Hi there,
I am just starting to think about a trip next year (July) for 2 weeks in Naxos. We will be 4 adults (my husband and parents) and 2 kids. Looking for recommendations on what area to stay in as we will not be renting a car for the whole time. We are looking for an apartment or Villa to have access to occasional cooking. At first glance larger accommodations tend to be more remote, so would appreciate any thoughts/suggestions.
Thank you!
Indeed if you are looking for a villa you will not find many "in town" in Naxos Town and its surroundings but more in remote places either by the sea or in a village inland, and that often require a car.
By the sea you will find quite a few villa offers with 3 or 4 bedrooms on the west coast going south from Mikri Viglia
For example like this one:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/22622270
Off the seaside in the villages of Naxos such as Filoti. Another example:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/5282279
Even if it is for 2025 I recommend that you go to the Naxos public bus website :
https://naxosbuses.com/bus-lines/
.. and start looking at the 2024 summer's timetables (and download them now because they will no longer be accessible in September). They will basically be the same in 2025.
The situation in Naxos is more understandable if you know a little of its history. Naxos was relatively undiscovered by the affluent until recently (thank heavens) ... because its harbor doesn't aaccommodate cruise ships, its small airport doesn't take big jets (in fact, no jets at all)... and it wasn't a Mecca for Celebrities (again, thank god). Therefore, it had neither rich people nor huge tour groups ... mainly independent travelers of modest means. Therefore, the accommodations on or near beaches tended to be family-owned hotels, some with just 10-12 units, the larger ones no more than about 40 lunits, 3 floors... many popular units of "stludio tlype" -- BR, lvingroom, kitchenetted, balcony. Very few had/have pools, with wonderful sandy beaches out front.
Thus, when an Upscale Market emerged, with a demand for Villas, all the property near beaches was full. Building Villas with numerous rooms, perhaps pools meant building far inland, in areas not close amenities like coffee shops, cafes, shops of any kind... and not on a route of the Island's otherwise v good bus network. Therefore, people who fall in love with Naxos v illas find themselves needing to jump into a rented car constantly. It's good to remember the Naxos mantra -- Location Location Location. HInt: if you start early in your hunt lyou can often get side-by-side units... and its often better anyway... your parents get familyl tme and also privacy & quiet for naps... and no need to share bathrooms.
