3 ports, Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio, as well as ferries from other islands such as Paros, Mykonos, Santorini, and Amorgos.
Where to stay in Naxos without a car?
The best areas to stay in Naxos without a car are Naxos Town, Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Plaka Beach. Naxos has a well-developed bus system, making it possible to explore even without a car. You can rent bicycles or use taxis for shorter trips if needed.
In general, Naxos Town is the best base for car-free travelers. Staying in Naxos Town offers you easy access to the main port, bus station, and a variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions. You can easily explore the town on foot and take a bus to nearby beaches for day trips.
During my trip, I stayed in Naxos Town at Hotel Grotta and was able to take a day trip to some major towns and beaches on the island by bus. It is set in a fantastic location, within walking distance from major attractions such as the Venetian Castle, Archaeological Museum, Old Market, and Apollo’s Temple.
Map of the best areas and neighborhoods in Naxos without a car:
Let’s get into the details of the best areas to stay in Naxos, especially for travelers without a car. I’ll explain to you how to reach each area, how to get around, as well as the best things to do and some suggestions of the best places to stay in each area for every budget.
5 Best areas to stay in Naxos without a car:
1. Naxos Town
Naxos Town, also known as Chora or Naxos Chora, is the overall best place to stay in Naxos without a car, especially for first-time travelers. It is the main town and capital of Naxos, and serves as a gateway to exploring the rest of Naxos Island.
It is situated on the western coast of Naxos and is the primary port and commercial center of the island. It is reachable from the airport by a short bus/ taxi ride. You can take bus route 1 from the Naxos Camping bus stop at the airport to the central bus station, located just outside of Naxos Port.
Naxos Town is a popular tourist destination and offers a mix of historical, cultural, and natural attractions. The town is very walkable, you can easily explore attractions on foot.
Naxos Town’s old town features picturesque cobblestone streets, traditional white-washed buildings, and a lively atmosphere. You’ll find a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars here, making it a great place to explore and enjoy Greek cuisine.
One of the most prominent landmarks in Naxos Town is the Venetian Castle, also known as Kastro. It is a historic fortress that dates back to the 13th century and was built during the Venetian rule of the island. Inside the castle, you’ll find narrow winding streets, old churches, and charming houses.
The Portara, a massive marble doorway, is another iconic site in Naxos Town. It stands on a small islet called Palatia, just a short walk from the town’s center. The Portara is the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to Apollo and offers stunning views of the town and the ocean.
The Archaeological Museum of Naxos houses a collection of artifacts from the island’s rich history. It provides insights into the ancient civilizations that once inhabited Naxos, including the Cycladic, Mycenaean, and Byzantine periods.
The town’s central square, known as the Agora, is a bustling hub where locals and tourists gather. It’s a great place to people-watch, shop for local products, and dine at traditional Greek tavernas.
Although Naxos Town itself is not known for its beaches, there are several beautiful beaches within easy reach of the town. Agios Georgios Beach is one of the closest and offers a long sandy shore.
Naxos Town has a vibrant nightlife scene, with numerous bars and clubs open late into the night. It’s a popular destination for both young travelers and those looking for entertainment after a day of sightseeing.
Best places to stay in Naxos Town without a car:
- Luxury ($$$): Iliada Suites, this accommodation is centrally located within a short walk from major attractions, the rocky Grotta Beach, restaurants, and a mini market. It offers airport shuttle service which is a bonus for those without a car.
- Mid-range ($$): Portara Seaside Suites, beautiful family-friendly hotel, has an excellent location, within easy walk from Church of Panagia Mirtidiotis.
- Budget ($): Hotel Grotta, 2-star popular hotel, offering free airport shuttle (yes, free), making it ideal for car-free travelers. It is also centrally located in Naxos Town, so you can easily explore the area on foot.
2. Agios Georgios
Agios Georgios is the beach town of Naxos Town and is a great choice for those who want to be close to the beach and still have easy access to Naxos Town.
It offers easy access to both the beach and Naxos Town with its major attractions. This means you can enjoy the town’s restaurants, shops, and nightlife while staying in a quieter area.
Agios Georgios is known for its long stretch of golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and various water sports activities. It is great for swimming and sunbathing.
