Ikaros Studios & Apartments

The Ikaros Studios & Apartments ranks highly among Naxos' self-catering setups. Despite similar properties being a dime a dozen, this family-run establishment manages to stand out. The place is simple, offering just a sunny pool with loungers, sofas in a humble lobby selling postcards and drinks, and a playground, but standards are high. Pretty countryside vistas compensate for the lack of sea views and not-quite-downtown location. Trimmed hedges frame neat stone paths around the outdoor pool, accented by attractive crisp-white umbrellas and blue terrace trim and window shutters. The whitewashed block buildings are typical of Greece, and stone archways at the tidy entrance are pretty amid colorful flowers. These continue in a plant garden with cacti. Travelers choose this property to avoid noise and animation-packed resorts, so lack of entertainment here is mostly well-received. 

The hotel's outskirts location benefits from tranquility and fragrant nearby meadows, and its positioning just outside of Naxos' hub keeps prices low. Soft sands and lapping blue waters at Agios Georgios beach are a 10-minute walk away, although a bus stop at the end of the street shortens journeys, plus offers routes to farther beaches and hilltop villages. Downtown Naxos is 15 minutes on foot. It's filled with vibrant restaurants, bars, and shops, plus historic sights in the Old Town, where the Venetian Naxos Castle is a 21-minute walk. Immediate surrounds include a bakery next door, nearby supermarket, and open-air movie theater (five minutes on foot). Naxos Port is 23 minutes on foot, but transfers to it and Naxos Airport (a six-minute drive) are free for guests.

Facing the pool and meadows or the street, bright rooms are outfitted in simple decor, and whitewashed walls or archways are traditionally Cycladic. Forest-green paint on wooden wardrobes, desks, and dining furniture have cozy charm, as well as bed frames, which are topped by striped green or blue covers. Island or Apollo Arch artwork on walls is decorative, and French glass doors let in lots of light and open onto small furnished balconies or terraces. Studios are 215 square feet (20 square meters), while Apartments measure 592 square feet (55 square meters) and have bunk beds to sleep a total of four people. Rooms can also be fitted with cribs. 

Small flat-screen TVs, welcome fruit plates, bottled water, free Wi-Fi, hairdryers, safes, and AC add comforts, and kitchenettes are basic, but practical. They have two-ring hobs, mini-fridges, kettles, toasters, kitchenware, sponges, and dish soap, but no microwaves. A mix of old and fresher-looking bathrooms have showers with handheld showerheads and plastic curtains. All have mirror-fronted cabinets, towels, and toiletries. Note, beds can be twins pushed together, which is common throughout Greece. 

Surrounded by trees, flowers, blue loungers, and white umbrellas, the outdoor pool is the property's focal point. While not the largest, it's sufficient for the small number of rooms, plus guests spending time at the nearby beach means it doesn't get crowded. Old-fashioned lanterns on impeccable stone terraces illuminate the space at night, and daytime views past flower-filled walls are of hilltop horizons. On the downside, there are no restaurant or pool bar, but sodas and beer in a fridge at reception are a good alternative, and light-weight dining furniture offers seating, alongside pool loungers. Wooden benches at the playground allow adults to keep a watchful eye on little ones using the swing set and see-saw. An internet-connected PC is free to use in the lobby. Port and airport transfers are free, as are on-site parking and Wi-Fi throughout. Pets are not permitted.