Naxos Without A Car: Where To Stay & What To Do

Getting Around Naxos Without A Car

So, how to get around Naxos without a car?

If you don’t rent a car in Naxos, you can get around the island by bus, join a tour, or grab a taxi. 

Local Naxos Bus

Naxos has a reliable local bus network, and you can reach most of Naxos tourist attractions by bus.

Taking a bus is an affordable way to get around the island, as most journeys are under 5€ per direction. 

Buses depart from the main bus station, close to Naxos ferry port. You will find the bus schedule in front of the building, but you can also check it online.

While there are many departures during the tourist season, you’ll have much fewer options in the off-season when buses are set for locals and school children, with one or two buses per day. 

Naxos Day Tours

An effortless way to see all the must-see spots in Naxos without a car is to go on a Naxos bus tour.

There are numerous tours available on the island, but this Naxos highlights full-day tour takes you to all the must-visit spots on the island, and it is super affordable! 

You’ll get to see the Demeter temple, Halki and Apiranthos mountain villages, and Apollonas Kouros accompanied by a passionate and knowledgeable guide. 

Before heading back, you’ll have time to swim on Apollonas Beach, so you can compare this typical northern beach to the beaches on the west coast.

🚌 Check rates and availability of Naxos highlights full-day tour here!

Taxi in Naxos

Taxi would be my last recommendation as there aren’t many taxis on the island, and the cost of taxi trips can quickly add up. 

For example, a trip from the airport to Naxos Town will cost you about 15€, while a trip from Naxos Town to Agios Prokopios starts at 20€ and goes up to around 30€ in high season. 

There is no Uber on Naxos or any similar taxi app, so you’ll have to do it the old-fashioned way. 

Where To Stay In Naxos Without A Car?

The best place to stay in Naxos without a car will depend on what kind of holiday you’re after. 

If you want to take day trips around Naxos, the best place to stay is Naxos Chora. 

But if you want to walk to the beach from your accommodation, Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, or Plaka might be a better option. 

1. Agios Georgios Area

Agios Georgios Area is my favorite area to stay in Naxos and I think it is generally the best area to stay in Naxos without a car.

While this is still tehnically Naxos chora, it is named after the beach.

Most accommodations in the area are within a 5-minute walk to the beach, and 15 minutes to the city center, so you get the best of both worlds.

The beach is popular with families with children as the water is shallow and shielded from the wind, so it gets quity busy in the summer.

Best place to stay in Agios Georgios Area

TOP Pick

Nissaki Beach Hotel is a beautiful 5-star hotel located in the north part of Agios Georgios, closer to the city center. It features beautifully decorated rooms with sea views and a generous breakfast.

Best Mid-Range Option

Korali Boutique Hotel is a beautifully decorated family run accommodation just a couple of steps from the beach.

Best Budget Option

I stayed in and loved Soula Naxos. This family-run hotel features nicely decorated studios, just a couple of steps from the beach.

Diogenis Studios is another great budget-friendly option with a stunning sea view.

2. Naxos Town

Naxos Town or Chora is the best place to stay in Naxos without a car for day trips.

This area is the most lively place on the island, with many tavernas and bars dotted throughout the town. 

Narrow, winding alleys of Naxos Chora are perfect to get lost in, discover picturesque corners, and pet all the cats! Yes, there are many cats in Naxos, and I made it a mission to pet as many as possible.

Naxos Town is also the best place to stay in Naxos if you visit in the low season.

It is the largest town on the islands and the place where locals hang out, unlike beach towns that get very quiet outside of the summer months.

All bus lines on the island depart from the main bus station in the center, making it perfect for day trips around the island.

Best place to stay in Naxos Town

Best Mid-Range Option

Almi of Naxos is a beautiful holiday accommodation with a view of whitewashed houses of the Old Town.

TOP Pick

Mariet Naxos Spa & Suites is a beautiful property overlooking Naxos Port. This boutique hotel offers a luxurious experience for a fraction of the price you’d pay on other islands.

Best Budget Option

Castle Mansions is located in the cobblestone backstreets of Naxos Chora, close to the bus station, so it is perfect for those who want to take day trips by bus. 

3. Agios Prokopios 

Located just about a 15-minute bus ride from Naxos Town, Agios Prokopios is the best area to stay in Naxos without a car if you want to stay close to the beach in a small lively town. 

Agios Prokopios Beach is one of the best-known beaches in Naxos. 

The boardwalk along the coast is dotted with bars and tavernas, so you’ll have plenty of options. Keep in mind that booking might be required for the best places in the high season.

What makes this location ideal for those who don’t have a car is that a bus to Naxos Town runs every 30 minutes in the summer, from early morning to well past midnight.

Best place to stay in Agios Prokopios

TOP Pick

It doesn’t get much more luxurious than 18 Grapes Hotel. This upscale offers everything you’d need on your holiday, and it is perfect for spoiling yourself with top-notch service and facilities.

Best Budget Option

Summer Dream Studios are located just a couple of steps from the beach. The rooms are elegant and clean. You can see luxurious Naxian marble throughout the property and it is a fantastic value for money! 

4. Agia Anna 

Just a couple of kilometers from Agios Prokopios, lies Agia Anna Beach. It is a smaller beach with several beach bars that get rather lively in the summer. 

The bus from Agia Anna to Naxos Town goes every 30 minutes in the summer, so you don’t have to worry about being stranded or having to pay about 30€ for a taxi.

TOP Pick

I’m completely in love with the aesthetics of Majo Suites Hotel. This Instagramable boutique hotel features rooms with private hot tubs or a private pool for the ultimate upscale holiday experience.

Best Budget Option

Located just a 3-minute walk from the beach, Summer Dream II is a fantastic, budget-friendly accommodation in Agia Anna.

