Most of Naxos pulls you toward the marble streets of Chora, the iconic Temple of Apollo, and the tavernas leaning into the harbor. I did all of it and loved every second. But the part of the trip I keep returning to, both in the moment and well after I got home, was the stretch of sand directly outside of my hotel room.
If you are planning a trip to Naxos and want a place that feels quiet and relaxing, but is still centrally located, this is where to stay.
The Location: Agios Georgios Beach
Agios Georgios (St. George) is a long, shallow bay on the southern edge of Chora, the island’s main town. The water is calm and warm, the sand is fine, and the whole stretch is walkable from the port. You arrive in Naxos by ferry, pass beneath the Temple of Apollo, and within about ten minutes, you can have your toes in the water.
The advantage of this location is that it is simultaneously off the main drag and is still completely connected. My friend and I were tucked away from the noise of the harbor, restaurants, and souvenir shops, but every dinner reservation, ruin, and gelato stop in town was an easy fifteen-minute walk along the sand.
The Hotel
Ippokampos Beachfront Hotel & Resort sits directly on Agios Georgios with its own section of beach. No road to cross, no shuttle, no logistics. We opened the door of our room, took a couple of steps, and were directly on the sand.
Our view, morning and evening, was the Aegean. The sunsets were so beautiful and peaceful. I truly will never get over this little spot in Naxos.
A few details that made the difference:
- A private stretch of beach prioritized for guests, with loungers and umbrellas.
- Hotel guests received a discount on the beach chairs each day.
- A restaurant open from breakfast through dinner, with beach views and an entire strip of fantastic Greek restaurants lining the beach.
- Breakfast included, generous, and worth waking up for: thick yogurt, fresh fruit, eggs, pastries, and as much Greek coffee as the morning required.
- A short walk towards town puts you near the harbor, ATV rentals, and tons of stores.
Why I Loved It
The reason I keep recommending it is simple: it solves the central tension of a Greek island trip. You want to be on the water, but you also want to be walking somewhere for dinner. You want the privacy of a beach club without the isolation of a clifftop villa. This hotel delivers both, and the combination (oceanfront, direct beach access, breakfast included, fully walkable to Chora) is harder to find on Naxos than you would expect.
If you are choosing between a hotel inside Chora proper and something further out, choose Agios Georgios. You get the quiet without giving up the town.
@lauravogelle Where to stay in Naxos,Greece ๐จ I loved my stay at the Ippokampos Naxos hotel on St George Beach! Book at the link in bio. #vogelle #naxos #naxosisland #greece #stgeorgebeach #greekislands #greecetravel โฌ original sound – Laura Vogel
Plan Your Stay
Best time to visit: late May through early October, with shoulder season (May, late September) being the sweet spot for fewer crowds and softer light.
Closest to: Naxos Port, the Temple of Apollo, and the main town of Chora.
Worth booking ahead: yes, especially for sea-view rooms in peak summer.
Getting there: ferry from Athens (Piraeus or Rafina port) takes around 3 to 5 hours, depending on the route. Direct flights are also available from Athens.
