Plaka Beach, Plaka, Greece
Beautiful Cycladic architecture throughout hotel
Direct Plaka Beach access and sun loungers on the sand
Tastefully decorated rooms have balconies and mini-fridges; some sea views
Fresh a la carte breakfast included at restaurant
Beautiful outdoor pool with ocean views
Many seating areas throughout beautiful gardens and pool
Outdoor bar set between beach and pool
Property-wide Wi-Fi and parking are free
Family-run property with peaceful, personable vibe
Yoga classes and massages available (for fees)
Standard and Deluxe Rooms are on the small side
20-minute drive from ferry port and central Naxos
Bathrooms can look dated, with showers that spill water
No fitness center or spa
This 21-room upper-middle-range property is small and scenic, with direct access to a quiet section of Plaka Beach. Its slightly secluded location makes for peaceful surroundings, but also means that it’s a 20 minute-drive from downtown Naxos and the ferry port. Beautiful Cycladic architecture, gorgeous gardens, an outdoor beach/pool bar, and the personable vibe of the family-run hotel give it both a romantic and mellow atmosphere that guests love. Standard and Deluxe Rooms run small, and have showers that spill water, but the spaces are airy, with balconies, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. On-site amenities are limited to free breakfast and yoga/massage sessions for fees, but activities and excursions are easily arranged by the staff. Closer to the city center, Nissaki Beach Hotel Naxos has the same boutique feel but it isn’t beachfront.
Scene
Small, personable family-run resort with eclectic interiors and a laid-back beach holiday vibe
This small, family-run property directly across the beach isn’t a conventional large-scale resort, but guests often positively comment on the personal approach and intimate atmosphere that the size of the hotel allows. The white structure, with gentle arches and bright blue window shutters, was built as classic Cycladic architecture. Inside, the lobby almost feels like the living room of a beach house, with faded pink tiles and eclectic decoration pieces like vintage telephones, seashells, and painted chests studding the space. The grounds are especially lovely. the cobblestoned paths lead to the gardens, filled with exotic flowers, palms trees, and seating areas. The vibe is romantic enough for couples and casual enough for families, and travelers on holiday usually love the all-around laid-back feel.
Location
Direct access to Plaka Beach; 20 minutes from central Naxos
With direct access to a quiet section of Plaka Beach, the hotel has a fairly secluded, but extremely peaceful location. The more densely populated part of the beach is a 15-minute walk away. The shops and restaurants in the main town of Naxos are a 20-minute drive away, though it can also be reached by walking 15 minutes to a public bus stop. The Portara - Apollo Temple is a 22-minute drive away, and the Temple of Demeter is a 24-minute drive away.
The ferry port in Naxos is 20 minutes away by car. The Naxos Island National Airport is a 13-minute drive away. The hotel provides transfers to and from both transportation hubs for extra fees.
Rooms
Most rooms are small but bright, with balconies, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi
Standard Double and Triple Rooms, as well as the Deluxe Rooms, are on the small side, but tastefully decorated. Tile floors, crisp white walls, and cream linens keep them looking cheerful and beachy, while wall prints and bold cushions or bed frames add pops of color.
Standard Rooms come with air-conditioning, small dressing tables, safes, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Mini-fridges are provided, and there are limited snacks but no tea-and coffee-making facilities.
Suites are especially stunning, with large outdoor patios and swings, rooftop hot tubs, classic Cycladic touches like arched walls, and tons of natural light streaming into the separate living areas. Suites also have larger refrigerators and tea-and coffee-making equipment.
Bathrooms in Standard and Deluxe rooms are the weak point; they’re small, with tiles and fixtures that look dated. Water tends to spill out from the showers, as well. Some bathrooms have walk-in showers with handheld showerheads, while others have shower/tub combos. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided.
All rooms have small balconies with serene garden or sea views.
Features
Outdoor bar near peaceful beach and pool areas, plus free breakfast and free Wi-Fi
Features focus on the outdoors, most notably at the beach and pool. The poolside Earth Bar with its beachy decor -- thatched roof and all -- serves up a variety of cocktails, fresh juices, and smoothies. These can be enjoyed on gorgeous canopied decks overlooking the sea. A small walkway leads directly from the bar area to the sand, where umbrellas and lounge chairs are provided. Refreshingly, the beach is not overcrowded or overdeveloped, so it’s an especially peaceful place to relax. The pool area is just as inviting, framed by sunbeds and a hammock in the corner.
The hotel's restaurant is a small, lovely space with simple wooden seating surrounded by the gardens. Light lunchtime meals and barbecued items for dinner are served outside on shaded terraces. Breakfast, included with rates, is served in a beautiful glass-walled indoor gazebo, where the tasty a la carte menu includes fruits, yogurts, eggs, meats, breads, cereals, fresh juices, tea and coffee.
There’s no fitness center or spa on-site, but yoga sessions are offered several times a week by a trained instructor. Various massage treatments are also available with prior reservations. Other activities, like horseback riding, snorkeling, day trips, boat rides, and hikes can be easily arranged by the hotel staff.
The outdoor parking lot is free, as is property-wide Wi-Fi.