Liana Beach Hotel and Spa

Liana Beach Hotel and Spa belongs to the Agios Georgios side of Naxos Town, the sandy stretch immediately south of the old town and harbour. The setting is the appeal: you can step from the hotel to a beach, then walk or take a short ride into the old town for the Portara, the kastro and dinner, without a long transfer. Many travellers find that this combination, a beach stay with the capital in reach, is the most flexible way to see Naxos if they do not want to rent a car on day one. Confirm the exact distance to the sand and the old town when you book. The spa element suggests a stay with more comfort than a simple town hotel, though the exact treatments, pool arrangements and opening times vary with the season and should be checked before you commit. Rooms at beach hotels of this kind generally include air conditioning, a private bathroom and, in many cases, a balcony or terrace, but the views differ, so ask about sea-facing rooms if that matters. Breakfast is commonly part of the offer, with half board sometimes available, and you can confirm the board basis when you reserve.

Agios Georgios is a wide sheltered bay with shallow water, which makes it popular with families and with kite and windsurfers when the wind picks up. It is busy in July and August, so expect lively beachfront cafes and some noise in the evening. In spring and early autumn it feels calmer. The walk to the old town along the front takes a short while, and taxis and local buses run when you prefer not to walk.

For bigger beaches, hop on a bus to Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka or Mikri Vigla, which all have long stretches of sand and a more resort feel. For sightseeing, the temple of Demeter, the marble villages of Apiranthos and Halki and the Kouros statues in the interior are easier with a hired car or a day tour. Naxos is large enough that a day trip in each direction is a better plan than trying to see everything from a single beach.

Who is it for? Couples who want a beach and a spa feel, families who prefer a hotel near sand and the capital, and visitors splitting time between swimming and sightseeing. It is less suited to travellers who want the quiet of a remote cove or the hush of a mountain village. Compare it with Naxos Palace Hotel and Grotta Hotel in this list. Check recent guest comments, confirm what the spa and pool include and book early for summer dates.