With its blend of ancient history, Cycladic beauty and laid-back lifestyle, Naxos offers buyers a more affordable, less-touristed alternative to Mykonos or Santorini – all without compromising on charm.
Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades, yet it still feels refreshingly undiscovered. From long, wind-swept beaches to mountain villages and ancient ruins, this island delivers that irresistible combination of Greek tradition and year-round livability.
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Contents
- Why buy property in Naxos?
- Where to buy in Naxos
- What’s the weather like in Naxos?
- What can I get for my budget?
- Is property in Naxos a good investment?
- How do I get to Naxos?
- How to buy property in Naxos: Step-by-step
Why buy property in Naxos?
Naxos has all the hallmarks of a dream Greek island destination – without the inflated prices. It boasts over 160 kilometres of coastline, a green mountainous interior perfect for hiking and a capital with both history and nightlife.
Unlike its glitzier Cycladic cousins, Naxos feels more grounded. You’ll find everything from golden sandy beaches with kite- and windsurfing to sleepy mountain villages where time slows down. The capital, Chora, offers a beautiful Venetian old town, vibrant waterfront dining and a sunset view from the Temple of Apollo’s Portara that’s worth the trip alone.
Ancient gateway to the Temple of Apollo at sunset
Where to buy in Naxos
Property buyers will find a good mix of areas across the island – from busy beach resorts to secluded hilltop hamlets. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Area | Best for | Property types |
|---|---|---|
| Chora (Naxos Town) | Shops, restaurants, history and nightlife | Apartments, traditional houses |
| Plaka | Beachfront living | Seaside villas and holiday homes |
| Galanado | Luxury lifestyle with sweeping views | Upscale villas |
| Agios Prokopios | Rental potential close to beaches | Modern apartments and villas |
| Halki, Apeiranthos, Apollonas | Traditional village life | Stone houses, renovation projects |
What’s the weather like in Naxos?
Naxos enjoys a typical Cycladic climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Peak season is July and August, with temperatures regularly topping 30°C and almost guaranteed sunshine. The island’s famous “meltemi” winds bring a welcome breeze – and are great for kitesurfers.
Shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October) are ideal for house hunters, with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Winters are mild by UK standards, with daytime highs around 12°C, and just enough rainfall to keep Naxos green – the lushest of all the Cyclades.
What can I get for my budget?
Whitewashed hillside houses in Apeiranthos
Compared to Mykonos or Santorini, Naxos is refreshingly affordable. You’ll find:
- Up to €100,000: renovation-ready village homes in the island’s interior
- €200,000-€400,000: two- or three-bedroom modern apartments or townhouses close to the beach
- €600,000+: luxury villas with sea views, pools and landscaped gardens
New developments are less common than on bigger islands, so traditional homes or resale villas dominate the market.
Is property in Naxos a good investment?
For buyers thinking ahead, Naxos is a strong contender. According to Indomio, the average price for residential property was €3,821 per sqm in July 2025 – a sharp rise in recent years. It remains cheaper than Mykonos (€7,592 per sqm, August 2024) but more expensive than Crete (€2,053 per sqm).
Rental potential is high during the summer months, especially in Plaka, Agios Prokopios and Chora. Many second-homeowners rent out their properties when not in use.
How do I get to Naxos?
While Naxos doesn’t have an international airport, you can easily fly to Athens or Thessaloniki and then catch a short domestic flight – just 35 minutes from Athens and an hour and 20 minutes from Thessaloniki.
Ferries from Piraeus (Athens’ main port) run daily in high season and take around three to six hours, depending on the service. Naxos is also connected to many other Cycladic islands by ferry, making it easy to island-hop.
How to buy property in Naxos: Step-by-step
With the right team behind you, buying in Naxos isn’t difficult. Here’s what to expect:
- Start researching: read guides, attend webinars and connect with those who’ve bought in Naxos already.
- Define your criteria: decide on the type of property, budget and location. Set aside up to 10% for fees and taxes.
- Talk to a currency specialist: secure your budget and protect against rate fluctuations using a forward contract.
- Get an AFM number: this tax ID is essential for the purchase process – you’ll need your passport and birth certificate to apply at the local tax office.
- Build your team: choose an English-speaking estate agent, independent property lawyer and financial adviser. Your Overseas Home can help you connect with vetted professionals.
- Plan your viewing trip: let your agent line up properties to match your criteria before you travel.
- Make an offer: if you find the right home, your agent will negotiate on your behalf. Your lawyer begins due diligence at this stage.
- Sign contracts and pay a deposit: once the legal checks are complete, you’ll sign a preliminary agreement and typically pay a 10% deposit.
- Organise utilities: once the contract is signed, start applying for water, electricity and internet – it can take a few weeks to connect.
Final thoughts
Naxos offers everything you could want from a Greek island lifestyle – sun, sea, scenery and affordability – with fewer crowds and without the sky-high prices found elsewhere. If you’re looking for a property that balances lifestyle and value, this unspoilt Cycladic gem might be just what you’re after.
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