5. Plaka Beach Area

Finally, if you’re coming to Naxos for beach holidays, you can’t go wrong with staying in the Plaka area.

Plaka Beach is the largest, and arguably the most beautiful, beach in Naxos. It stretches over 4km, with the north end organized with plenty of beach bars and restaurants. 

There is no village as such in Plaka if you’re hoping for picturesque alleys. However, several beach bars, tavernas, and supermarkets are on the north end of the beach.

Plaka Beach is well connected by bus to Naxos Center in the summer, with a bus every half an hour in July and August. 

Best place to stay in Plaka

TOP Pick

Dream on Plaka offers a true island getaway. This beautiful property is situated right next to the beach, perfect to get away from the crowds and complete relaxation. 

Best Mid-Range Option

Acti Plaka Hotel is one of the best value hotels in Naxos, as it is quite budget friendly while offering a luxurious beachfront holiday home experience.

Best Budget Option

Blue Harmony Apartments is a great property right on the beach, close to the supermarket and bus station to Naxos Town. It is a great budget-friendly option for those without a car!

13 Best Things To Do In Naxos Without A Car

So, what can you do in Naxos if you don’t have a car? A lot!

1. Explore Naxos Chora

Naxos Old Town is situated along the small hill leading up to the Venitian castle. 

You’ll notice Naxos Chora is not as polished as Oia in Santorini or Naoussa in Paros.

Instead, the cobblestone maze of narrow alleyways will take you up some rustic stone staircases, old houses, and locals living their lives.

2.  Go On A Catamaran Cruise

You don’t need a car in Naxos if you go on a boat!

You’ll be spoilt for choice with boat tours from Naxos, as you can choose from day trips to other Cycladic islands to sailing the Small Cyclades or discovering remote beaches and caves along the Naxos coastline.

Hop on board and spend a full day on the sea, on this tour cruising along Naxos Island.

This is the best boat tour if you want to discover Naxos from a different perspective and swim in the crystal clear sea, away from the crowds.

⛵ Check rates and availability of the Naxos Day Cruise on a Catamaran here!

3. Try Scuba Diving

If you never tried scuba diving before, Naxos is a great place to get started!

You’ll get an introduction course to scuba diving by knowledgeable and patient instructors and discover the vibrant marine life in the Mediterranean Sea. 

The crew will take photos during the activity, so you’ll get some fun photos to look back on.

You can go for an intro course or even get your PADI certificate!

🪸 Check rates and availability of Scuba Diving in Naxos here!

4. Rent an e-bike

I usually suggest renting a bike, but Naxos is very hilly, and I am saying e-bike for a reason.

Renting an e-bike is a fun way to get around the island and visit some places that are too far to walk.

There’s not much traffic on Naxos roads once you leave Naxos Chora, and it is comfortable to bike around the island. 

I even saw some people biking to Halki and Naxos mountains!

5. Take A Day Trip To Halki Village

Halki is the most popular of Naxos mountain villages, and it is the easiest to reach by bus. 

You can join a tour of Naxos mountain villages, including Halki, or take a bus line 2 or 6 from Naxos Chora. 

6. See Byzantine Churches

Once you’re in Halki, you need to get outside of the village and discover old Byzantine Churches. 

Halki used to be the island’s capital, that’s why you can find churches from the early Christian era in the area.

The best way to discover as many churches is to on a hike from the village. 

7. Hike Mount Zas

Mount Zas is the highest peak of the Cyclades islands. If you’re a hiking lover, it is a must-do when in Naxos. 

The trail is easy to follow, and it takes about 1.5-2h hours at a moderate pace to reach the summit.

If you’re using public transport, you’ll take bus line 2 to the village of Floti and walk to the starting point. 

If you don’t like hiking alone, you can also join this Hike to the Top of the Cyclades organized tour.

However, they don’t include a transfer, so you’ll still have to get to the departure point yourself or pay for hotel pick-up. 

8. See Zeus Cave

If you’re already hiking Mount Zas, it would be a shame to miss out on Zeus Cave! 

This mythical cave is considered the birthplace of the Greek god Zeus, and it is easy to visit if you’re already hiking Mount Zas or in the Filoti village area.

9. See The Sunset Over the Temple Of Apollo – Portara

Thanks to the Naxos location, the island has a stunning view of the sunset.

Portara is the most popular spot in Naxos and the symbol of the island.

Not much is left of the once majestic Temple of Apollo, just a doorway framing perfectly the whitewashed houses on the hillside of Naxos Chora.

While Portara is stunning at any time of the day, it is especially popular to watch the sunset through this ancient gate.

10. Enjoy The Beaches

Naxos is best known for its beaches, so you should visit as many as possible!

The bus from Naxos Chora goes to the most popular beaches Agios Prokopios, Aigios Anna, and Plaka Beach every 30 minutes. 

11.  Visit the Archaeological Museum in Naxos Kastro

At the top of the hill, overlooking the whitewashed rooftops of Naxos Chora, stands the old Venetian Castle Kastro.

Inside the castle, you can visit the Naxos Archaeological Museum and learn more about the history of the island and the region.

12. See Apollonas Kouros

Apollonas is a small village in the north of Naxos. It is home to one of the island’s Kouros – a large marble statue of a young man created thousands of years ago that never left Naxos quarry. 

To get to Apollonas, you’ll have to take a bus 2 or 5 (running only in high season).

13. Get A Private Photoshoot in Naxos

If you’re a solo traveler, you know how hard it is to get good vacation photos.

By booking a private photo shoot in Naxos, you’re sure you’ll have excellent holiday photos from all the Instagramable spots on the island. 

Your photographer is Naxos local, so they know all the best places, and the photoshoot doubles as a guided tour as they’ll tell you all the interesting stories and local history.

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