Best places to stay in Naxos in Agios Georgios without a car:
- Luxury ($$$): Nissaki Beach Hotel , 5-star beachfront hotel, situated right on Agios Georgios Beach, within walking distance from Naxos Town and the port. It is surrounded by palm trees, featuring an onsite seaside restaurant and free on-site parking if you drive.
- Mid-range ($$): Argo Boutique Hotel, 4-star family-run hotel located in a quiet area of Naxos Town, short walk from the beach and Naxos town.
- Budget ($): Georgia Mare, this 3-star hotel is one of the best places to stay in Naxos without a car because it is conveniently located within walking distance from Naxos Town and its major attractions such as the famous 6th century Portara.
3. Agios Prokopios
Agios Prokopios is a fantastic beach area, known for its stunning sandy beach and a relaxed atmosphere. It is located on the western coast of the island, 5 km from Naxos Town, a 15 minute bus ride away.
The area has a good selection of accommodations, including hotels, apartments, and villas. It’s a quieter option compared to Naxos Town but still close enough to enjoy its amenities.
Best places to stay in Naxos in Agios Prokopios without a car:
- Mid-range ($$): Liana Beach Hotel & Spa, 3-star beachfront hotel with airport shuttle service, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and breakfast with continental and buffet choices.
- Mid-range ($$): Dimitra Hotel, 2-star hotel, ideal place for relaxing as it is set in a very quiet location, in Agios Prokopios, 10 minute drive from Naxos Port.
- Budget ($): Hotel Francesca, 2-star self-catering accommodation located within a short walk from Agios Prokopios Beach, and a short bus/taxi ride from Naxos main town.
4. Agia Anna
Agia Anna is located adjacent to Agios Prokopios and offers a similar beach vibe. It’s a picturesque fishing village with a lovely sandy beach and a selection of seaside tavernas. Accommodation options here range from family-run hotels to beachfront apartments.
Agia Anna is well-connected by Naxos Town by bus. It has more frequent buses during summer months. You can also take a taxi which will cost you around €30.
Best places to stay in Naxos in Agia Anna without a car:
- Mid-range ($$): Iria Beach Art Hotel, 4-star beachfront hotel, located in Agia Anna on the western shore of Naxos, a short bus ride from Naxos Town. The hotel has an airport shuttle, and within walking distance from numerous restaurants.
- Mid-range ($$): Cycladic Islands Hotel & Spa, 4-star hotel, great base for car-free visitors in Agia Anna, as it is within a short walk from a bus station and offers easy access to restaurants, bars, and motorbike/car rental offices.
- Budget ($): Aggeliki’s Diamond, 3-star self-catering accommodation with views over the Aegean Sea, the garden or the pool. It has a garden, free car parking for those driving, easy access to beach bars and restaurants, and Agios Prokopios Beach.
5. Plaka Beach
Plaka Beach is one of the most beautiful and tranquil beaches on the island. It’s located a bit further south of Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna and is known for its soft, sandy shore and crystal-clear waters.
Plaka is a great choice for those seeking a quieter and more secluded beach experience. There are also some upscale resorts in this area.
Plaka Beach is also close to Mikri Vigla Beach, which is known for its windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions, making it a hotspot for water sports enthusiasts. The beach is divided into two parts, with one side being more suitable for beginners and the other for advanced surfers.
Best places to stay in Naxos in Plaka Beach without a car:
- mid-range($): Archon Seaside Retreat, this hotel is located only 200 m from Plaka Beach. You can rent a bike here and explore the area.
- Budget ($): Amodari studios on the beach, beachfront accommodation located in Plaka Beach that offers pool views, and free private parking for travelers who drive.
- mid-range($): Apricot and Sea Luxury Villas, 4-star hotel located in Mikri Vigla, within walking distance from Plaka Beach. It has ocean views, airport shuttle and free private parking/
See more:
- Where to stay in Crete without a car
- Where to stay in Rhodes without a car
- Where to stay in Corfu without a car
- Where to stay in Santorini without a car
- Where to stay in Mykonos without a car
- Where to stay in Paros without a car
- Where to stay in Milos without a car
In conclusion, Naxos Town, Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Plaka Beach are the best places to stay in Naxos without a car. Naxos Town is the overall base for car-free travelers as it is the island’s transportation hub and offers easy access to various amenities, including restaurants, shops.