This island seduces slowly – first with its unhurried rhythm and honest cuisine, then with its raw beauty and rich traditions. But what transforms a visit into something unforgettable is where you choose to rest your head.
From barefoot suites that spill onto the sand to hilltop villas wrapped in birdsong, the island’s hotels are intimate, original, and rooted in their surroundings. Some feel like family homes, others like adults-only hideouts. They offer a way into Naxian life, where simplicity, space, and soul still matter, where you can connect closely with the island while feeling calm and pampered. Here is our list of the most comfortable and memorable places to stay across the island.
01
Ammothines Cycladic Suites
Set just behind the windswept dunes of Plaka Beach, this all-suite hotel combines smooth marble surfaces with pared-back, sand-toned interiors. Each of the 15 suites includes a king bed, furnished balcony, and bathroom with rain shower and organic toiletries. Some rooms have American oak floors, but none have phones. The L-shaped pool is unusually generous for the hotel’s size, and the beach, where hotel cabanas are serviced throughout the day, is just steps away. Breakfast, served poolside, is based on family recipes passed down from Constantinople. A short snack list, including strong lemonade and fresh salads, rounds out the current food offering.
Plaka, Naxos
02
Naxian Collection
Built on a rugged slope above Naxos’ salt lake, this low-slung compound of villas and suites feels more like a nature observatory than a hotel. The African safari-inspired interiors—horned chairs, khaki tones, concrete floors—open onto fragrant gardens and unheated pools. Split-level villas come with kitchens, indoor fireplaces and deep, sculptural bathtubs. Upstairs bedrooms are lighter, with views reaching toward the sea. A wine cellar hosts tastings; limited edition cigars are kept in a dedicated fumoir. Produce comes from the hotel’s own Mandala Garden, planted according to the lunar cycle. Dinner is served outdoors on the lawn—weather and wind permitting.
St Prokopis, Stelida
03
Medusa
Nestled along the pristine seven-kilometer stretch of Plaka Beach, Medusa Naxos Beach Resort & Suites presents a refined sanctuary where contemporary Cycladic design harmonizes with the natural splendor of the Aegean Sea. The beachfront haven promises tranquil moments for couples and friends alike, with accommodations offering breathtaking views of either the azure waters or the dramatic surrounding cliffs. Just 10 kilometers from Naxos Town, this serene retreat invites guests to indulge in authentic experiences – from traditional cuisine to sunset yoga sessions – all while basking in the understated luxury of one of Greece’s most captivating destinations.
Plaka, Naxos
04
Santana Beach
Cushioned loungers, soft lighting and driftwood decor set the tone at this intimate beachside stay on Agia Anna. Five colorful suites and apartments, each with sea-facing balconies, include creative design touches like copper pipe fittings and retro sofas. Days unfold to a soundtrack of waves and DJ sets, while evenings draw a local crowd for beachfront parties and sunset cocktails. The all-day menu caters to every craving, from taramasalata and saganaki to grilled meats and seafood pasta. Breakfast includes a selection of themed platters served with fresh bread and coffee. The staff are warm, relaxed, and happy to help with island tips.
Agia Anna Beach, Naxos
05
Kavos
A patchwork of villas, suites and studios spread across leafy grounds, this hillside haven above Stelida combines island authenticity with privacy. Cycladic buildings sit among fruit trees and low stone walls, with a wide infinity pool at the center facing Paros. Each unit is a little different but all include garden terraces, kitchenettes, and Coco-Mat bedding. Larger villas come with massage showers, soaking tubs and rooftop lounges ideal for a sunset read. There’s a tiny gym, a library case, and a restaurant that serves a breakfast trio (Naxian, healthy or continental) and a surprisingly ambitious dinner menu by the pool.
Stelida, Naxos
06
18 Grapes
Tucked just off the main road in Agios Prokopios, this elegant 18-room retreat is all white lines and cool lavender scents. Rooms surround a long lap pool, with a smaller rooftop pool offering widescreen views of the beach. Interiors lean into soft neutrals, with pine desks, tile floors, and clever use of space. Some suites come with private plunge pools or whirlpool tubs. There’s a small spa, a modern gym and a vineyard connection: the owners offer tastings at their nearby estate. Breakfast is served on the terrace with house-baked pastries, fresh fruit and herbal teas. Dinner shifts to the rooftop throughout summer.
Agios Prokopios, Naxos
07
Portara
Just steps from the shoreline and with the ancient Portara looming in the near distance, this modern cluster of suites offers a front-row seat to Naxos’ most iconic sunset. Interiors are clean and minimalist, with pale woods, soft lighting and discreet kitchenettes. Each suite opens onto a private balcony or terrace—some with hot tubs, all with unfiltered sea views. The location balances calm with access: Naxos Town is just a short walk away. Staff keep things relaxed but efficient, arranging everything from transfers to restaurant bookings. Perfect for travellers who want to keep the beach and the buzz equally close.
Naxos Town
08
Nissaki Beach
Right on the edge of Agios Georgios Beach and a few minutes’ walk from Naxos Town, Nissaki Beach Hotel is a polished seafront stay that delivers on both comfort and convenience. Interiors follow a neutral, contemporary take on Cycladic design, while rooms and suites offer private terraces, some with whirlpool tubs, many with sea views. There’s a palm-framed pool for lazy afternoons and a refined Mediterranean restaurant right on the sand. Breakfast is plentiful and includes local produce. The hotel’s team is low-key but attentive, always ready with island tips or a chilled glass of white when you need it most.
Agios Georgios
09
Elaiolithos
ELaiolithos Luxury Villa Suites offers an eco-friendly retreat with panoramic views of the Drymalia Valley and Mount Zeus. This adults-only haven features six suites, each adorned with handmade, loom-woven textiles and equipped with full kitchens and private terraces. The on-site restaurant serves dishes crafted from organic ingredients sourced within five kilometers, many from the owner’s family farm. Guests can partake in cooking classes, wine and cheese tastings, or explore nearby hiking trails. The heated pool and outdoor fitness center enhance the serene experience. Elaiolithos welcomes guests to luxury with sustainability, with crisp, reviving views.
Drimalia
10
Naxian On the Beach
This adults-only stay sits directly on Plaka’s powder-soft sand, with just ten suites designed for barefoot luxury. Each opens onto a private deck with outdoor bathtub or hammock, and the interiors lean into natural textures: bamboo, wood and linen. There are no televisions; the sea is the entertainment. The Tortuga beach bar serves contemporary Greek food using local ingredients, with standouts including ceviche tacos and sea bream carpaccio. Breakfast, full of handmade pies and local honey, is served wherever you prefer. Staff are discreet but helpful, and beach loungers are reserved for guests only. Quiet, luxurious and wildly romantic.
Plaka Beach
