Aegean Palace Naxos

Aegean Palace sits right on Plaka Beach, the long, quiet stretch of sand south of Agia Anna, and the booking partner describes it as nestled on the beach with the water about a two-minute walk away. The hotel is classed as four and has a free breakfast buffet, two poolside bars, a beach bar, a coffee shop, a terrace and a seasonal outdoor pool open for much of the day. Wellness facilities include a gym, sauna, steam room and spa treatments, and beach yoga is mentioned, which suits visitors who want a restful stay. WiFi and parking are free, and an airport shuttle is available for an additional fee. With a guest score around nine out of ten from well over a hundred reviews, it is well regarded.

Plaka is the best part of the coast for people who want space. The beach is long, the sand is soft and the sea is clear, and the atmosphere is more relaxed than at the busier resorts near Agios Prokopios. Staying here means you can walk from your room to the water, order a drink at the beach bar and watch the sun set over the sea without any logistics. It suits couples, groups of friends and families who prefer a quieter setting.

The flip side is distance from town. Naxos Town is a drive of around twenty minutes, so you will want a hire car or taxis for dinners in Chora, the Portara and the villages. The area has some tavernas and shops, but it is not a lively centre. Guests praise the friendly staff, the breakfast and the beach and pool areas. A reviewer criticised dated rooms and communication, so ask about the room you will have and send questions in advance.

The hotel operates seasonally, with the pool open from spring to early autumn and the property closed for part of the year, though the dates on the booking partner's page appear inconsistent, so verify them with the hotel before you plan a shoulder-season trip. Book early for July and August and ask for a sea-facing room if the view matters. Combine a beach stay with day trips such as the Temple of Demeter, a mountain village tour or a sea kayak trip, all of which are within easy reach of the south-west coast.

Ask the hotel what runs when you visit. The beach bar, pool and spa services are seasonal, and a visit in late spring or early autumn may mean fewer facilities than in July. Sunset on Plaka is a highlight, with wide skies over the sea, and beach yoga mentioned by the booking partner suits early risers. If you plan to eat out, the beach has relaxed tavernas, and Agia Anna is a short drive for a livelier evening. Book a car or taxi in advance for ferry days.